NASCO Blog
Wet Steam vs. Dry Steam: Injury Risks, Hazard Profiles, and the Right Steam Protection Raincoat
Summary Wet steam and dry steam are two distinct forms of steam found in oil and gas environments. Each carries a different injury risk profile, and each behaves differently on contact with skin and clothing. Workers in upstream and downstream operations need a steam...
Why Your Rain Gear Fails in the Cold (And How to Choose Gear That Won’t)
You've probably seen it happen. A lineman reaches for a tool, and his rain jacket doesn't move with him—it's stiff as cardboard. Or worse: a crew member bends to grab a ground rod, and the seam on his bib cracks right down the thigh. It's 15°F. The ice storm knocked...
Stay Cool, Stay Protected: Lightweight Outerwear for Hot Weather Conditions
Working in the heat is part of the job for linemen, electric workers, gas crews, utility teams, and oil field workers. At NASCO, we know that staying safe in hot weather is more than just drinking water and taking breaks. It also means wearing the right gear. Heavy...
How NASCO Helps Utility Crews Prepare for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season returns each year with storms that tear through communities, disrupt power systems, and damage essential infrastructure. As a company that supports utility professionals, we recognize that utility crews are among the first to respond, working in...
What OSHA, NFPA, and ASTM Standards Mean for Your FR PPE
Key Takeaways Safety standards set by OSHA, NFPA, and ASTM define what FR PPE must do to protect workers from arc flash and flash fire hazards. Understanding these standards helps workers and safety managers select flame resistant rain gear and other protective...
Seven Hazards, One Garment: How PetroStorm Simplifies PPE Decisions
Workers in electric, gas, utility, and oil operations face pressure every day. The job moves fast, weather shifts without warning, and equipment demands focus. Hazards stack up around you, whether you are handling energized systems, checking a line after a storm, or...
The Critical Role of FR Rain Gear in Utility and Oil & Gas Work
Key Takeaways FR rain gear is engineered outerwear that resists ignition and self-extinguishes when exposed to arc flash or flash fire. Standard rain gear cannot provide that protection. Utility and oil and gas workers need it as the outer layer of a compliant PPE...
Women on the Line: How FR Rain Gear Is Evolving to Meet Their Needs
Key Takeaways More women are entering hazardous industries like utilities, oil and gas, and electrical line work. The FR rain gear they wear on the job must fit correctly and meet the same rigorous arc flash and flash fire protection standards required across the...
ArcJoule Lightweight ArcWear Rain Gear Frequently Asked Questions
NASCO ArcWear products have been a trusted solution to the foul weather needs of utility companies across North America for more than 25 years. With a reputation of innovation, NASCO does it again. ArcJoule™ is a unique combination of waterproof and breathable...
Visit NASCO at the 2026 Energy Safety Conference & Tradeshow in Banff
APRIL 27-30, 2026
Meet NASCO at the 2026 Energy Safety Conference & Tradeshow in Banff, April 27–30. See PetroStorm, PetroLite and Omega FR rainwear.
Meet NASCO at ASSP Safety 2026 in Anaheim
JUNE 15-17, 2026
Meet NASCO at ASSP Safety 2026 in Anaheim, June 15–17. See ArcJoule, ArcLite Air and PetroStorm FR rainwear at NSA Booth #5439.
Visit NASCO at the VPPPA 2026 Safety+ Symposium
AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Visit NASCO at VPPPA Safety+ 2026 in Nashville, Aug 30 – Sept 2. See ArcJoule, ArcLite Air and PetroStorm FR rainwear at Booth #534. Book a meeting.
Visit NASCO at the 2026 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in Indianapolis
SEPTEMBER 11–17, 2026
Visit NASCO at NSC Safety Congress 2026 in Indianapolis, Sept 11–17.
How Proper PPE Protects Against Chemical Splashes in Industrial Sites
Workers in utility, electric, gas, and oil operations face serious chemical hazards each day. Our team at NASCO Industries has spent more than 45 years building protective outerwear that helps reduce these risks. Chemical exposure can happen fast during...
How NASCO’s PetroWear Line Protects Oil and Gas Crews in Winter Conditions
Workers in oil, gas, electric, and utility environments face conditions that change quickly and pose real risks. High-pressure lines, heated equipment, and wet surfaces create hazards that are difficult to avoid. Sudden steam releases, cold weather, and reduced...
How do flame resistant rain coats compare in price and quality?
Summary Flame resistant rain jackets vary widely in price and quality based on materials, construction, features, and certification. Entry-level options offer basic protection, mid-range balances cost and performance, and premium jackets add advanced fabrics,...
