To enhance customer service we have provided answers to many of our frequently asked questions. If you do not see an answer to your question on the list below, please contact us. You can e-mail us at sales@actionwear.ca or call 1-866-933-3088 within Canada and the United States, to speak with a Customer Service Specialist. If contacting Actionwear from outside of North America, please call 306-933-3088. |
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FAQ
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| Fundamentals of FR Clothing |
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As defined by NFPA 2112, “Flame resistance is the property of material where combustion is prevented, terminated, or inhibited following the application of a flaming or non flaming source of ignition with or without the subsequent removal of the ignition source.” Flame Resistance can be an inherent property of the textile or it can be imparted by specific treatment.
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[+] What is the difference between inherently flame-resistant fabrics and chemically treated FR fabrics?
In Inherently flame resistant fabric the actual structure of the fiber itself is non flammable, which means the protection is permanent. The protection is built into the fiber and can never be worn away or washed out. Chemically treated FR fabrics have a chemical additive in the fiber or treatment on the fabric that is used to provide some level of flame retardancy.
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[+] Who should wear Actionwest FR clothing?
Actionwest flame-resistant clothing is designed for workers in areas of electrical maintenance, utilities, oil and gas, petrochemical, and steel, who work in an environment where they are at risk of being exposed to electric arc and/or flash fires. In the event of momentary electric arc, flash fire, or molten metal splash, non flame-resistant work clothes can ignite and will continue to burn even after the source of ignition has been removed. Untreated natural fabrics will continue to burn until the fabric is completely consumed and non flame-resistant synthetic fabrics will burn, melt, and drip causing severe contact burns to the skin.
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[+] How does Actionwest flame-resistant clothing help protect against burn injury?
The use of flame-resistant clothing will provide thermal protection at the exposure area. FR clothing will self-extinguish after the source of ignition is removed, limiting the severity of the burn, as well as the amount of burn injury.
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[+] Will non-treated 100% cotton and other natural fibers help protect against possible burn injury?
Non-treated cotton and wool are flammable fibers. Untreated natural fibres will continue to burn until the fabric is completely consumed. Non FR synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester will burn with melting and dripping which can cause severe contact burns to the skin.
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| Creating FR Clothing Programs |
| Evaluating the Hazard |
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[+] Overview
The first step in developing a protective clothing program is to identify the potential hazard. Exposures such as a flash fire and electric arc flash are unique hazards with vastly different characteristics. Once the hazard has been identified there are standards that have been developed by various organizations to assist with measuring a garment’s level of protection.
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[+] What is an Arc Flash Hazard?
According to NFPA 70E it is “A dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by an electric arc.”
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[+] What is Arc Flash?
According to NFPA 70E it is when, “An electric current passes through air between ungrounded conductors or between ungrounded conductors and ground conductors, the temperature can reach 35, 000 ºF. Exposure to these extreme temperatures both burns the skin directly and causes ignition of clothing, which adds to the burn injury. The majority of hospital admissions due to electrical accidents are from arc-flash burns not from shocks. Each year more than 2000 people are admitted to burn centers with severe arc flash burns. Arc flashes can and do kill at distances of 10 feet.”
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[+] What is Arc Rating?
According to NFPA 70E it is “the maximum incident energy resistance demonstrated by a material (or a layered system of materials) prior to breakopen or at the onset of second degree skin burn. Arc rating is normally expressed in cal/cm².”
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[+] What is a flash fire?
Flash fire as defined by CGSB 155.20-2000 is “A rapidly moving flame front which can be a combustion explosion. Flash fire may occur in an environment where fuel and air become mixed in adequate concentrations to combust…..flash fire has a heat flux of approximately 84kW/m2 for relatively short periods of time, typically less than 3 seconds.” Flash Fire as defined by NFPA 2112 is, “A fire that spreads rapidly through a diffuse fuel such as dust, gas, or the vapors of an ignitable liquid without the production of damaging pressure.”
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| Understanding FR Fabric Standards and Testing |
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[+] Who develops the Standards?
