Posts in category: PPE

Tanja Haimerl, HAIX Managing Partner shares details on the company’s heritage and culture and the trends she envisages in safety footwear

Many companies claim to be a ‘family business’, but few can be as confident when they say this as global functional footwear expert HAIX, now led by the third generation of the Haimerl family. 

First founded in 1948 by Xaver Haimerl (with the HAIX name being a shortened version of the ‘Haimerl Xaver Shoe Factory’), the HAIX brand quickly became synonymous with quality work and outdoor footwear. While working as a certified master shoemaker in his father’s factory, Ewald Haimerl had risen to the rank of deputy chief of Mainburg fire service. This gave him first-hand experience of the working life of a firefighter and especially the rubber boots they were expected to wear on duty. So, in the 1990s Ewald decided to design a collection of functional leather firefighting boots for his colleagues. The boots set new standards of functionality, protection and comfort, and were so well regarded that HAIX began selling them.  

Since then, HAIX has gone on to become one of the world’s leading footwear manufacturers and its range is trusted by professionals in industries as diverse as manufacturing, utilities, logistics, forestry and the emergency services. 

Sadly, Ewald passed away suddenly in 2019 but the family remains at the heart of the business with his children now leading HAIX into the future. We spoke to his daughter, Tanja, about their heritage, their commitment to building on this experience and their ambitions for HAIX. 

Could you tell us about the HAIX culture and what you do that’s different from other businesses?

We are proud that HAIX is still a family business. When my father developed the first leather firefighter boots, it was an extremely unconventional idea. We have carried on this tradition and I believe that this is one of the secrets to our success: dare to do something new. 

We also made a corporate responsibility promise over seventy years ago focussed on ‘Made in Europe’ manufacturing. All HAIX shoes are 100 per cent manufactured in Europe and our promise means fair working conditions, sustainable practices and modern testing facilities. Our promise also reflects our commitment to Europe as a business location and to European values such as equal opportunities, education and respect. 

Does HAIX support Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives? 

We regularly witness the effects of global climate change in our work supporting organisations and fire brigades in dealing with major incidents. Recently, our US team supported the rescue forces dealing with the tragic building collapse in Miami by providing safety boots, and after the flood disaster in Germany, our colleagues were on-site to provide rescue workers with shoes and equipment. 

Sustainability plays a critical role at HAIX. Every year over 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away by the UK public. We use high-quality materials to extend the life of footwear and encourage prolonged use. In fact, HAIX® shoes are put through their paces to ensure that they exceed the minimum standards as much as possible, including undergoing a series of over 100 material and quality assurance tests, replicating the day-to-day challenges of wearers, who spend most of their time on their feet. We also offer a repair service, for example, a full resole gives renewed grip and posture and can double the life expectancy of HAIX footwear.  

We are also committed to reducing our emissions and ensuring we save valuable resources where possible. We have already achieved a lot through our durable products, Made in Europe 

manufacturing and our repair service. To further reduce our ecological footprint, we operate three photovoltaic systems, use heat recovery and have switched to energy-saving LED lighting. We are also supported by our interdisciplinary Footprint team, which initiates sustainable actions, for example, our own beekeeping. 

How many people work for HAIX and where do you operate around the globe? 

At the moment, around 1,700 employees work at HAIX. Our production sites in Mainburg, Germany and Mala Subotica, Croatia are among the world’s most modern shoe production facilities, helping us to serve our customers in more than 80 countries across the world . All our facilities are socially audited according to the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), an industry-driven movement that aims to monitor and assess workplace standards across the global supply chain. This ensures workers are protected from common perils of the retail industry from extremely low wages to health problems and insecure work.   

HAIX is synonymous with innovation and product development, do you work closely with your end-users to understand their needs? 

Although laboratory testing and development is a foundation of any high-quality product, it’s our commitment to wearer trials that takes things a step further. We equip users with boots for months at a time to use during their day-to-day routine activities. Performance questionnaires are distributed both during and at the end of the trail, then the user feedback is taken on board, and design changes are made as necessary to better support the wearer’s needs.  

This has led to some of the unique design elements that you see in our footwear today such as lacing systems that are easy to use and ensure a comfortable fit, material changes to improve durability and outsole designs that improve slip resistance. 

What trends do you envisage in safety footwear?  What are going to be the critical factors in design – looks, comfort, technical function? 

