OTEGO’s Fireshield Poncho sets new standards in fire safety

by Featured NewsPPE

OTEGO, the global pioneer in coated and laminated technical textiles, has unveiled its latest lifesaving innovation for the global market – the Fireshield Poncho. Designed alongside and expressly for the needs of firefighters, this breakthrough product represents a leap forward in protection against deadly radiant heat during forest fire scenarios.

The Fireshield Poncho, a robust piece of personal protective equipment (PPE), is an ultimate safety recourse for firefighters facing intense, unpredictable fires. Crafted from ultra-lightweight fiberglass coated with aluminised aramid, the poncho incorporates OTEGO’s proprietary Fireshield technology.

Alain Tieu, Heat Protection Market Manager at Otego, elaborates on the impetus behind the development of the poncho: When a firefighter goes into the forest they will usually stay close to their fire truck. But fire is unpredictable, and sometimes firefighters can become separated and surrounded. The firefighters realised they needed an additional piece of PPE (personal protective equipment) of last resort. In environments of high radiant heat, this poncho could help them stay alive until rescue arrives, or give them the protection needed to run to safety should gaps in the wall of flame appear.”

The Fireshield Poncho is engineered to provide firefighters with added protection and precious extra time when confronting the extreme radiant heat that forest fires generate. Grégoire Bernand, Fireguard Product Manager at Otego, adds, “Radiant heat is usually the first kind of heat a firefighter will feel and one of the most dangerous.”

Prior to its global launch, the Fireshield Poncho underwent rigorous laboratory testing. Thermal sensors were deployed on two mannequins attired in standard firefighting gear, with and without the poncho. The tests assessed the poncho’s capacity to protect the wearer from various intensities of radiant heat and flame.

“The temperature rises very quickly in a forest fire situation,” said Alain. “80°C is the threshold for significant injury – that’s the temperature we must not exceed – so we tested the effect of the Fireshield Poncho when modifying the intensity of radiant heat.

“Five kilowatts per square meter gave the unprotected mannequin just 225 seconds before the temperature reached critical levels. With the poncho, we doubled the temperature to 10 kilowatts per meter and monitored the mannequin for more than double the time (500 seconds) yet the temperature within the poncho didn’t exceed 30°C. We increased the radiant heat further, to 30kW, then 50kW. At no point did the temperature reach 70°C.

“When we placed the Fireshield Poncho in bushfire conditions, amid burning vegetation, there was still no damage to the mannequin.”

The Fireshield Poncho, while not designed for extended direct flame exposure, offers robust protection against intense radiant heat and enables mobility – a crucial advantage over other static ‘fire shelter’ approaches. Furthermore, in China, the poncho has been adopted as an affordable alternative to full proximity suits for firefighters engaged in support roles during gasoline or chemical plant fires.

OTEGO’s Fireshield Poncho, initially developed by and for firefighters, continues to be discovered and adopted by firefighting teams worldwide, underlining its versatile, life-saving potential in a broad array of high-risk situations.

For further information about the Fireshield Poncho, please visit www.otego.com.

About OTEGO

OTEGO is a leader in the manufacture of coated and laminated technical textiles. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and safety, OTEGO continuously strives to create cutting-edge solutions designed to protect individuals working in high-risk environments. For more information, visit www.otego.com.

Bollé Safety Unveils the Universal Goggle

by Featured NewsProducts

Bollé Safety, the global frontrunner in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) eyewear market, has announced the introduction of the Universal Goggle, the first major innovation in its newly launched line of protective goggles, designed for the industrial sector.

Featuring unique Wave technology and bi-material frame for optimal comfort and protection, Universal Goggle is designed to revolutionise the PPE market. The product will be available for purchase from June 2023 and will be showcased at the upcoming Preventica trade show in Paris from May 23rd to 25th.

The launch reflects Bollé Safety’s commitment to safeguarding the eyes of industry professionals through industry-leading innovation. For optimal protection, goggles must not only shield users from external hazards but also fit perfectly to prevent any particles or sharp objects from entering the worker’s eye.