There are four main standard organizations in North America. The abbreviations and descriptions are listed below.
| Standards Organization Abbreviation |
Description |
| ASTM |
ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) |
| CGSB |
Canadian General Standards Board |
| CSA |
Canadian Standards Association |
| NFPA |
National Fire Protection Association (based in USA or Canada) |
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[+] What do the Standards and Test methods mean?
Numerous performance standards and test methods exist that help define the performance of FR garments. The purpose of test methods and standards is to enable users to objectively evaluate materials, and define minimum performance criteria for fabrics or garments. Although conforming to standards is generally voluntary, using FR products that meet the performance requirements of standards is a good way to ensure employees are wearing acceptable FR garments.
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| Fabric Standard Overview |
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[+] Fabric Standards at a Glance
There are numerous standards and standard organizations. Some are Canadian, American, or International Standards. Below is a brief guide to common standards that are applicable to the FR clothing industry.
| Standards Organization |
Description |
| ASTM 1506-08 |
Standard Performance Specifications for Flame Resistant Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards |
| CAN/CGSB 155.20 |
Work wear for Protection Against Hydrocarbon Flash Fire |
| CAN/CGSB 155.21 |
Recommended Practices for the Provision and Use of Work wear for Protection Against Hydrocarbon Flash Fire |
| CAN/CGSB 155.22 |
Fireline Work wear for Forest Firefighters |
| CSA Z462 |
Workplace Electrical Safety |
| CSA Z96 |
High-Visibility Safety Apparel |
| NFPA 2112 |
NFPA 2112: Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire |
| NFPA 2113 |
NFPA 2113: Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire |
| NFPA 70E |
NFPA 70E®: Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces |
| NFPA 1971 |
Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting |
| CNFPA 1975 |
Standard on Station/Work Uniforms for Fire and Emergency Services |
| NFPA 1977 |
Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting |
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[+] What happens if a company does not comply with the standards/laws?
In Canada, Occupational Health and Safety may issue Notices of Contravention, where an employer is legally responsible to follow the corrective measures outlined in the notice. Throughout the United States, OSHA has a history of citing employers for not providing appropriate protective equipment, including FR clothing. Not complying with the laws can leave a company open to fines from OSHA and litigation from other sources.
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[+] What does Bill C-45, a Canadian law, mean?
Bill C-45 of the criminal code states that corporations may be criminally liable for acts of wanton negligence. Because of the risk of injury to employees in many businesses, this change in the law is especially relevant to occupational health and safety, as businesses may be held criminally liable if any business neglects to provide appropriate levels of protection to its employees. As such, many businesses have been asking questions about the protective garments they provide to their employees to ensure that the garments meet the appropriate standards.
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[+] What is CSA Z462?
This is the Canadian equivalent to the American Standard NFPA 70E.
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[+] What is NFPA 70E?
The National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) 70E is the Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. NFPA 70E requires employees to wear flame- resistant protective clothing wherever there is possible exposure to electrical arc flash. Although it is a voluntary standard, NFPA 70E is considered a generally accepted industry standard. Therefore OSHA may fine companies under the general duty clause, which requires employers to take the appropriate steps to protect workers. NFPA 70E is widely accepted throughout general manufacturing as well as the electrical industries. NFPA 70E requires employers to perform a flash hazard analysis to determine the flash protection boundary distance. The standard is designed to protect employees working inside these flash protection boundaries by requiring protective clothing for the corresponding Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) that has an arc thermal performance value (ATPV) of at least the value listed in the "Protective Clothing Characteristics" section of the standard.
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[+] Is compliance with NFPA 70E required by law?
Although NFPA is not required by law, the intent is clear: companies are expected to maintain a safe place of employment for their workers including appropriate protection from flash fires and / or electrical arc flash.
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[+] What is NESC?