Foot health is becoming more and more important, especially in the field of emergency and safety footwear. Of course, these shoes must first and foremost protect their wearers. But even the safest shoe is of no use if it is uncomfortable and therefore not worn willingly. That’s why we also focus on maximum comfort, so that our customers feel completely at ease.  

Our CONNEXIS product line promotes the wearer’s health by stimulating the fascia, thereby releasing tension, stimulating the muscles and reducing negative effects on the musculoskeletal system. In addition, CONNEXIS models are designed to support the natural functioning of the feet and prevent malpositions. CONNEXIS is therefore a double investment, because it protects its wearers today and pays for their health tomorrow.  

Firefighters across North Yorkshire are sporting smart new kit, following the recent delivery of brand-new, state-of-the-art PPE from MSA Bristol.  Last year, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) ordered top-to-toe structural firefighting kit for 670 firefighters working out of 38 stations across the county, working to a go-live date of 25^th October.  Purchased through the UK Collaborative Framework, the new PPE was delivered by MSA Bristol on time and to budget, despite the continuing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Run by Kent FRS, the Collaborative Framework gives UK FRSs access to high quality PPE ensembles and volume discounts through a streamlined procurement process.  FRSs can sign up via a purchase-only or fully managed service contract to procure PPE that has been independently evaluated and tested, saving considerable time and costs.

North Yorkshire FRS opted for an eight-year fully managed services contract via the Framework.  The selected PPE includes MSA Bristol’s light-weight structural firefighting coats and trousers, offering excellent fit and comfort along with superior ergonomic performance. The outer shell is made from Hainsworth’s TITAN 1260 fabric with PBI fibres, developed to offer maximum protection whilst minimising the risk of heat stress. This is combined with a Goretex moisture barrier and an Axion thermal liner for additional thermal protection.  

Mark Naylor, Head of Response and Resilience at North Yorkshire FRS comments: “The high-quality garments provide essential protection from fire and reduce the physiological effects of heat on the body, thereby enhancing the performance of our firefighting teams and helping them to provide a first class service to our communities”

In addition, one of the most compelling benefits of procuring via the Collaborative Framework is the service it can provide in the cleaning and maintenance of PPE. Simon Garnett-Spence, Head of Assets at North Yorkshire FRS comments:

“We opted for the fully managed services contract which means that after an incident, dirty or damaged kit will be collected by MSA Bristol and professionally laundered and repaired at one of their service centres before being returned back to us within seven days.  We can also benefit from MSA Bristol’s huge stock holding nationwide, in that if required, replacement kit of any size can be delivered to us within two hours. As a fairly small fire service, we would never have the budget or storage space for such volumes of spare stock.” 

He continues: “So far, we have been very impressed with MSA Bristol’s service.  Everything has been delivered on time as initially agreed, and any minor issues or adjustments have been handled swiftly.”

Sarah Walsh from Kent Fire and Rescue Service comments: “The Framework Authority wishes to welcome North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to the Collaborative PPE Framework. In joining the other Participating Authorities on the Framework they will access fit for purpose PPE designed with the safety of wearers in mind and enjoy the benefits of economies of scale. We would also like to thank MSA Bristol for ensuring continuity of supplies for all existing Participating Authorities and the efforts they have made to ensure that ‘Go Lives’ continued to happen with minimal disruption throughout the Pandemic.”

Philip Tasker, UK and Ireland Sales Director from MSA Bristol adds: “It’s fantastic to see North Yorkshire firefighters out in the community in their new PPE, benefiting from the protection it provides. We’ve been working exceptionally hard across every area of the business, from initial sizing to manufacturing and delivery, to ensure that orders are fulfilled on time and to our usual high standards.”

FRSs interested in signing up to the Collaborative Framework contract should contact: collaborativeppe@kent.fire-uk.org

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on frontline first responders, including the volunteer fire and EMS community. To assist in the safety of these workers, FirstNet, Built with AT&T has teamed up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to donate pandemic-related supplies to volunteer fire and EMS departments in need.

Nearly $900,000 worth of vinyl gloves, hand sanitizer, sanitising wipes, and reusable face coverings went to 107 fire departments in the continental U.S. To be eligible to apply for these supplies, departments had to be over 50 percent volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, have an annual revenue less than $250,000, and demonstrate a need for the supplies.

