National Collaborative PPE Framework celebrates five years of success

by Featured NewsPPEProducts

The National Collaborative PPE Framework is celebrating five years of success of delivering high-quality PPE to Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) across the UK. 

Launched in June 2017 to streamline the PPE procurement process, the scheme has since delivered protective clothing to around two thirds of FRSs across the country, equating to more than 30,000 firefighters.

Created with a view to sharing best practice and delivering efficiencies, the National Framework is managed by the National Fire Chiefs Council’s National Procurement Hub’s Lead Authority for PPE and Clothing Category at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, with PPE supplied by MSA Bristol – a global leader in the design and manufacture of PPE for firefighters.

The PPE range includes Full Structural Ensemble, a Layered Jacket, Rescue Jacket and USAR Ensemble, with selected styles combining innovative and ergonomic designs with the use of high-performance fabrics and fibres from leading suppliers such as WL Gore, PBI Performance Products and Hainsworth.   

By taking part in the scheme, FRSs have access to high quality PPE with the reassurance that it has been independently evaluated and tested.  Whilst purchase-only contracts are available, the majority have opted for managed services contracts, whereby kit is regularly cleaned, inspected, decontaminated and repaired at one of MSA Bristol’s three in-house UK Service Centres.

Fire and Rescue Services that have recently signed up to the scheme include North Yorkshire FRS, Leicestershire FRS and Oxfordshire FRS.  

Sarah Walsh, Framework Manager, commented: “The National Collaborative PPE Framework has proved a huge success, resulting in time and cost efficiencies for Fire Services around the country, whilst providing robust and comfortable PPE protection for firefighters on the ground, as well as longer-term health protection through the regular professional servicing of these garments.

“From the outset, the Framework’s Strategic Board Team has worked closely with MSA Bristol to ensure the provision of a top-quality service from sign-up, to delivery, to ongoing after-care, ensuring continuity of service despite the disruptions and challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.  The scheme is an excellent example of successful partnership, collaboration and service delivery. Both ourselves and MSA Bristol are always looking to innovations, as well as to the sector’s requirements, to ensure that any technical refreshes are looked into further for the benefits to end users. It is even more relevant now than it was in the beginning of the Framework, when more research is published on subjects like contaminants, we look at how we can incorporate the recommendations made into the Framework.”

Philip Tasker, UK and Ireland Sales Director at MSA Bristol, added: “Over the past five years, the Collaborative Framework has succeeded in significantly improving and simplifying the procurement process for UK FRSs, making it easier and more affordable for fire services to access the best quality PPE as well as essential managed services. 

“MSA Bristol has been privileged to work alongside Kent FRS to deliver these services, and we’re looking forward to continuing this relationship in the years to come.”

Further information can be found at: https://gb.msasafety.com/MSA-Bristol

PBI: Pushing the boundaries of fire protective clothing

by Breaking NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts
Exclusive: Fabrics and materials manufacturer PBI has been pushing the boundary with its latest trademark innovation PBI LP, Ian Callaghan, Senior Director, International Marketing and Sales, PBI International tells us more

PBI is at the forefront of incredible innovation in the development of fabrics that protect firefighters against heat and flame, but are also lightweight and breathable, reducing the risk of heat stress.

The company’s range of fabrics have become the preferred choice of fire services all over the world. From USA and Europe, the Middle East to the Far East and Australasia, firefighters go to work every day protected by PBI outer fabrics.

Choosing to work with only the best fabric manufacturers in the supply chain ensures that every PBI product performs to the highest levels required in modern firefighting and rescue. The company’s close working relationship with its supply chains is a key factor in the continued investment in research and innovation which results in products that set new standards in comfort and performance. It has driven the development of an extensive range of structural firefighting outer shells designed specifically for the different needs of fire services.

The company’s product portfolio was recently expanded with the addition of, PBI LP, a trademark lightweight fibre that further enhances comfort, breathability and freedom of movement for future structural firefighting gear. 

Fabric made with PBI LP, which stands for ‘lightweight performance’, is 10% lighter than other outer fabrics for structural fire gear, helping to reduce the risk of heat stress.  Even though the unique PBI LP™ is lighter, it still enhances heat and flame protection and resistance to break open, without compromise.