The National Electric Safety Code (NESC) is the voluntary standard used by electric utilities to implement safety procedures for utility workers. NESC is also the standard OSHA uses when enforcing electrical utility safety. The latest revision, NESC 2007, includes flame-resistant clothing as a requirement. Similar to NFPA 70E, the NESC standard requires utilities to perform a risk assessment and then to require workers to wear flame-resistant clothing with an effective rating equal to the risk. NESC is effective starting January, 2009.
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[+] What is ATPV?
Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) is a rating assigned to FR fabrics indicating the level of protection provided. Higher fabric weights typically have higher ATPV's and provide increased protection as does the layering of flame-resistant clothing. ATPV is measured in calories per centimetre squared (cal/cm2).
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[+] What is Ebt?
Like ATPV, Energy Breakopen Threshold (Ebt) is a rating assigned to FRC indicating the level of protection provided. Ebt is used when ATPV cannot be measured due to flame-resistant fabric breakopen. Ebt is also measured in calories per centimetre squared (cal/cm²).
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[+] What is HRC?
Hazard Risk Category (HRC) is a rating range directly related to ATPV. There are 5 HRCs ranging from 0 to 4, with a hazard risk of 0 representing the least risk and a hazard risk of 4 being the greatest risk.
| HRC 1 |
Hazard Risk Category 1 |
5.0 cal/cm² to 7.9 cal/cm² |
| HRC 2 |
Hazard Risk Category 2 |
8.0 cal/cm² to 24.9 cal/cm² |
| HRC 3 |
Hazard Risk Category 3 |
25.0 cal/cm² to 39.9 cal/cm² |
| HRC 4 |
Hazard Risk Category 4 |
greater than 40.0 cal/cm² |
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[+] Who should determine the Hazard Risk Category an FR user should be wearing?
The HRC protection level worn by an FR user should be determined by the company’s Safety Officer. It is the employer’s responsibility to have a hazard risk assessment completed for each task and determine the level of protection required. This should never be determined by the apparel manufacturer or the retailer.
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[+] What is OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) 29 CFR1910.269 covers the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission and distribution lines, and equipment. Part (l) (6) (iii) states: "The employer shall ensure that each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electrical arc does not wear clothing that, when exposed to flames or electric arcs, could increase the extent of the injury that would be sustained by the employee." This is the only federal law relating to FR clothing for electrical purposes. It is currently being rewritten and is expected to closely mirror NFPA 70E. Once approved, flame-resistant clothing requirements would become law.
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[+] What is ASTM F1506?
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) developed F1506, the Standard Performance Specification for Flame-Resistant Textile Material for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related Thermal Hazards. This is a pass/fail standard that requires a sample of flame-resistant fabric to self-extinguish with a <2 second after flame and a <6" char length. The FR fabric must also stand up to these requirements after 25 launderings.
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[+] What is NFPA 2112?
The National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) 2112 is the Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire. The standard provides requirements for design, performance, certification requirements, and test methods for FR garments for use in areas at risk from flash fires.
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FR Fabric Choices
FR Fabric Overview
[+] FR Fabrics at a Glance
The first step in evaluating a protective fabric is to identify the potential hazard and ensure the fabrics considered provide protection for the environment that it will be worn in. Selecting an FR fabric is an individual choice, and must be made by the end-user company. Actionwest garments are made using only trusted FR fabric brands that have significant field experience and a reputation for the highest quality. All of the products offered by Actionwear offer proven protection in a variety of applications. Actionwear specializes in manufacturing FR clothing and has the technical expertise to help educate purchasers on the relative merits of each product. There are often trade-offs between criteria such as level of protection, price, comfort, and appearance. It is up to the end user to make the final choice.