“We thank the FirstNet Program at AT&T for their support of our nation’s volunteer firefighters and EMS providers through this donation,” said NVFC chair Steve Hirsch. “Many volunteer fire and EMS departments have limited budgets that they must stretch to cover their expenses. This donation will help resource-constrained departments get supplies they need to enhance the safety of their first responders while being able to allocate the money they would have spent on these to secure other necessary resources.”

FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government.

FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

In response to the increased demand for respiratory protection, Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, recently launched the pandemic preparedness stockpiling plan for the NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, the Dräger X-plore 1750.

In 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) into law. The Act includes provisions which address funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, including pandemic preparedness and resiliency stockpiling. To help state and local governments with supply chain planning, Dräger’s new preparedness stockpiling program keeps large volume respirators stocked and ready to ship when emergency management, first responders or frontline workers need them.

The value Dräger provides state and local governments engaged in pandemic preparedness goes beyond providing respirators. Dräger offers a vendor-managed stockpile plan that provides the security of owning a physical inventory of critical NIOSH-approved face masks, while removing certain risks associated with expirations, storage requirements, security, and other considerations.

The development of this stockpiling program offers governments another tool to help address ongoing pandemic challenges, and build preparedness and resiliency for the future.  

“Respiratory protection has been Dräger’s passion and portfolio offering since the company’s beginning over 130 years ago,” said John Wilson, Dräger senior vice president of sales and marketing, safety solutions. “First responders and frontline workers put everything on the line, including their own health and safety, to safeguard our communities. Dräger is proud to continue to protect those who protect us.”

Benefits of the X-plore 1750 include:

• A patented CoolSAFE filter material that combines low breathing resistance and high filter performance
• Streamlined design for easy don and doff
• Individual packaging to keep masks clean and hygienic
• Flat-folded design for space saving and easy transport

In September, 2020, Dräger opened a facility in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania that manufactures and distributes X-plore 1750 masks. The facility was operational in just 5 weeks, a feat that usually takes 18-24 months.

For more information on N95 respirators, including help finding grants, visit Draeger.com/prepare.

Dräger, an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology, has launched its new multi-purpose HPS® SafeGuard helmet, providing the highest levels of usability, safety, serviceability, and connectivity.  

Tested to the highest international standards, the helmet delivers excellent levels of safety, with its integrated, high optical visor for face and eye protection. The additional multi-coating feature prevents it from fogging and scratching, while a gold coating layer provides the best possible protection against thermal radiation.

Weighing just 1.2kg, the HPS® SafeGuard is one of the lightest multi-purpose helmets available. It is well insulated to protect its wearer during firefighting, and also ensures a balanced helmet climate at all times, even during long rescue incidents. The adjustable chin and neck strap and an adjusting wheel on the rear of the helmet make it suitable for a wide range of head sizes

Simplicity was a key focus of the design, which has seen the helmet created from a small number of components, with a convenient design that means additional parts and accessories can be easily attached.

In terms of visibility, The HPS BuddyLight on the back of the helmet ensures emergency responders can be immediately recognisable even in poor visibility.

The special design of the helmet shell leaves the wearer’s ears uncovered, which means that communication remains unrestricted during incidents. Ambient noises can still be heard as well. The helmet has an interface for various communication systems such as the Dräger HPS-COM. The Dräger HPS-COM communication unit provides reliable support for radio communication to enhance both the safety of firefighters as well as the efficiency of operations.

Liz Millward, Marketing Manager Emergency and Rescue Services at Draeger Safety UK, says the HPS® SafeGuard helmet has been designed to address the varied needs of fire services: “The HPS® SafeGuard  has been created to provide fire services with a complete solution.

The helmet is designed to have particularly good weight distribution which ensures excellent wearing comfort even when the helmet is worn for a long time. In addition, the great weight distribution means that the helmet will sit securely regardless of the movement of the wearer, for example when crawling or fitting through tight spaces.

“As with everything we do, the health and safety of firefighters has been put at the forefront of the design, with excellent protection against heat, poor visibility and fogging, as well as a lightweight design for comfort and to reduce physical stress.”  

Avon Protection have announced the launch of the Tactical Mask Communications (TMC) System, a communications solution for customers to interface between their headsets to the Avon series Air Purifying Respirator.

TMC is designed for users of Avon Respiratory Protection Equipment who require a simple yet scalable Tactical Communications solution when “masked up”. 

Designed to provide the user with clear and effective communications with wearing an Avon APR, the system is compatible with most radios and tactical headsets. The TMC is simple to configure, install and use, with a range of connectors, press to talk units and headsets to meet any requirement and support operational readiness.

