MSA Safety to showcase cutting edge PPE at the Emergency Services Show

by Breaking NewsEvents

MSA Safety Incorporated, a global leader in firefighter safety equipment and technology, will be demonstrating its full suite of cutting-edge, compatible personal protective equipment (PPE) for the first responder market at the upcoming Emergency Services Show (ESS) in Birmingham this week on 21-22 September. 

The MSA team will demonstrate how its fire protective clothing, helmets, breathing apparatus, advanced communications, and gas detection systems work seamlessly together in range of different applications.

Show attendees will be invited to experience MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform, a new suite of advanced safety technologies that work in concert to significantly improve firefighter monitoring, accountability and communication.  Two key components of the Platform are the LUNAR Connected Device and MSA’s FireGrid software services.

A multifunctional handheld device, LUNAR provides personal thermal imaging and several other innovative features that are designed to enhance firefighter safety and accountability.  The innovations include MSA’s proprietary Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (F.A.S.T.) network, which alerts and guides teammates to downed team members. 

LUNAR also features cloud connectivity providing incident command with an overview of on-scene operations by aggregating data from other MSA devices, such as the M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which was recently selected by the London Fire Brigade as its new respiratory protection system of choice. 

In use, LUNAR can transmit vital SCBA data such as cylinder air pressure, battery status and various alarm indicators. The FireGrid component enables incident commanders to evaluate and manage multiple situations, in real time, and from any location.

Also on show from MSA Safety at the Emergency Services Show

At this year’s ESS, MSA will be introducing several enhancements to these leading-edge technologies, and other innovative products, including:

  • M1 Control Module – LUNAR Compatibility: which leverages the integrated Bluetooth capabilities of the M1 Control Module, cylinder air pressure and other alarm indicators can be aggregated by LUNAR and transmitted to FireGrid to provide incident commanders with real time fireground information.  Additionally, incoming alerts from incident command (such as evacuation requests) can be relayed through LUNAR to the M1 Control Module to alert firefighters to immediately exit the structure.  The M1 Control Module and LUNAR® devices are designed to work together as one system – when paired, LUNAR’s motion alarm capabilities will default to the M1 Control Module to not distract firefighters with have to managing two motion sensing devices.
  • Map View: Leveraging the GPS capability in devices such as LUNAR, incident commanders will now be able to monitor their crew’s location in the FireGrid application.
  • Fotokite Partnership: Tethered drone technology from Fotokite will be on display, featuring its aerial video capabilities that will be integrated into MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform through future development projects to help increase situational awareness.
  • MSA Bristol’s lines of protective clothing: EOS, the structural firefighting kit designed for ultimate particulate protection, and the brand-new Bristol X4, developed to meet the requirements of firefighters in continental Europe, will be on display.  Both lines have been manufactured with the latest high quality fabric combinations from leading fiber and fabric manufacturers such as WL Gore, PBI Performance Products and Hainsworth. Designed to meet the requirements of CEN standard EN469 Level 2, they feature ergonomic shaping and a streamlined fit, reducing bulk and weight, all while maintaining full range of motion.
  • Fire helmets: MSA will be exhibiting a selection of helmets for firefighters, such as the iconic Gallet F1XF, as well as recently developed helmet solutions for a wider range of emergency personnel, including the police and ambulance services.  The Gallet F2XR is a modular and versatile design, with a variety of accessories, that can be adapted for use in a wide range of first responder applications including wildland firefighting, technical rescue, police operations and medical emergencies.

According to Jason Traynor, General Manager of MSA’s Global Fire Service Products, MSA Safety’s presence at ESS will be the biggest and boldest to date.  Traynor said: “It’s exciting to be back at the Emergency Services Show with so much to share and demonstrate to attendees.

“This includes the latest protective clothing designs, a new range of versatile helmets and SCBA tailored specifically to the UK market, and our extensive line of advanced connected solutions – all of which work in concert to enhance firefighter safety.”

He added: “Emergency services personnel face challenges and highly dangerous situations every single day and must be able to put their trust in their protective clothing and equipment.

“At MSA we take our responsibility as a leader and innovator in this field very seriously.  We listen carefully to our customers’ needs and develop solutions that give them confidence to face these challenges, always keeping safety at the heart of what we do.”

During the conference, MSA Safety experts will participate in a panel discussion on Technology Innovation and Fire Ground Use.  The event is scheduled for 10.30am on Wednesday 21st September, and will include an interactive LUNAR experience session at 11:00 am on Thursday 22nd September. 

To stay up to date with the latest news from MSA at the Emergency Services Show, visit the MSA Stand D40, visit www.msasafety.com or follow MSA Fire’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages. 