Universal Goggle offers features such as an accordion-style bellows system that ensures an optimised fit for each individual. It boasts a bi-material frame made with TPR1 for comfort and flexibility, and PC2 for superior impact resistance and optical clarity. Furthermore, Universal Goggle offers Level B impact resistance, panoramic vision with a polycarbonate lens, and a PLATINUM coating to protect against scratches and reduce fogging. Most notably, the goggle is designed to be compatible with prescription glasses, providing workers with maximum comfort and convenience.

“Our priority is to develop goggles that combine safety, comfort and style to enable professionals in the industrial sector to be protected on a daily basis,” said Julien Konieczny, Product Development Manager at Bollé Safety. Thanks to our Wave technology, companies can protect workers with a goggle that is perfectly adapted to each facial morphology. In this way, we are promoting the use of goggles in environments where protective glasses are not sufficient.”

The Universal Goggle’s eco-conscious design enables easy dismantling for recycling and uses 100% recycled and recyclable packaging. It can also be intuitively combined with a face shield to offer additional protection to the lower face area.

Universal Goggle will retail from £20.30 and is available in four color-coded variations to cater to specific industrial needs and professions, from construction and petrochemical industries to food services and welding.

Fire-Dex marks 40th anniversary

by Featured NewsPPE

Manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders, Fire-Dex, has celebrated its 40th anniversary at this year’s FDIC International.

Founded in 1983 by Bill Burke and a team of engineers in Cleveland, Ohio, Fire-Dex initially designed a more flexible glove for firefighters, which offered superior mobility and comfort. As sales grew, the company expanded its portfolio to include head-to-toe protection for first responders. Fire-Dex now delivers thousands of protective garments to fire departments around the world.

Bill Burke, Chairman and Owner of Fire-Dex, credits the company’s success to a customer-driven approach and a focus on family that starts at the factory. “We are incredibly fortunate to have a stellar team of associates and partners that have earned us a reputation for safety in the fire service industry,” said Burke. “Firefighters know what works and we’ve built our name on that confidence.”

Innovation at Fire-Dex

Innovation has been at the heart of Fire-Dex’s success, with the company being first-to-market with innovative products such as the first-ever particulate blocking fire hood and the TECGEN71 outer shell. Fire-Dex’s incorporation of advanced materials in its designs has also kept the company top of mind among fire departments for decades. The lightweight TECGEN71 fabric combines the proven durability of DuPont Kevlar and DuPont Nomex with the unique benefits of the TECGEN fiber to lessen heat stress by reducing weight and increasing dexterity.

Cleaning and repairing protective apparel are also part of Fire-Dex’s mission, which Gear Wash, a subsidiary of Fire-Dex, delivers on each day. Gear Wash is America’s largest Independent Service Provider network for PPE care and maintenance, helping to extend the life of valuable garments by meeting NFPA 1851 standards for proper care. With 10 locations and more coming soon, Gear Wash helps protect firefighters by protecting their gear.

FDIC International Celebrations

Fire-Dex officially celebrated its 40th anniversary on 27 April with a customer appreciation party during the FDIC International conference in Indianapolis, followed by events and activities for associates throughout the year in recognition of this important milestone.

With the ultimate goal of keeping first responders protected and prepared for the job, Fire-Dex is relentless in its pursuit of excellence.

Visit firedex.com to meet the team striving to continuously innovate and create the best-performing products to meet the needs of the fire service industry.

Fire-Dex Supports firefighter training with gear donation

by Featured NewsPPE

Fire-Dex has announced their donation of protective garments to Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) Evolutions instructors at the 2023 FDIC International Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. H.O.T. Evolutions is a training program that helps firefighters develop the competencies required for the modern fireground.

The donation from Fire-Dex enables instructors to train firefighters on essential skills comfortably and stay protected during practical exercises.