There are a wide variety of flame-resistant fabrics available. Factors to consider in fabric selection include protection, cost, wear life, comfort, color selection, care requirements and availability. Actionwear offers a wide selection of trusted FR fabrics, garment styles, and colors to best meet the wearers' needs.
| FABRIC |
DESCRIPTION AND CONTENT |
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS |
TYPICAL WEIGHTS* (oz/yd²) |
COMMON COLOURS |
COMMENTS** |
| Indura® Ultra Soft® |
Flame Retardant Treated 88% cotton, 12% nylon The FR performance is guaranteed for the life of the garment. |
•Flash Fire •Electric Arc, particularly NFPA 70E •Welding , steel and ferrous metals |
Shirts: 7 Pants: 9 Coveralls: 7 and 9 |
Red, Royal, Grey, Light Blue, Navy, Orange |
Soft feel or “hand” Enhanced durability compared to 100% cotton FR treated products |
| Nomex® IIIA |
Inherently flame-resistant fiber, Blend of93% Nomex®, 5% Kevlar, and 2% antistatic fiber. Nomex® III A is made by DuPont |
•Flash Fire •Electric Arc |
Shirts: 5.5 or 6 Pants: 6 Coveralls: 6 Jackets :6 shell |
Royal, Red, Light blue, Khaki, Orange, Yellow, Spruce |
Excellent appearance and durability |
| Fleece made of Nomex® fibre |
Inherently flame-resistant 93% Nomex® IIIA, 5% Kevlar, 2% P140 Fleece is made by Les Tricots Interlock Knit Inc. |
•Electric Arc and flash fire •NFPA 70E Category 2 •NFPA 2112 |
7.5 oz/yd² (13 oz linear yd) |
Navy, Orange |
Good for layering lightweight, breathable, comfortable, good insulation |
*Typical fabric weights and colors used, others available by request ** All comments are subjective. Please request material specs for objective information.
Fabric Durability
[+] Will the FR protection wear or wash out?
The FR performance of the products offered by Actionwear is guaranteed for the life of the garment. For some products, such as Nomex IIIA and TECASAFE™ plus, the FR performance is inherent in the chemical composition of the fiber, therefore the FR performance cannot be removed. For other products, such as INDURA® ULTRA SOFT®, the flame-retardant treatment is guaranteed for the life of the garment, provided that proper laundering procedures are followed.
[+] How do you know the FR protection is still there?
If the garment is made with inherently flame retardant fabric, the FR performance cannot be removed. If the fabric used is not inherent, there is no way of testing the FR performance of a garment in the field without destroying the garment in the process. Further, test results from one garment are not necessarily indicative of the performance of other garments in the program. Therefore, we recommend only using FR fabrics for which the manufacturer guarantees the protection lasts for the life of the garment and to follow all laundering instructions.
Garment Choices
[+] Garment Overview
Actionwear Saskatoon Inc. offers a broad range of garments to meet all of your FR requirements. Please view our products for full descriptions and photos of all our products.
Garment Comfort
[+] Is FR clothing comfortable?
The level of comfort is a subjective measurement. FR clothing is a safety item for personnel working in environments with a hazard of clothing igniting. A variety of FR fabrics are available today, some of which are perceived as being more comfortable than others.
Garment Fit
[+] How should FR garments fit?
The looser the FR garments fit, the more thermal protection the clothing system will provide. Air is a very effective insulator; therefore, maintaining an air gap between the clothing and skin will improve thermal protection. However, a loose fit must be balanced against the hazard of clothing being caught in moving equipment.
[+] How do I know which size to order?
Actionwear staff can assist with providing a suitable garment size if given the measurements of a person’s height, weight, chest, inseam, and waist.
[+] Will the FR garment shrink?
Ultra Soft® is preshrunk cotton and the garments made with synthetic FR fabrics naturally have minimal shrinkage. Most FR products will shrink either the same or less than standard work clothing, and should be sized accordingly.
[+] Garment Style
The style of a garment is an important consideration for the end users’ comfort and appearance. Actionwear offers a wide range of styles and colors to choose from. Our comfortable fit and appealing styles have come from over 30 years of experience in work wear. Actionwear Saskatoon Inc. manufactures a complete line of FR clothing.
