Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Long Sleeve Zip Vest

Stay visible and protected in high-risk environments with the Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Long Sleeve Zip Vest FR616. This innovative long sleeve vest combines Class 3 high visibility with flame resistant and anti-static properties, making it an essential layer for workers in industries where multiple hazards exist simultaneously.

The FR616 features a practical zip front closure for quick and easy donning and doffing, even when wearing gloves. This upgrade from traditional hook and loop fastenings provides a more secure fit and enhanced durability for demanding work environments. The long sleeve design offers superior upper body coverage while maintaining the lightweight, breathable comfort that workers need during extended shifts.

Designed to be worn over Index 2 or Index 3 flame resistant base garments, this vest provides an additional layer of protection and high visibility without adding bulk or restricting movement.

Key Features & Benefits

Convenient Zip Front Closure Unlike traditional Velcro-fastening FR vests, the FR616 features a secure zip closure that provides easier access, better durability, and a neater appearance. The zip withstands repeated use in demanding industrial environments and maintains its integrity throughout the garment's lifespan.

Class 3 High Visibility Certified to EN ISO 20471 Class 3, this vest delivers the highest level of daytime and low-light visibility. The fluorescent yellow fabric combined with premium flame resistant reflective tape ensures 360-degree visibility, reducing the risk of accidents in busy work environments.

Flame Resistant Protection Meeting EN ISO 14116 Index 1 standards, the FR616 provides supplementary flame resistance when layered over compliant base garments. The inherent flame resistant qualities will not diminish with washing, providing reliable protection throughout the garment's lifetime.

Anti-Static Properties Certified to EN 1149-5, this vest offers essential anti-static protection for environments where electrostatic discharge poses an ignition risk, including petrochemical facilities, refineries, fuel handling areas, and explosive atmospheres.

Non-Magnetic Construction The nickel-free and ferrous-free design makes this vest suitable for sensitive environments where magnetic interference must be avoided, including medical facilities, technical installations, and certain industrial applications.

Long Sleeve Design The extended sleeve coverage provides additional protection for the arms while maintaining the vest's lightweight feel. This design offers better overall coverage compared to standard sleeveless FR vests.

Premium FR Reflective Tape Sewn-on flame resistant reflective tape maintains its visibility-enhancing properties even in FR environments where standard reflective materials could pose a safety risk.

Lightweight & Comfortable Despite its comprehensive protective features, the FR616 remains lightweight and breathable, ensuring worker comfort during extended wear periods in warm conditions.

Safety Certifications & Standards

The Portwest FR616 Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Long Sleeve Zip Vest meets the following safety standards:

Technical Specifications

Important Usage Information

The FR616 is classified as an Index 1 flame resistant garment. To achieve full flame resistant protection, this vest must be worn over Index 2 or Index 3 base garments. When worn correctly as part of a layered FR system, the vest provides:

• Enhanced high visibility over existing FR workwear
• Additional layer of flame protection
• Anti-static properties for explosive atmospheres
• Compliance with site-specific PPE requirements

This layered approach allows workers to customise their protection based on specific hazard levels while maintaining optimal comfort and visibility.

Ideal Applications

The Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Long Sleeve Zip Vest FR616 is designed for professionals working in:

• Oil & gas exploration, drilling, and processing
• Petrochemical plants and refineries
• Electrical utilities and power generation facilities
• Rail industry maintenance and trackside operations
• Welding and fabrication environments
• Chemical manufacturing facilities
• Mining operations with fire hazards
• Gas distribution and pipeline work
• Aviation fuelling and ground operations
• Emergency services requiring FR protection

Why Choose the FR616 Over Standard Hi-Vis Vests?

Standard hi-vis vests are a serious hazard in flame-risk environments – they can melt, ignite, and cause severe burn injuries when exposed to heat or flame. The Portwest FR616 is specifically engineered to eliminate these risks:

Standard Hi-Vis Vest Dangers:

• Polyester fabric melts and adheres to skin
• Reflective tape can ignite and drip
• No protection against electric arc hazards
• Creates additional burn injury risk

FR616 Safety Advantages:

• Self-extinguishes when ignition source removed
• Won't melt, drip, or adhere to skin
• FR reflective tape won't contribute to injuries
• Maintains structural integrity under heat exposure
• Anti-static properties prevent ignition risk

For workers in environments where both visibility and flame hazards exist, the FR616 provides essential dual protection that standard vests cannot offer.

FR616 vs FR85: What's the Difference?

Both the FR616 and FR85 are Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Long Sleeve Vests, but with one key distinction:

Choose the FR616 if you prefer the convenience and durability of a zip closure. Choose the FR85 if you prefer traditional hook and loop fastening or require a lower price point.

Care Instructions

To maintain the flame resistant and anti-static properties of your FR616 vest:

• Machine wash at recommended temperature (typically 60°C max)
• Do not bleach
• Tumble dry on low setting
• Do not iron directly on reflective tape
• Do not dry clean
• Inspect regularly for damage that may affect protective properties
• Replace if fabric becomes damaged, torn, or heavily contaminated

The inherent flame resistant qualities will not diminish with proper washing, ensuring reliable protection throughout the garment's lifespan.

Sizing Guide

The FR616 features a generous fit designed for comfortable layering over FR base garments:

Sizes are approximate – the generous fit accommodates layering over base garments. Please refer to the Portwest sizing chart for precise measurements.

Order Your FR616 Flame Resistant Hi-Vis Vest Today

Upgrade your workplace safety with the Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Long Sleeve Zip Vest FR616. Combining Class 3 high visibility, flame resistance, and anti-static protection with the convenience of a zip closure, this vest is essential PPE for workers in hazardous environments.

Available now at Hall-Fast – your trusted supplier of quality workwear, PPE, and industrial safety equipment since 1977.

Related Products You May Also Need

• Portwest Bizflame 88/12 FR Trousers FR432
• Portwest Bizflame FR Coveralls
• Portwest Bizflame FR Shirts
• FR Safety Helmets
• Anti-Static FR Gloves
• FR Safety Boots
• Portwest FR85 Hi-Vis FR Vest (Hook & Loop version)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the FR616 and the FR85? The FR616 features a zip front closure, while the FR85 uses hook and loop (Velcro) fastening. Both offer the same protective properties – the choice depends on your closure preference.

Can I wear the FR616 on its own as flame resistant protection? No. The FR616 is Index 1 rated and must be worn over Index 2 or Index 3 FR garments to provide full flame resistant protection.

Is this vest anti-static? Yes, the FR616 is certified to EN 1149-5 for electrostatic dissipative properties, making it suitable for explosive atmospheres.

Is the FR616 suitable for rail work? Check if the orange variant complies with RIS 3279-TOM standards for UK rail industry use. Contact Hall-Fast for confirmation of rail industry compliance.

Will the flame resistance wash out? No. The inherent flame resistant qualities will not diminish with proper washing according to care instructions.

What sizes are available? The FR616 is available in S/M, L/XL, and XXL/3XL with a generous fit for comfortable layering.