The new lighter fibre performs incredibly well when used in outer shell fabrics, even when tested against other heavier para-aramid and meta-aramid outer shells. In independent test undertaken by BTTG in the same conditions the 180 gsm PBI LP garment outperformed an identical garment made with 220 gsm meta-aramid outer fabric. An eight second burn test was undertaken on the 2006 version of the male heat sensing manikin known as RALPH, which was developed by BTTG and conforms to ISO 13506.  For the test the hands and head were not used, leaving 123 sensors on torso, arms, legs that monitor the temperature on the surface of the manikin during the test.

The BTTG tests showed 2nd and 3rd degree burn injury prediction of only 1.8% for the garment with lighter PBI LP™, compared to a much higher figure of 19.3% burn injury for the meta-aramid, despite the meta-aramid also being 40gsm heavier.

Like all PBI fabrics, PBI LP delivers excellent tensile strength and will not become brittle, shrink, or break open when exposed to flame and high temperatures. This means that the integrity of the internal layers of the garment is protected, and the transfer of any radiant heat is slower, allowing more time for firefighters to escape to safety in a situation such as a flashover. PBI’s protection from exposure to heat and flame has been proven over many years of independent testing and performance in the field.

In a Dynamic Flame Test, which is used to demonstrate the time it takes for an outer fabric to breaks down under tension, PBI LP of 180g/m2 lasted 48 seconds, while a much heavier 220/ g/m2 Para-aramid/Meta-aramid fabric lasted just 3 seconds. 

PBI LP fabric is a result of PBI’s continued investment in research and development that creates new standards of firefighter protection.  That development process must always take account of the balance between comfort and protection.  That is why outer shells made with PBI LP join a wide range of PBI fabrics that meet the need of every situation and work effectively as an integral part of all garment design. Each product has different properties and applications, but every PBI fabric exceeds the required protection standards from heat and flame for outer fabrics.

PBI’s continued commitment to innovation and new product development is not restricted to structural firefighting solutions. Working closely with the supply chain, PBI has also developed a range of lightweight protective fabrics with increased tensile strength that is designed specifically for technical rescue, wildland and industrial firefighting. 

One of the biggest challenges to firefighter safety is the risk posed by heat stress.  It can cause many problems, from muscle fatigue and reduced cognitive function to cardiovascular strain and cardiac arrest.  Research has shown that more firefighters dies in the line of duty from cardiac arrest than any other cause. One of the paradoxes of firefighter protection is that structural firefighting garments designed to protect the wearer from heat and flame can potentially contribute to the rise in core body temperature that triggers heat stress. That’s why it is so important that the outer shell, which has a primary role of protecting from heat and flame, is designed to mitigate the risk of heat stress.

All PBI fabrics are designed to offer maximum thermal protection from the outside, while at the same time delivering high levels of breathability and comfort to reduce the risk of heat stress. They will not become brittle, shrink or break open when exposed to flame and high temperatures, which is among the characteristics of other fabrics. This means that the integrity of the internal layers of the garment is protected and the transfer of any radiant heat is slower, allowing more time for firefighters to escape to safety in a situation such as a flashover.

In the 40 years since opening for business in Charlotte, North Carolina, PBI Performance Products has created a reputation for protection without compromise that is recognised all over the world.

This article was originally published in the May edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here

Exclusive: Protection without compromise 

by PPEProducts

IFSJ sits down with Ian Callaghan, Senior Director, International Marketing & Sales at PBI International 

The protection of firefighters is always a concern when they are on the scene of a potentially hazardous fire, or when they are in environments that puts them at imminent danger. Over the years, the dangers they face has changed. As the world around them continues to evolve, so to must the protection equipment, which needs to be stronger in the face of challenges old and new. Standing at the forefront of this protective equipment is the fabric that is used. It can withstand extreme heat and ensure that injuries are mitigated, therefore, giving the wearer the comfort and confidence to focus on the incident.

PBI Performance Products are one company that have continued to focus their attention on making sure that what goes into PPE is consistent and able to reflect the challenges the wearer faces. With nearly 40 years’ experience, the company continue to stand at the forefront of its industry. To find out how the company have progressed, International Fire and Safety Journal caught up with Ian Callaghan, Senior Director, International Marketing & Sales at PBI International.

A different climate

It is not surprising that upon speaking with Callaghan, he touches on the fact that 2021 had been a difficult year, especially with the pandemic, but 2021 was a year in which the company managed to expertly navigate to further renew its commitment to the fire services. Issues with supply chains have become common place for manufacturers, and this is the case for PBI but one that they have tackled head on.