[+] Overview of Design Features
Some of Actionwest FR design features that enhance functionality and comfort include:
- Extra-long tails on shirts to avoid skin from being exposed when reaching overhead
- Pocket flaps on chest pockets to prevent items from falling out
- Extra-large pockets, and lots of them
- Extra-long zippers (two way)
- Roomy fit and cut
- Banded collars and true front pockets on shirts
- Action styled backs for ease of movement
- Details like pencil pockets, adjustable cuffs
- All metal parts or zippers are protected on the inside by another layer of FR fabric so that no metal components come in contact with the skin
- padded knees (optional)
- mesh gas pockets (optional)
- radio pockets (optional) Actionwest FR Arctic Survival System features
- leather cuffs
- fur hood trim
- passage ways for wiring of radio
Actionwest FR Arctic Survival System features
- leather cuffs
- fur hood trim
- passage ways for wiring of radio
Garment Customization
[+] Does Actionwear provide embroidery to customize my FR garment?
Yes, Actionwear can provide complete custom on-site embroidery services for all of our products. Please contact one of our Customer Service Specialists if you would like to add embroidery to your next order.
[+] Can I have 3M Scotchlite™ Reflective Materials added to my garments?
Yes, Actionwear has several 3M Scotchlite™ Reflective Materials that can be added to your next garment purchase. The reflective material can be positioned to meet your visibility requirements.
[+] Where can I have 3M Scotchlite™ Reflective Materials applied?
[+] Can I order custom-sized garments?
Actionwear recognizes that not every worker can find a proper fit in the standard-size range. To ensure our customers a satisfactory fit and safety, Actionwear will produce custom-sized garments to fit the customers who are unable to wear garments from our standard-size range. We maintain records in our custom-size data base to ensure that our custom-sized customers receive garments that fit properly each time they order. Some manufacturers will supply oversized garments to fit extra tall workers. The size substitution results in a person wearing garments that are not properly sized and unsafe. Custom sizes are manufactured and shipped within three to four weeks of the order date.
Garment Care and Maintenance
[+] What should be worn underneath FR clothing?
FR garments should be worn over natural non-melting fabrics or other FR materials or on their own. For example, one recommended combination is wearing a Nomex IIIA coverall over a 100% cotton tee shirt and underwear. Layering garments in this manner dramatically increases the thermal protection of the clothing system by adding "air gaps" that provide excellent thermal insulation.
[+] Can a jacket be worn over FR clothing?
The outermost layer of clothing should be flame-resistant. Wearing flammable garments, such as nylon parkas over FR clothing will compromise the protection of the FR clothing system. Even though the FR garment will not ignite, the flammable jacket can become a burning fuel source close to the skin that can burn the wearer by heat transfer through the FR fabric.
[+] How is FR clothing cleaned?
Each Actionwest garment contains a label with laundering instructions. Actionwear can provide more detailed laundering instructions upon request. Laundering instructions vary by FR fabric, check labels carefully before laundering. Garments should be laundered before they are worn and after each use. This will remove any flammable matter that may have adhered to the fabric while being used which may alter the performance of the FR garment if exposed to electrical arc or a flash fire.
It is advisable to launder FR garments independently of non-FR garments as the fibers from the non-FR garment may transfer.
For specific laundering instructions please see our
downloads page.
[+] How are FR garments repaired?
FR garments should be repaired with FR materials and components consistent with the original materials in the garment. Repairing FR garments with non-FR thread or fabric can compromise the protective features of the garment.
[+] Garment Care and Maintenance Tips
Wear Tips:
• For maximum protection, FR garments should have a loose fit.
• Layering FR garments significantly increases FR protection.
• Wearing 100% cotton or wool undergarments can improve comfort and increase protection, provided that no portion of the non-FR garment is exposed.
• The FR garment should be the outermost layer. Wearing flammable garments such as jackets or sweatshirts over your FR clothing can seriously add to burn injury.
• Within each fabric type (for example, Nomex ®IIIA or Indura® UltraSoft®), the heavier the fabric, the more protection the garment will provide.