Market Analysis: Personal Protective Equipment

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPPEProducts
International Fire and Safety Journal analyses the current state of the firefighter protective clothing market

A s the challenges which face firefighting teams day-to-day are changing across the world, the safety of firefighters on the front lines remains a key concern for the industry. The rise of wildfire emergencies in regions where such incidents were rare if non-existent and the recognition by the World Health Organisation of the profession of firefighting as being carcinogenic are driving the firefighter protective clothing market around the world as the industry looks for new and improved ways to protect its first responders.

As the demand to increase the safety of firefighters grows, many manufacturers have been focused on the production of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) with better washability characteristics to limit the decontamination or spread of infection. As wildfires have become more common, manufacturers have been responding by introducing PPE kits that are lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. To encourage the usage of such PPE, next-generation networked PPE is being introduced with better analytical capabilities.

The rising number of fire incidents has resulted in a greater demand for firefighters, which is projected to drive the sales of firefighter PPE in the years ahead. Government mandates are expected to impact the safety of firefighters and create additional growth to this expanding market. As a result, the firefighter PPE market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%, in the long run, to reach a value of US$ 2.2 Billion in 2027, according to a market research report from Stratview Research.

Market segments

Based on the product type, the firefighter PPE market is segmented into apparel or wearable gear and helmets. According to Stratview research, the apparel segment is expected to witness faster growth during the forecast period as it is replaced more frequently compared to helmets. That said, helmets form the dominant segment, accounting for more than half of the market, and are expected to sustain their dominance throughout the forecast period.

In terms of regional demand, North America is expected to remain the largest market for firefighter PPE during the forecast period. The USA remains the world’s largest market for firefighter safety equipment, supported by a huge expenditure of the country on firefighter safety equipment.

Europe is also likely to create sizeable opportunities in the coming five years and is also estimated to remain the second-largest market by 2027. Meanwhile, the Asia[1]Pacific region is estimated to remain the fastest-growing market in the years to come, propelled by China, India, and Japan.

Regional forecast

With the increase in the global population and urbanisation, the demand for firefighting PPE is also increasing. On a regional basis, the market is broken down into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.

In North America, the region has a large number of industrial and commercial establishments, which are the major end-users of fire protective clothing. In addition, the presence of stringent government regulations regarding fire safety is also driving the growth of this market in North America.

Latin America has seen an increase in the number of industrial and commercial establishments in recent years which has led to an increased demand for firefighting protective clothing from these sectors. The growing awareness about fire safety is also contributing to the growth of this market in Latin America.

In Europe, the market in is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the years ahead. This can be attributed to the stringent government regulations regarding fire safety in this region. The presence of a large number of industrial and commercial establishments is also driving the growth of this market in Europe. In addition, the increasing presence of wildfires is likely to create a shift towards fire brigades adopting alternative firefighting suits for different scenarios.

Marko de Klein, Executive Sales Manager at MSA Bristol, said that different countries within Europe are facing heightened wildfire scenarios which will factor into the development of firefighter protective clothing.

For the Asia Pacific region, the fire protective clothing market is expected to witness significant growth in the years ahead due to the increasing incidences of fires and other accidents in this region. In addition, the growing awareness about fire safety is also contributing to the growth of this market in the Asia Pacific.

In the Middle East and Africa region, a moderate growth rate is anticipated during the coming years. This can be attributed to the presence of a large number of industrial and commercial establishments in this region. As with all other regions, the growing awareness about fire safety is also contributing to the growth of this market in the region.

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

International Association of Fire Fighters issues statement over turnout gear health risks

by Featured NewsPPEProducts

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) have issued a joint statement advising members of the adverse health risks associated with fire fighter turnout gear.

The statement follows recent studies which show that all three layers of the protective clothing contain Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) chemicals, which have been linked to cancer – the leading cause of fire fighter deaths.

The IAFF and Metro Chiefs have now encouraged members to reduce their exposure to PFAS by limiting use of turnout gear only to emergency responses where its protection is a necessity.

The association pointed out that wearing all PPE and self-contained breathing apparatuses during firefighting, overhaul, and working in smoke remains the best first line of defense to protect from fireground contaminants until PFAS-free alternatives are available.

“This is the challenge of our generation, and if we don’t act, it will be the challenge of our children’s generation,” said IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly.

“We can’t just salute in front of the church and fight for better benefits. We need to combat what’s killing us and I am committed to making sure we do everything we can to extinguish cancer from the fire service. That starts with removing PFAS from our turnout gear and, until PFAS-free options exist, reducing our exposure as best we can.”

Chief Robert Rocha, president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association added: “The health and welfare of our firefighters remains the top priority of the Metro Chiefs.

“In conjunction with the removal of PFAS from Personal Protective Equipment, we encourage all fire service organizations and fire fighters to take the appropriate precautions to reduce and eliminate cancer in the fire service.”