Annual donation

Fire-Dex has been supporting the H.O.T. program since 2016, and this year they are providing 32 sets of TECGEN51 Fatigues personalized with the H.O.T. Evolutions logo. In total, Fire-Dex has donated over 400 sets of garments to instructors over the last seven years.

TECGEN51 Fatigues are specially designed for calls that do not require interior structural firefighting gear. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2021, there were over 1.3 million “fire” calls compared to more than 35 million “non-fire” calls that included EMS, false alarms, hazardous material, and other emergency conditions. Using alternative PPE for non-fire calls can increase the service life of structural gear and reduce the risk of cross-contamination among crew members potentially exposed to carcinogens.

Dual-certified to NFPA 1951 (technical rescue) and 1977 (wildland firefighting), TECGEN51 Fatigues provide high levels of thermal protection and breathability to reduce physical strain and heat stress on the wearer. This combination of benefits allows H.O.T. instructors to leave their turnout gear at home when traveling to the FDIC conference.

David Rhodes, the education director for FDIC, said, “TECGEN51 Fatigues provide our instructors with a great option in lightweight PPE. The heavy-duty, rugged, fatigue-style gear provides great protection and flexibility, reduces heat stress, and is very easy to pack and transport.”

H.O.T. Evolutions

H.O.T. Evolutions courses cover the latest technology and techniques in the fire service. Instructors who use Fire-Dex gear have found the right fit to help participants become better firefighters. The program is instructed by key industry players who bridge the gap between hands-on skills and those developed in the classroom.

Jenny Surovey, the vice president of marketing for Fire-Dex, said, “We have a long-standing history of partnering with FDIC International to support and protect the brave men and women in service around the world. The H.O.T. Evolutions group can rest assured that they have the best gear to safely and confidently lead their demonstrations.”

Fire-Dex is committed to creating the most advanced designs that achieve the highest standards of flame resistance, the most comfortable fit, and the best value. Attendees at FDIC International can see the same gear that H.O.T. instructors use in the Fire-Dex booth (#1945).

IFSJ Exclusive: Cleaning PPE by machine – the reality

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPPE

Meiko looks at 3 case studies of European firefighters who are using the latest mask washing machines

Kehl Fire Department

What can you squeeze into six minutes?

That is not something Karlheinz Fimeyer has to worry about any longer when he is working in Kehl Fire Department’s BA mask cleaning room. Using the TopClean M to clean BA masks and regulators means that the BA equipment manager no longer has to search for something else to do at the same time.

That is because the shortest cycle of the washer-disinfector takes just six minutes. Previously he had to wait 45 minutes until everything was clean – but of course that was when the BA masks were still being cleaned in a conventional dishwasher.

“Kehl’s BA equipment maintenance team played an important role in developing the new Meiko TopClean M mask washing machine,” says MEIKO. “We worked with them to perfect the basket in which the masks are arranged for cleaning.

“Our development department designed special containers for the small mask components and we worked very closely with Karlheinz Fimeyer and his colleagues to find the best solution for cleaning regulators in the same machine, while keeping them at eight bar pressure during cleaning.”

Fimeyer enthuses about a quantum leap in mask cleaning: “Instead of having to leave the machine running while I find something else to do, I can now simply get everything done in one go.”

Stuttgart Airport Fire Service

Airport fire service takes occupational health and safety seriously when it comes to mask cleaning.

Stuttgart airport is the largest in BadenWürttemberg, and its fire department employs 81 people, all of whom are trained in the use of specialist breathing gear. The fire service has a stock of 140 breathing apparatus (BA) masks, and when Kevin Vogel and his colleagues pull them on they instinctively trust that everything is properly sealed, their compressed air cylinders are full, and there are no herpes or tuberculosis viruses – or indeed any other microorganisms – lurking in their masks.

Recently the three BA equipment managers have been cleaning the SCBA gear in a TopClean M from MEIKO.