• Ensure your FR garment is appropriate for the potential hazard. While many FR fabrics/garments provide protection from several hazards, some hazards such as molten aluminum splash require special FR materials for maximum protection.
[+] Maintenance Tips
FR clothing is safety equipment that may save a life. It is imperative to ensure your FR garments are properly cleaned and maintained.
• Carefully follow the care label when laundering FR garments.
• Wash new flame-resistant garments prior to wearing.
• Wash flame-resistant garments separately from standard clothing.
• Do not use chlorine bleach.
• Ensure FR garments are clean and in proper repair before each wearing.
• Remove oils and flammable contaminants from FR garments. Flammable contaminants can be a fuel source that adds to burn injury.
• Use FR fabric, thread and components to repair FR garments.
[+] Care Labels
Instructions for laundering Actionwear’s FR garments can be found on the label sewn inside each Actionwest garment. For specific laundering instructions please see our
downloads page.
[+] How often does FR clothing have to be replaced?
The wear life of FR clothing is very dependent on the type of fabric used, the quality of the garment construction, how it is used and how the garment is laundered. Some garments can last more than 5 years, while others last 12 to 18 months. Garments should be replaced when they cannot be repaired, when the fabric has become thinned, contaminated, or aesthetically unacceptable.
Choosing an FR Garment Manufacturer
[+] What criteria should be considered when selecting an FR garment manufacturer?
It is important to select an established manufacturer with a trusted supply chain and dependable reputation in the FR clothing industry. Items to also consider include the manufacturer’s fabric selection and styles, garment quality, price, delivery capabilities, customer service, quality control process, and focus on FR. The manufacturer’s ability to provide technical expertise to help a company to develop the optimal FR program to meet their unique needs and application should also be taken into consideration.
Ordering Information
How can I place an order with Actionwear?
[+] New Customers
Please contact a Customer Service Specialist to set up an account. You can reach a representative by calling 306-933-3088 or toll free within Canada at 1-866-933-3088.You can also fill in a contact form and one of our representatives can call you to set up an account.
[+] Existing Customers
You may choose any of the following ways to place an order with Actionwear.
BY FAX • Existing customers can place an order via fax at 1-306-934-2922.
BY E-MAIL • Existing customers can place their order via e-mail at sales@actionwear.ca. Please include your purchase order number and account number with your order.
[+] How can I pay for my purchases?
Payment Options
Actionwear has a variety of payment options to choose from.
Payment options include:
• Invoice upon credit approval (net 30 days) If you are a new customer interested in a terms account, a credit application should be submitted for pre-approval before placing an order. Contact our customer service department at 1-866-933-3088 to request a credit application. Please fax or e-mail a completed credit application with your purchase order to our customer service department at 1-306-934-2922. Once your credit application is approved, a customer service representative will notify you of acceptance and credit limit.
• Visa, MasterCard, American Express
If you have unique needs for order processing, billing, or multi-location shipments, Actionwear will work with you to accommodate them. Just call our Customer Service Specialists at 1-866-933-3088 within Canada or 306-933-3088 for out of country inquires.
Shipping Information
[+] How can my order be shipped?
An order can be shipped using your choice of a transport company. Please provide account information and level of service required when ordering.
[+] What is the return policy?
Please e-mail, fax, or contact one of our Customer Service Specialists in the event an item needs to be returned. You will be issued a Return Authorization Number which must accompany the garment when it is returned along with a reason for the return. Returns must be sent via prepaid freight. We suggest Canada post or other cost effective means. If an item is sent freight collect, we reserve the right to deduct the collect freight amount from the credit or to charge this amount the account. If a product is returned for inspection and is found to have a manufacturer’s defect, Actionwear will credit the return postage (or the postage amount if the return was sent courier prepaid).
Items shipped as ordered, if accepted as a return, will be subject to a 5% restocking charge. Items that are custom made are not eligible for return.
While every effort is made to update and maintain the accuracy of information on this web site, Actionwear Saskatoon Inc. and its employees, accepts no liability for the content of this website, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. Any views or opinions presented in this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.