Beyond “Shrink It and Pink It”: 4 Innovations Redefining Women’s FR Rainwear
Summary The Problem: Traditional "Shrink It and Pink It" PPE ignores female physiology, leading to trip hazards, snag risks, and reduced thermal protection. The Solutions: NASCO’s women-specific FR rainwear lines, ArcJoule, ArcLite Air, and Sentinel, offer...
Rainwear That Protects in the Most Unpredictable Climates
Utility work continues regardless of the weather. Whether it’s steady rainfall, icy winds, or a sudden summer thunderstorm, linemen and field crews must remain on-site and on task. In these conditions, dependable rainwear is not a convenience—it’s a necessity. NASCO...
NASCO Industries Joins National Safety Apparel
Blue Point's NSA Strengthens its Safety Solutions for Frontline Workers with the Addition of NASCO Industries CLEVELAND / December 18, 2025 / Blue Point Capital Partners and its portfolio company, National Safety Apparel (“NSA”), are pleased to announce the...
Beyond Hot Liquids: The Need for Steam Protection in Industrial PPE
Steam hazards exist across industrial job sites, yet many workers prepare mainly for hot liquid exposure. A sudden release of steam can burn more quickly and more deeply than hot liquids, leaving crews with little time to react. Pressurized lines, valves, and...
How the Right PPE Can Boost Worker Comfort and Productivity
The work performed by linemen, utility crews, and oil and gas workers is physically demanding, mentally challenging, and often carried out in environments where both safety and endurance are constantly tested. Long shifts in storm conditions, exposure to rain and...
Hot Steam vs. Hot Liquid Hazards: Why PetroStorm Is the Ultimate Defense
Steam and hot liquid hazards strike without warning. One second, the line looks stable, and the next, a valve fails or a pipe bursts. The result can be a burn that changes everything in an instant. For crews in the oil & gas industry, these risks are part of the...
Common Rainwear Myths Busted: FR, Waterproofing, and Breathability
Every day, hardworking crews head out into conditions that test both their skills and their gear. We’ve seen linemen, utility teams, and oil and gas workers face rain, wind, and hazards that make safety the top priority. Reliable flame-resistant raingear is more than...
5 Tips for Making Your FR Rain Gear Last Longer
When you work long hours in the field, you know that your gear is more than clothing; it’s your protection. Whether you’re climbing poles during a storm, repairing gas lines, or responding to emergencies, your rain gear is part of your safety system. At NASCO, we...
The Future of Rainwear: Innovations in Safety and Comfort
Work environments have changed dramatically over the years, and so have the demands placed on the gear workers rely on. In today’s industrial landscape, rainwear is expected to do much more than simply shield workers from the rain. It must also provide reliable...
Built for the Unexpected: How NASCO Rainwear Shields Workers from Fire Risks
Every storm, every outage, every fire risk, utility and industrial workers step into the unknown with one goal: to keep others safe. As a company dedicated to protecting those who protect us, we know the dangers are real. Arc flashes can erupt without warning. A flash...
Extreme Weather Protection: Outerwear Essentials for Oil and Gas Industry Workers
Working in the oil and gas industry means contending with some of the harshest and most unpredictable environments on the planet. From high winds and driving rain to chemical exposure and flash fire hazards, our industry professionals face conditions that demand more...
The Future of FR Protection: Steam-Resistant PetroStorm in Oil, Gas, and Utilities
Every shift brings challenges that demand more than ordinary gear. Oil and gas workers manage steam pipelines where flash fire and arc flash hazards are part of the job. In these environments, protective outerwear is not optional. It is what stands between you and a...
Why Multi-Hazard Rainwear is the Smartest Investment for Industrial Safety
Every shift brings challenges that extend far beyond the rain. Linemen climb poles through storms to restore power, gas crews tackle leaks under pressure, and oil workers face the constant threat of fire even in wet conditions. Ordinary rain gear can keep you dry, but...
3 Ways to Tell if Your Gear Offers Real Flame-Resistant Protection—Not the Cheap Stuff
Not all gear labeled “FR” is built the same. For linemen, gas utility workers, oil crews, and anyone working in high-risk environments, that label can be misleading—and dangerous. Many rainwear brands throw “FR” on their products, but they’re only offering limited...
Top 5 Common PPE Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical to your safety if you work in the utility, gas, oil, or electrical industries. When you're exposed to arc flash, flash fire, chemical exposure or traffic hazards, your gear must be up to the task. However, we often see...