The previous manual cleaning method with a formaldehyde solution had prompted numerous complaints to the airport fire chief because the BA equipment managers occasionally experienced unpleasant skin or respiratory complaints.

“Our in-house system for monitoring hazardous substances has been tightened up, so without the TopClean M I would have needed to go through the process of getting the cleaning chemicals approved for safety,” Rudlof tells. The TopClean M washer-disinfector has made that process unnecessary – and the new cleaning and disinfection machine is also saving the BA technicians a considerable amount of time.

“We clean the masks from a total of 40 fire services, though only after their training drills. Whenever a big training exercise takes place on-site at the airport, we typically have to clean 100 masks in one go,” says Rudlof.

The rapid and reliable cleaning cycles of the MEIKO TopClean M washer-disinfector make it an invaluable member of the BA cleaning and maintenance team. And if ever something goes wrong, the local MEIKO dealer is just 5 kilometres down the road and responds almost as fast as the fire service. Shift leader Moser neatly sums up the firefighters’ expectations: “Our needs are pretty simple. All we ask for is top-quality equipment.”

Fire Department Idar-Oberstein

Working in the fire service is often about acting fast and relying on instinct – but there are some jobs which take time and careful planning. Jörg Riemer, Fire Chief of the Idar-Oberstein Volunteer Fire Department, Udo Schuff, head of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, and Klaus Schneider are all fully trained BA equipment managers. They manage the equipment used by the 150 active firefighters deployed in this town in the Hunsrück region of Germany.

Famous as a gemstone centre, Idar-Oberstein’s fire service may be run on a volunteer basis, but these three men are municipal employees. They work full-time to ensure that all the firefighters’ gear works perfectly in the event of an emergency – including the personal protective equipment (PPE) that all their colleagues rely on.

Udo Schuff and his colleagues, who are all in their 50s, tried putting the individual mask components in a cloth bag and washing them in the washing machine they use for the firefighters’ duty gear.

“But unfortunately it didn’t work well enough so we had to finish off the cleaning by hand,” Schuff says. “We’re grateful to the city council for approving the purchase of a TopClean M in their budget. We’ve been using the machine to clean our 250 masks and regulators since September 2014,” Schuff says enthusiastically. Schuff’s colleague Jörg Riemer emphasises that one of the biggest advantages of the new solution is that “none of our full-time or volunteer equipment managers come into contact with detergents or disinfectants anymore”.

This is a key point, especially for Udo Schuff. He suffers from a chronic lung disease which means he is no longer able to wear breathing apparatus sets. His colleague Klaus Schneider is equally pleased with the decision they made: “The machine is exceptionally easy to use and actually produces better results than manual cleaning.”

Find out more about Meiko’s TopClean M at www.meiko-uk.co.uk

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

IFSJ Exclusive: Peace of mind on the front line with PBI

by Breaking NewsPPE

Ian Callaghan, Vice President of Sales Europe, Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia at PBI Performance Products, talks firefighter protection

Firefighters in the Middle East should be able to do their job with the confidence and peace of mind that their protective clothing that has been tested and proven in the field to provide the highest levels of protection.

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 a post pandemic world there have been significant changes and challenges in in every country.  But the team at PBI have worked closely with their supply chain partners to successfully navigate through the issues and maintain our commitment to fire and rescue services.  But we recognise that while the world may be changing, the need for firefighters to have the protection to do their job to the best of their ability is a constant.

We are proud to support the IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety event in Dubai and look forward to a fascinating series of discussions that will provide unique insight into the region and its trends for the sector.

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

Documentary produced by Mark Ruffalo highlights dangers of PFAS in turnout gear

by Featured NewsPPE

The IAFF hosted the world premiere of BURNED: Protecting the Protectors – a 30-minute documentary that details the dangers of PFAS in turnout gear – at the 2023 Affiliate Leadership Training Summit in Las Vegas. 