The statement also urged fire fighters not to bring turnout gear into firehouse living areas and to be in the habit of transporting gear in sealed containers or bags not stored in the passenger compartment, to wash hands after handling turnout gear and to clean apparatus cabs regularly and after every fire.

The joint statement concluded: “The International Association of Fire Fighters and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association stand shoulder to shoulder in our combined efforts to rid occupational cancer from the fire service. The time has long passed for occupational cancer to be accepted as “part of the job.” You can do your part, and we urge you to take these steps to reduce your exposure.

“We must raise our collective voices and diligently work toward a day when firefighting gear will not be a source of fire fighter illness.”

DuPont announces Nomex Innovation award winners

by Featured NewsPPEProducts

DuPont Personal Protection has recognised the latest in Nomex design ingenuity during the 2022 Nomex Innovation Awards at Interschutz.

The seventh annual award ceremony was held in Hannover, Germany on 21 June and highlighted collaboration between European Nomex partners and DuPont in developing solutions made with Nomex in applications.

The 2022 Nomex Innovation Awards included four main categories, including a new category, Nomex Xtreme Performance; in addition to Sustainability; Comfort; and Other Innovations. This year’s category applications included structural firefighting and wildland firefighting.

Winners in the structural firefighting category included:

SCANTEX Crossfire, Outer layer built with DuPont Nomex 3DP Plus and DuPont Kevlar. This new outershell solution in the Nomex Xtreme Performance category provides superior durability and comfort; built-in heat and flame resistance; and unmatched mechanical strength.

S-GARD, SWISSGARD 2.0, Outer layer built with DuPont Nomex RSK, Inner layer built with DuPont Nomex Comfort. This garment is optimized for greater mobility and enhanced comfort.

Winners in the wildland firefighting category included:

SIOEN, Oxylus NYO wildland firefighting gear, garment made of a three-layer laminate, built with DuPont Nomex Comfort Ripstop, particulate barrier built with DuPont Nomex Nano, Inner layer built with DuPont Nomex Knit. This solution in the Nomex Xtreme Performance category is the first wildland gear with a particulate barrier to be introduced to the wildland firefighting market.

Heinrich Vorndamme O.H.G., Fire Fox Twin, Outer layer built with DuPont Nomex VRW. This gear is an innovative combination of layers designed to meet the requirements of both wildland firefighting and technical rescue. One layer of this solution can be worn by itself for wildland firefighting; the other layer can be worn by itself for technical rescue; and when both layers are worn together, it is a dual-purpose garment.

Alfons Held, Global Marketing Manager for Emergency Response, DuPont, announced the winners during a recognition ceremony. He said: “The Nomex Innovation Awards spotlight product developments that help make a positive impact on worker safety.

These awards recognize the ongoing commitment to technology, leadership and innovation of our Nomex partners, the power of our joint collaboration and underscores the proven performance of Nomex across a range of applications.”

Read more about the technical aspects of DuPont’s Nomex Xtreme Performance in the latest issue of International Fire and Safety Journal.

Drager wins iF design awards for PSS AirBoss and HPS Safeguard

by Featured NewsProducts

Dräger has been awarded two iF Design Awards for its PSS AirBoss self-contained breathing apparatus and HPS SafeGuard helmet for excellence in their respective idea, form, function, differentiation and impact.

Dräger’s PSS AirBoss achieved its iF Design Award for its ‘high adaptability to the user’s ergonomics, needs and mission, providing the best possible protection and agility in challenging environments’. The judges also reported that it has ‘excellent weight distribution and optimal fit which allow the user to operate freely and fully concentrate on the task at hand’. PSS AirBoss’ communication links, highly-visible decals and integrated lighting were also said to support teamwork and safety. 

The ultra-light Dräger HPS SafeGuard helmet was commended for an ‘innovative design that combines optimal protection with the highest levels of wearing comfort’. It was also praised for the design’s ‘optimal operability’ even in the most challenging of environments, and ‘excellent ergonomics’. Overall, the judges reported that its ‘sporty look, lightweight and tailor-made accessories make the helmet a real all-rounder for any challenge’.

Elizabeth Millward, Marketing Manager at Dräger Safety UK, says the awards are a testament to years of development: “The research and development and design process happens in conjunction with fire services, industry, medical and educational organisations to ensure that our safety products and systems deliver the utmost in safety – crucially – whilst also providing user comfort for a wide variety of heights, weights and body forms. We’re immensely pleased to have been recognised in such a prestigious international awards’ scheme.”

The iF Design Awards are recognised as a symbol of design excellence around the world, with this year’s entries coming from a total of 49 countries. Each entry is scored during a three-day process where submissions are evaluated, discussed and scored in the Wilhelm Hallen exhibition space in Berlin by 75 international design experts.

