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What is FRAS (Fire Resistant Anti-Static) and Why is it Important?

In high-risk industrial environments like underground coal mines, tunnels, refineries, and hazardous processing plants, safety isn’t a luxury — it’s a mandate. One of the most critical safety measures when dealing with flexible hose systems in these environments is ensuring that the hose material is FRAS-rated.

But what exactly does FRAS mean, and why does it matter so much?

🔥 What Does FRAS Stand For?

FRAS stands for:

Fire Resistant
Anti-Static

Together, these properties are designed to prevent ignition hazards caused by hose materials in explosive or flammable environments.

💥 The Danger: Static Electricity & Fire Risk

In volatile environments, non-FRAS hoses can generate static electricity as fluid or air passes through them. When this static builds up and is not dissipated, it can result in a spark — and in areas with flammable gases, dust or vapours, that spark can cause:

Explosions
Fires
Serious injury or death
Massive equipment damage and shutdowns

Similarly, if a hose is not fire-resistant, it can quickly become a hazard in the event of a fire outbreak, becoming a path for flame propagation or emitting toxic gases.

🧪 How Hoses Obtain FRAS Certification

For a hose to be considered FRAS-rated, it must pass strict laboratory testing under relevant Australian Standards (such as AS/NZS 1336 and AS 1180.10B). These tests assess:

Flame propagation resistance
Surface resistivity and the ability to dissipate static charge
Conductivity of the inner and outer layers

Both PVC and rubber hoses can be manufactured to meet FRAS requirements, but the process is different:

🔹 FRAS PVC Hoses:

Use carbon-loaded compounds in the outer and/or inner layers
Include anti-static additives in the PVC mix
Manufactured with flame retardants to resist ignition

🔸 FRAS Rubber Hoses:

Often made with conductive rubber compounds
Include carbon black or other static-dissipating elements
Tested for both flame and electrical conductivity

🛠️ When Should FRAS Hoses Be Used?

FRAS hoses are not optional — they are critical safety requirements in the following environments:

Underground coal mines
Explosive atmospheres (Zone 0, 1, 2)
Dusty tunnels and grain silos
Fuel handling, refineries, and processing plants
Hydrocarbon and chemical transfer zones
Air ventilation systems in confined spaces

If a non-FRAS hose is used in these applications, the risk of a static ignition or rapid flame spread can be catastrophic.

✅ How Fox Global Can Help

At Fox Global, we stock and supply a wide range of certified FRAS PVC and rubber hoses designed for harsh Australian industrial and mining environments.

Our hoses meet industry-standard compliance for use in underground and explosive areas, and we can guide you in selecting the right hose for your specific application.