The film, produced by actor Mark Ruffalo, profiles Diane Cotter who suspected forever chemicals could be present in turnout gear after her husband, retired Worcester, MA Local 1009 fire fighter Paul Cotter, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2014. She spent several years immersing herself in existing research while pursuing answers from scientists, corporations, and politicians. 

General President Edward Kelly said in the film: “We thought for years that our cancer was from absorbing the off gases from burning combustibles, building debris. We thought that was what was making us sick. We know now that our own gear is part of that problem.

“The very thing that was supposed to be keeping us safe was making us sick. We would not know that without fire fighters’ hero Diane Cotter.” 

Director Elijah Yetter-Bowman first met the Cotters while making GenX, a documentary about the PFAS public health crisis. As more research showed the dangers of PFAS in turnout gear, Yetter-Bowman decided to make a documentary educating fire fighters and the public about the critical issue. 

“No sensible person would require first responders to knowingly expose themselves to toxic materials as a requirement to do their jobs, but that’s exactly what has happened for decades,” said Yetter-Bowman. “Fire fighters need protective gear that will not poison them. With the IAFF leading the way, I believe we will get there rapidly.” 

Locals can request a free screening of BURNED online at etherealfilms.org/burned. 

IFSJ Exclusive: PPE to suit the modern firefighter with MSA Safety

by Featured NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPPE

Jason Traynor, General Manager of Global Fire Service Products at MSA Safety, explains how PPE has adapted to meet the changing role of today’s firefighters

The role of the firefighter has evolved in recent years, and the kinds of incidents attended by fire and rescue services (FRSs) across the globe are now more varied and complex.  Today, firefighters tend to spend a smaller percentage of their time fighting structural fires. This is partly thanks to considerable improvements in regulation and fire prevention initiatives over the last few decades, but can also be attributed to an increase in other incidents, including road and traffic collisions, and climate-related disasters, such as wildfires and flooding.

Instead, today’s fire responses tend to vary in type and complexity.  The types of events fire and rescue services are responding to range from road traffic accidents to chemical spills, medical incidents, storm damage and water rescues, and fire-related incidents ranging from structural or industrial fires to wildfires.

As a result, just as firefighters need a wide range of skills and training to operate effectively in these diverse situations, their PPE must also be adaptable and versatile so that it provides optimal protection. The challenge for PPE and fire safety equipment providers such as MSA, is to create ensembles that are lightweight, ergonomic, heat and flame resistant, and breathable, all while providing protection against pathogens, hazardous chemicals and the various elements firefighters face.

Structural Firefighting 

Full structural firefighting PPE, such as MSA’s XFlex and new Bristol X4 ranges, is a must when firefighters are called to tackle fires. These designs have a three-layer construction, with outer fabric to protect from heat and flame, while inner moisture barrier systems from WL Gore help to keep the body cool and dry. This type of PPE helps to protect firefighters from a dangerous rise in body temperature, known as heat stress.

Both ranges have been designed to be ergonomic and comfortable, providing both movement and flexibility.  Curved seams follow the shape of the body, while shoulder shaping, under arm gussets and back pleats make it easier for firefighters to move around.  Both XFlex and the Bristol X4 meet the requirements of CEN standard EN469:2020 Level 2 for firefighter protective clothing.

Urban Search & Rescue

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) PPE on the other hand, is ideal when firefighters have to work in confined spaces or attend road traffic accidents. These garments often have a two-layer construction incorporating a flame retardant outer layer with a waterproof membrane to provide flexibility and physical protection against injury when deployed in collapsed buildings or damaged vehicles, for example. MSA Bristol’s RescueFlex range consists of a rescue jacket and trouser based on our XFlex design. It is tear and puncture resistant, lightweight to minimize heat stress and provides protection against blood borne pathogens.  It also has reinforcements on the knee and elbow for protection when kneeling or crawling and offers a high level of flexibility for increased manoeuvrability.   RescueFlex meets the CEN standard EN:16689:2017 which specifies requirements for technical rescue clothing.

