Flame-resistant, high visibility, anti-static fabric and apparel formed therefrom

A safety garment having high visibility and flame resistant characteristics formed from:

• (a) a fabric comprising a first yarn type and a second yarn type;
• (b) the first yarn type comprising at least about 60 percent modacylic fibers;
• (c) the second yarn type comprising an intimate blend of anti-static fibers and other fibers selected from the group of other fibers consisting of polyester, nylon, rayon, modacrylic, cotton, wool, and combinations thereof;
• and
• (d) wherein, the fabric meets the American Society for Testing and Materials standard ASTM F-1506 for flame resistance, Federal Test Method Standard 191A, Method 5931 for electrostatic decay, and the Electrostatic Discharge Association Advisory ADV11.2-1995 voltage potential.

A method of forming a fabric for use in safety apparel, comprising:

• (a) forming a fabric comprising:
• (i) a first yarn type comprising at least about 60 percent modacylic fibers;
• (ii) a second yarn type comprising an intimate blend of anti-static fibers and other fibers selected from the group of other fibers consisting of polyester, nylon, rayon, modacrylic, cotton, wool, and combinations thereof,
• (b) dyeing the fabric in multiple steps, comprising applying a high-visibility dye to the modacrylic fibers, and applying another dye type to the other fibers;
• and
• (c) wherein, the fabric meets the American National Standards Institute standard ANSI/ISEA-107 minimum conspicuity requirements for occupational activities for high visibility safety apparel, American Society for Testing and Materials standard ASTM F-1506 for flame resistance, Federal Test Method Standard 191A, Method 5931 for electrostatic decay, and the Electrostatic Discharge Association Advisory ADV11.2-1995 voltage potential.