Why Winter Work Requires Specialized FR Rainwear
Summary Winter exposes utility and energy workers to cold, wet, and fire hazards, making flame-resistant (FR) rainwear essential. This guide explains why FR rainwear’s dual protection matters, outlines the key features to prioritize (flame resistance, weatherproofing,...
Powering Excellence: Join the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo – October 15–18
The International Lineman’s Rodeo is the ultimate gathering for electric utility linemen worldwide. From October 15–18, 2025, Bonner Springs, Kansas, will transform into the center stage where journeymen, apprentices, and utility pros compete, learn,...
Essential Outerwear for Hazardous Work Environments: What to Look for and Why
Choosing the right outerwear isn’t just about staying dry—it’s about staying safe. Utility, oil and gas, and industrial workers face real hazards every day. From arc flash and chemical exposure to flammable materials and brutal weather, standard rain gear won’t cut...
Beyond the Cold: NASCO’s Winter Liners for Maximum Comfort and Safety
Winter brings extreme temperatures, harsh winds, and unpredictable weather. Staying warm and protected is essential for linemen, utility workers, and oil and gas professionals. NASCO’s winter liners offer reliable insulation and safety, making cold-weather work more...
Top Factors Safety Managers Should Consider When Selecting FR Rainwear Vendors
Every choice a safety manager makes has real consequences for the crew’s well-being, performance, and protection. One of the biggest decisions? Picking the right FR rainwear vendor. The gear workers put on every day isn’t just clothing, it’s their shield against...
Understanding Chemical Splash Risks and Choosing Proper PPE
For more than 40 years, our focus has been clear: keeping crews safe when the job is at its toughest. Few threats are more dangerous, or more underestimated, than chemical splash exposure. In refineries, drilling rigs, or in chemical manufacturing, even a split-second...
PPE Compliance Checklist for Utility and Oil & Gas Industries
Working in the utility or oil and gas sector means facing some of the most dangerous environments out there. Every shift brings exposure to serious hazards: fire, high voltage, chemicals, and unpredictable weather. That’s why having the right PPE isn’t just a...
When to Replace Your FR Rainwear: Warning Signs to Watch For
Flame-resistant rain gear plays a critical role in protecting workers from serious injury in high-risk environments. Whether operating near energized electrical equipment, working in oil and gas fields, or repairing utility lines in severe weather, safety depends on...
The Impact of Substandard PPE on Workplace Accidents
Every day, workers across utility sites, oil fields, and powerlines face serious hazards, including electrical current, open flames, chemicals, and harsh weather. These jobs demand focus, strength, and equipment that won’t fail under pressure. Yet far too often,...
Key Outerwear for Utility Line Inspectors: Staying Safe in All Conditions
Utility line inspectors face rain, snow, wind, and cold—often all in one shift. Wearing the right outerwear is essential to staying safe and focused. NASCO Industries offers rainwear that keeps you dry, visible, and ready for the job in any weather. This article...
Powering Progress: What to Expect at The Utility Expo 2025 in Louisville, KY
Get ready to connect with the future of utility and construction innovation at The Utility Expo 2025, from October 7 to 9, 2025, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. As North America’s largest trade show for utility professionals, this...
Weather Protection and Beyond: Durable Outerwear for Utility and Powerline Technicians
Utility and powerline technicians work in extreme conditions. Rain, wind, and freezing temperatures can make the job harder and increase safety risks. Proper outerwear is essential for protection, comfort, and performance. Wearing the right gear helps workers stay...
APGA Annual Conference-July 20-23
The APGA Annual Conference is the premier nationwide event for public natural gas professionals. Join the American Public Gas Association on July 20–23, 2025, in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for this highly anticipated annual gathering. Industry...
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About FR Rain Gear Standards and Safety
Flame-resistant rain gear is key to staying safe, especially for utility workers exposed to electrical hazards, flash fires, and severe weather. Whether climbing poles in a storm, working near gas lines, or repairing power grids in freezing rain, your gear needs to do...
Top Factors to Consider in High-Quality FR Raingear
Working in electric, gas, utility, and oil environments exposes workers to weather and fire hazards. Choosing the right flame-resistant (FR) raingear helps protect lives, keeps workers comfortable, and supports safe, productive workdays. Knowing which features...
Why High-Visibility Outerwear Is Essential in Construction and Roadside Jobs
Working in construction, utilities, and roadside environments means facing daily risks. From moving traffic to heavy equipment, the job doesn’t slow down. Visibility is not a luxury—it’s a requirement. For departments of transportation (DOT's), transit authorities,...
Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference-June 1-4
The Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC) is the premier event for professionals managing fleets in the electric utility industry. Held annually in Williamsburg, Virginia, this invitation-only conference brings together more than 100 fleet executives...