Increasingly, fire and rescue services are now moving towards a layered, mix-and-match approach to PPE, choosing to combine lightweight, high visibility rescue jackets with structural trousers when attending incidents like road traffic collisions.  In the UK, for example, 21 fire and rescue services across the country have procured MSA Bristol’s RescueFlex jackets in addition to full structural jackets and trousers through the Collaborative PPE Framework. 

Wildland firefighting

Specialist wildland firefighters require PPE that reflects the unique conditions faced in fighting fires on open ground, which are often highly unpredictable in nature and particularly susceptible to prevailing weather conditions and changes in wind direction.  In many areas of the world, wildland firefighting teams are largely made up of part-time volunteers, only called upon in the event of an emergency. As such, low cost, one-size-fits-all PPE designs have proven to be popular in the past, frequently featuring heavy fabrics coated with flame protection which would be washed out over time.

However, today’s fire services have a much greater understanding and acknowledgement of the dangers of wildfires, and are aware that to operate in the most safe and effective manner, firefighters require garments that are particularly light in weight and ergonomic, but also with high performance protection against flame. 

MSA Bristol’s Wildland Firefighting range has been specifically designed to offer maximum protection against fire while increasing comfort and ergonomics, therefore reducing the risk of heat-stress. The outer fabric of the garments is inherently flame retardant, meaning that its protective properties won’t be compromised when washed. The range meets the standard EN ISO: 15384:2020 for wildland firefighting clothing.

Helmets

In addition to selecting the right protective garments for the job, sourcing the right helmet to suit a variety of incidents is also crucial.  MSA’s iconic GALLET F1XF jet-style firefighting helmet continues to be a popular choice among fire services across the UK and beyond, and is suitable for structural firefighting. It offers superior, unimpeded vision in all directions, 360-degree head protection against heat and impact, and has lighting and communications integrated into the design for excellent quality radio communication.  Functional and versatile, the GALLET F1XF fits particularly well with MSA Bristol’s protective hoods and structural firefighting jackets.  

However, in response to the need for a more versatile helmet suitable for rescue operations, MSA has created the new GALLET F2XR – the first and only firefighters’ helmet on the market that can be used in a wide range of applications, including wildland firefighting and technical rescue operations, rescue at height and water rescue operations. 

Owing to its modular and versatile design, the GALLET F2XR suits a wide variety of working environments and meets the latest standards for Helmets for Wildland Firefighting (EN16471), Helmets for Technical Rescue (EN16473), Helmets for Mountaineers (EN12492), and Helmets for Water Rescue, and is compliant on both non-motorised and motorised rescue crafts (EN1385 +PAS028).

The new design features substantial upgrades in technology integration, comfort, weight and balance – all without compromising the quality, durability and safety performance expected from the MSA Gallet brand.  Innovative features include a retractable ocular visor which can be adjusted to fit the face, and fully integrated LED lamps including both a dual-beam headlamp providing spot lighting and a tail-light to help quickly identify teams on an incident scene. 

To ensure optimal airflow and keep wearers cool in hot weather, the helmet also incorporates dual ventilation on the side and at the top of the helmet.  Additional click-in accessories such as a face shield to guard against arc flash injuries and earmuffs for hearing protection with integrated communications, makes the F2XR helmet suitable for a wider range of operations. 

At MSA Safety, we are constantly adapting and updating our range of products so that they best serve the needs of the modern firefighter.   The success of the GALLET F2XR rescue helmet, along with the RescueFlex and Wildland Firefighting PPE ranges, demonstrates that it is possible to design and engineer integrated, adaptable and versatile PPE, suitable for a variety of applications, allowing fire and rescue services to better adapt to new scenarios and situations. 

While the role of a firefighter has diversified in recent years, I am proud that the PPE industry has risen to the challenge, creating new designs and styles that offer the very best protection for the job in hand.

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

Flame resistant fabric market overview

by Featured News

The Flame Resistant Fabric Market is predicted to be valued at USD 6.12 billion by 2030 according to GreyViews.