On the difficulties that have been presented with, Callaghan revealed: “Not just for PBI, it has been a tough two years for everybody no matter what industry you are in. Working from home and not being able to travel to see customers or go to events, it has been a different climate to live in for everybody, let alone to work in as a business, but we have done well.

“Our supply chain has been really supportive during this period and all our customers have been looked after. We have made sure that they have never needed anything. We have been able to continue producing fibre to them throughout 2021, which is obviously vital for safety. Considering the challenges we have faced, we have been able to overcome them.

“Going forward, I think life for everyone will be difficult, and we are already seeing the impact COVID has had on the cost of transport and raw materials, and it is about managing that and making sure that everybody understands that we are doing everyone we can. Not just us, but the supply chain as well.”

The evolution of protection

Callaghan himself is extremely experienced in the sector and is well placed to evaluate changes to market requirements. Whilst many industries have seen changes off the back of the pandemic, Callaghan reveals that the demand for PPE has almost remained the same. He comments: “I don’t think we have seen requirements for PPE change in the last year. However, because of how we have all had to adapt because of the pandemic, we are seeing a lot of change because of that.

“From our perspective, it has completely changed how we address the market. Regarding PPE requirements, firefighters still need to do their job to the best of their ability and to be able to do that they need to be fully protected, and that is what we are here for. That hasn’t changed. Over the last year it is quite clear that the job of a firefighter is evolving, but it has been evolving for many years.

He continues: “The pattern has changed over many years as to what the fire services require, but one thing that has remained the same is making sure that the protection is there for the firefighter. That has never changed and that is where we come into it because our fibre is what gives them that protection. However, because of the variety of activities and incidents that firefighters do, they obviously want to be comfortable, they want mobility which usually fall under the criteria of lightweight and breathable. That has always been the case. People want the highest protection and the lowest weight which is great for us because for a number of years PBI have always been a lightweight option.

“It’s not like we have had to reinvent ourselves, we have always been at the forefront of the lightweight market that has given the best protection. That is what we have become known for, the protection. There is no compromise on that at all for me.”

New developments

To keep on top of the needs of firefighters, PBI are constantly collaborating with the supply chain, its partners and the most important relationship, the end user. This has given them the knowledge to improve on their product.

An example of this type of innovation will be on show this year, and promises to be a positive step for PBI. When asked about their latest innovations, Callaghan reveals: “This year at INTERSCHUTZ we are launching PBI LP, which stands for lightweight protection. For a number of years, our technical team have been working on improving our raw fibre, which we have done with the PBI LP. It is phenomenal in its performance levels and because it performs so well with heat and flames, it is able to be used in a lighter weight construction.

“We have been working very closely with our suppliers to get them to produce LP products and test them, which we have done for a number of years now. Now, we have products that are made with PBI LP that are reducing the outer shell weight without compromising any of the performance which is a massive step forward for the market.

“It has given our supply chain and our end users the opportunity to get an even lighter weight without effecting protection, which is the most important thing. In short, you could say that we have adapted to requirements, but we are always working on improving our fibre. We are ahead of the game, and I think LP will be a massive change in the market over the next few years.”

Working towards a safer future

Of course, for companies like PBI who have a track record of delivering vital solutions, it is often the case that the continued dedication for innovation doesn’t stop.

On how they are able to look forward and improve their solutions, Callaghan comments: “We are very fortunate that we have a fantastic fibre that does exactly what it says it does. Under heat and flame, it is unique in its performance and when you expose it to heat it doesn’t go brittle or carbonise, and most importantly for a firefighter, it doesn’t break open.

“So, in that respect, how do we improve things? We work with the best weavers and manufacturers in the world. Equally as important as that is that we listen to the end users. If they want something lighter or different, we listen to that.

As we ponder on what 2022 might bring, one thing that is certain is that departments will continue to need garments that protect them. The PBI LP looks certain to deliver this globally in what is shaping up to be a positive year for the company. Like many of us, Callaghan is hoping that 2022 will represent a time in which we will see a return to normal.

“On their plans for 2022, Callaghan believes that they will be at the forefront of positive change for their end users: “We are hoping that we will be allowed to get back to some sort of normality. There are a lot of events and a lot of people that we need to see globally who we haven’t seen for over two years. We are of course fully committed to the fire services globally as we always have been, we are really looking forward to launching PBI LP in the right way because it really does bring a new level of performance to Firefighters.”