As world leaders in the field of Respiratory Protection for First Responders and Military personnel, Avon Protection continue to grow our product range to reflect the real world needs of our users with a system designed to help them further develop operational capability while wearing our equipment in the harshest of environments. 

Commenting on the development of the TMC system, Colin Horne, Product Manager, said: “Simple, reliable and clear communications are key to success in any military and law enforcement operation, but historically, we’ve seen a lot of confusion and over-complication around Tactical Communications systems for APR users. We are extremely excited to be bringing a fresh approach by launching a range of robust products which are simple to understand, easy to adopt but all focused on ensuring operators can maintain communications whether they are wearing a respirator or not.”  

Commenting on the launch of the TMC system, Thomas Korb, Director of Global Product Management, at Avon Protection, said:  

“The new product launch of the Avon Tactical Mask Communications (TMC) system further reinforces our commitment to listen to the requirements of our customers by delivering a configurable communication offering that provides maximum reliability while meeting the ever-changing mission profiles of our user groups.”

Launching now in the Americas only.

The GALLET F2XR helmet comes with integrated accessories for head protection in technical rescue, wildland firefighting, water rescue, and more

The GALLET F2XR has been designed to help fire and rescue services to face new challenges linked to climate change. From wildland firefighting to technical rescue including responding to road traffic collisions and rescue at height, the GALLET F2XR can also adapt to unexplored applications such as water rescue. It is the first helmet platform with a comfortable, modular range of use due to interchangeable components that allow for individual integration to use all the necessary accessories required in the most demanding operations.

Integrated Dual-beam Headlamp

For night-time operations, it can be configured with a dual-beam front lighting system to provide both proximity lighting for extrication operations, and longer-range lighting for search and rescue. This system includes a battery pack (alkaline or rechargeable) and a tail light for better identification of the crew or tracking personnel visible in smoke-filled conditions. It is also equipped with an alert function, flashing both front and rear lights when situations become critical.

Improved Responder Goggles

Goggles as an essential element of the GALLET F2XR helmet were improved. Now they can be easily attached with just two clicks and stay secure with a magnetic adjustment system. The adjustable buckle system allows for improved user versatility and fits to multiple head sizes. The user-friendly release buckle enables easy switch between stand-by and in-service mode.

Innovative Accessories for Eye and Face Protection

The ocular visor on the GALLET F2XR is one of the major innovations and has been fully integrated into the helmet for ease of use. The face fit of the visor is adjustable in height and depth to fit any and all face shapes. It also offers eyeglass wearers the possibility of doing their job without any visual discomfort and while remaining perfectly protected. The unique “push & pull” system makes the visor easy to install and remove anywhere, at any time, without the need for tools.

Innovative eye and face protection enables to protect a wearer against injury from electric risks. In addition to the integrated ocular visor, the GALLET F2XR offers extended and robust polycarbonate face shield and a mesh visor shield that are easy to install and remove. The integration, ergonomics and simplicity of the accessories were a top priority for the MSA team during the development stages.

These face shields have been tested and certified to the EN14458:2018 standard ensuring protection from projection of solid particules or accidental contact with a live electrical conductor (typically 230V or 440 VAC) for the clear version. Additionally the clear visor has been tested according to the GS-ES-29 standard against electrical arc flash to offer maximum protection on new energy vehicles extrication missions.

Integrated Hearing Protection with Communication System Mounted Optionally

Easy to attach, fully integrated electronic ear muffs enhance protection from hazardous noise without blocking out the important background sounds or important messages from the incident command for instance. The hearing protection module comes with an optional adjustable boom microphone, providing reliable team communications on any intervention scene.

Ear Protection for Water Rescue Service

The GALLET F2XR can be fitted with left and right ear protection panels, suitable for both swift water and flood rescue which makes it EN1385:2012 compliant as well as British standard PAS028 compliant for use on small fast crafts. The intuitive attachment points allow for connecting and removal to easily adapt to the mission whenever needed. This also means the GALLET F2XR is a truly multifunctional and versatile helmet, which eliminates the need of having different kinds of helmets for each mission. As a result, the GALLET F2XR paves the way for fire and rescue services to find alternatives to adapt in such unpredictable and fast growing climate change.

Best in Class Accessory Integration

It is important to add that the adjustment of accessories has been made easy for both right- and left-handed people, even with gloves on.