North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East and Africa are the key regions where the flame-resistant fabric market is operating and is predicted to expand soon. 

The report from GreyViews provides a detailed understanding of the market segments which have been formed by combining different prospects such as the type, application, end-user, and regions.

Treated fabrics

The type segment includes inherent and treated. The treated segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Treated fabrics dominate because of their low costs in comparison to inherent fabrics.

In order for the treated fabric to become fire-resistant, it is treated with chemical additives such as organohalogen and organophosphorus compounds. When exposed to fire, these compounds extinguish the flames chemically.

Apparel

The application segment includes non-apparel and apparel. The apparel segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. As the demand for flame-fighting uniforms grows, apparel flame-resistant fabric becomes the most important market segment.

With a rise in protective clothing demand, the apparel bifurcation held the largest market share, over 70%, in 2021, and will keep on rising during the forecast period

Transportation sector

The end-user segment includes defense and public safety services, industrial, construction & mining, transportation and others.  The transportation segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period.

Vehicle interiors, ships, trains, and military and civilian aircraft are increasingly lined with fabrics that help prevent a raging fire as regulations tighten worldwide and personnel safety improves, which will propel the growth of the flame-resistant fabric market.

Regional breakdown

The Asia Pacific region witnessed a major share. The expansion of industrial sectors across the region propels the growth of the market. Further, industries will require a large number of workers in the upcoming years, thus resulting in an increase in the need for protective clothing to prevent fire accidents.

Germany’s flame-resistant fabric market size was valued at USD 0.35 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 0.58 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2023 to 2030.
A surge in the transportation industry, in which flame-resistant fabrics are extensively used for a wide range of items related to the industry, propels the growth of the market.

China’s flame-resistant fabric market size was valued at USD 0.36 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 0.60 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2023 to 2030.
As workers’ safety becomes increasingly important across the oil and gas industry, petrochemical industry and chemical industry, in the country, the market for flame-resistant apparel is expected to grow.

Fire-Dex launches NFPA 1951 Certified Technical Rescue Glove

by Featured NewsPPE

Fire-Dex, a fast-growing manufacturer of PPE for first responders, has introduces the Dex-Rescue Glove, the the industry’s first non-structural glove certified to NFPA 1951 (“Standard on Protective Ensembles for Technical Rescue Incidents”).

The new glove is designed to bring wearers the very best in puncture resistance and flash fire protection. The glove is also durable and comfortable meaning it will not melt or ignite due to a flash fire or restricting manual dexterity in critical moments.

Todd Herring, Vice President, Product Innovation and Strategy for Fire-Dex, commented: “There are vast numbers of extrication gloves on the market, but are not certified to NFPA 1951. Our close work with extrication specialists has highlighted protection priorities that are much different for technical rescue than for structural firefighting. We saw this as an opportunity to give emergency responders the specialized protection they deserve.”

Dex-Rescue Gloves meet the industry’s highest standards for cut, abrasion and comfortability while helping wearers maintain a better grip on potentially dangerous situations with enhanced features.

The gloves feature:

  • Pigskin construction for abrasion resistance and breathability in wet and dry conditions
  • Goatskin finger sidewalls to help improve manual dexterity by remaining soft and pliable over time
  • Smart-touch materials making it easy to use mobile devices in the field without removing one’s gloves
  • Rollover fingertips for increased dexterity and gripping power
  • Keystone thumb design permitting a 360° range of motion for added flexibility
  • Dex-Flex fingers that are naturally bent to reduce restriction and hand fatigue.
  • Impact guards providing sturdy knuckle and finger protection from impacts, cuts and punctures

The Dex-Rescue Gloves has been crafted with all types of technical rescue missions in mind for anything from chemical spills to electrical incidents to wildland emergencies.

Visit Firedex.com to see new Dex-Rescue Gloves and more options for top-quality PPE from head to toe.