Find the helmet that really suits your needs and style

One of MSA’s best skills is the on-demand helmet pad printing customisation. With over 10,000 front plates customised each year, the GALLET F2XR can be easily customised with pad-printed front plates and a new style of retroreflective stickers to improve both daytime and nightime visibility.

Click here to learn more about the GALLET F2XR Helmet Platform.

Many companies claim to be a ‘family business’, but few can be as confident when they say this as global functional footwear expert HAIX®. Now led by the third generation of the Haimerl family, and while HAIX supports wearers across a range of different industries, firefighters have always held a special place in Haimerl (and HAIX) hearts.

First founded in 1948 by Xaver Haimerl (with the HAIX name being a shortened version of the ‘Haimer Xaver shoe factory’), the HAIX brand quickly became synonymous with quality work and outdoor footwear. While working as a certified master shoemaker in his father’s factory, Ewald Haimerl had also risen to the rank of deputy chief of Mainburg fire service. In 1992, when finding that he and his colleagues weren’t satisfied with the rubber boots they had to wear on duty at the time, Ewald decided to design a collection of functional leather firefighting boots for his colleagues.

The boots set new standards of functionality, protection and comfort, and were so well regarded that HAIX began selling them, expanding into developing footwear for rescue workers and the police the following year. Seventeen years later, in 2010, the launch of the HAIX Fire Hero revolutionised the fire boot industry for a second time, giving firefighters around the world access to what were considered the safest firefighting boots ever developed.

A decade on, and though HAIX offers a wide range of firefighter footwear to suit the demands of a diverse range of job roles, the commitment to the essential needs that firefighters expect from their boots remain the same. Boots must protect the wearer from hazards, be quick to put on at a moment’s notice, be rugged enough for long term wear in extreme environments, and provide comfort and support for every wearer.

HAIX’s history supporting firefighters has ensured that its’ fire boots will always provide these essentials – because they are designed by firefighters, for firefighters. Features that are at the top of the list for today’s firefighter are;

• Protection – Firefighters need to know that every item of their kit is working to protect them in the extreme, often dangerous environments they work in. Their boots need to be made of tough materials to keep firefighters’ feet safe. HAIX firefighting boots across the range feature steel puncture resistant midsoles, meaning wearers can operate in environments with underfoot hazards including broken glass or fallen masonry with confidence. Ultra-light, reinforced toe caps protect from falling debris and injuries from potential trip-hazards, and high-quality leather uppers mean boots are sturdy, flexible and hydrophobic. The Fire Eagle boot incorporates a CROSSTECH® membrane that insulates wearers from water or external bodily fluids.  Many boots in the range also feature ‘signal yellow’ colour patches that are designed to ensure wearers are always visible, even in areas with a lot of smoke or low light visibility.
• Grip – firefighting operations mean you can never be sure of your footing – variable terrain in and around structures, or outside fighting bush fires, couple with the potential of wet floors and spillages such as oil and petrol are a ‘perfect storm’ of potential slip hazards. HAIX’s fire boot range features a PU sole across all models, with deep tread that provides a guaranteed firm grip, even on slippery surfaces. Boots such as the Fire Eagle have been developed with a two-component tread, making them completely slip resistant.  Combined with special fins used in conjunction with additional grip elements provide outstanding stability, even on wet ground or ice.  

• Durability – High quality fire boots are an investment and should be made to stand up to the same demands that their wearers are.  Manufacturing from high-grade materials, such as bull leather, antistatic non-marking PU rubber, fibre reinforced toe caps and CROSSTECH® membranes, ensures that HAIX boots go the distance, even after long periods of wear in extremes of temperature.
• Fit and support – Long shifts spent on your feet, moving, climbing ladders and tackling uneven terrain put firefighters at risk of foot injuries, and even longer-term issues like Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) if their boots do not provide the right levels of support. HAIX’s designs include elements such as PU sole support wedges, two-zone lacing systems, foot arch support and heel cup cushioning to ensure that wearers are guaranteed the best fit, no matter how long the wear time – because if you’re worrying about your boots, you aren’t focusing on the job at hand. HAIX fire boots also feature designs made to make donning/doffing them smoother and faster, ideal when a call comes in and every second counts.

The work of today’s firefighter is evolving as our built environment and the way we live is changing.  Firefighters face new challenges and HAIX will continue to innovate to ensure its products are one-step ahead.  Now, more than ever, firefighters remain at the centre of the HAIX family.