MSA Safety launches new line of Firefighter Protective Clothing

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPPEProducts

MSA Safety Incorporated, a global leader in firefighter safety equipment and technology, today marked the opening of Interschutz 2022 with the unveiling of a new line of firefighter protective clothing (FPC) that is specifically designed to meet the needs of firefighters in Germany, the Netherlands and across continental Europe, offering enhanced comfort and compatibility with MSA’s advanced safety equipment and solutions. 

MSA Bristol X4 is the new line of FPC integrates MSA Bristol’s expertise in creating high-performance protective clothing with MSA’s market-leading experience in firefighting technologies and connected solutions. 

The result is a range of new FPC options that are designed to provide enhanced comfort, ergonomics and full compatibility with MSA’s suite of firefighter equipment, from helmets and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), to the very latest in monitoring accountability and communication devices. 

“The development of the MSA Bristol X4 line represents a great new addition to the MSA portfolio of innovative safety solutions for firefighters,” said Bob Leenen, President of MSA’s International Business Segment. “We’re excited to be back at Interschutz because we will be able to demonstrate how the new X4 line of FPC integrates with other MSA products to provide additional capabilities for use in extreme environments.”

Working seamlessly with the company’s Gallet F1XF structural helmet and the M1 SCBA, both of which are widely used among fire services across continental Europe, the MSA Bristol X4 has been created with input from hundreds of firefighters in Germany and the Netherlands to deliver a solution designed for these specific markets.

As an example, the German fire service market requires an Integrated Harness System and Drag Rescue Device.  To meet this need, the X4’s Integrated Harness System offers added safety when working at heights.  The X4 jacket features an integral belt, lanyard and carabiner that can be easily accessed via a pocket and flap.  The Drag Rescue Device, accessed from the upper back of the jacket and via a pocket near the knee, can be used to carry or pull a downed firefighter to safety in an emergency. 

In the Netherlands, firefighters expressed the need for stronger kneepads for comfort when crawling or operating in confined spaces, and special reflective elements for additional visibility.  To address this customer preference, MSA Bristol designers incorporated ergonomic shaping and a streamlined fit, reducing bulk and weight, all while maintaining full range of motion.

Jason Traynor, General Manager of MSA’s Global Fire Service Products, noted that with the launch of the new X4 line, MSA is now able to provide a full line of fire service products  to firefighters Germany, the Netherlands and throughout continental Europe. He said: “We will continue to listen to the needs of our customers and develop the innovative products and solutions they want – and need.”  

The X4 line is manufactured with the latest high quality fabric combinations from leading fiber and fabric manufacturers, including WL Gore, PBI Performance Products and Hainsworth.  The line has been designed to meet the requirements of CEN standard EN469 Level 2, is available in a wide range of color combinations to suit regional preferences, and can be customized with a selection of optional pockets and loops to accommodate specific equipment. 

Connected Firefighter Platform

At INTERSCHUTZ, MSA Safety is also showcasing its Connected Firefighter Platform – a suite of advanced safety technologies that work in concert to significantly improve firefighter monitoring, accountability and communication. Two key components of the Connected Firefighter Platform are the LUNAR Connected Device and MSA’s FireGrid software services.

A multifunctional handheld device, LUNAR provides personal thermal imaging and several other innovative features that are designed to enhance firefighter safety and accountability.  These innovations include MSA’s proprietary Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (F.A.S.T.) network, which alerts and guides teammates to downed team members. 

In addition, cloud connectivity provides incident command with an overview of on-scene operations by aggregating data from other MSA devices, such as the M1 breathing apparatus.  In use, it can transmit key self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) information such as cylinder air pressure, battery status and various alarm indicators. FireGrid gives incident commanders the ability to evaluate and manage multiple situations in real time and from any location.

Finally, at this year’s show, MSA is previewing several enhancements to some of its leading-edge technologies:

M1 Control Module – LUNAR Compatibility: Leveraging the integrated Bluetooth capabilities of the M1 Control Module, cylinder air pressure and other alarm indicators can be aggregated by LUNAR and transmitted to FireGrid to provide incident commanders with real time fireground information.  Additionally, incoming alerts from incident command (such as evacuation requests) can be relayed through LUNAR to the M1 Control Module to alert firefighters to immediately exit the structure.  The M1 Control Module and LUNAR devices are designed to work together as one system – when paired, LUNAR’s motion alarm capabilities will default to the M1 Control Module to not distract firefighters with have to managing two motion sensing devices.

Map View: Leveraging the GPS capability in devices such as LUNAR, incident commanders will now be able to monitor their crew’s location in the FireGrid application.

Fotokite Partnership: Tethered drone technology from Fotokite will be on display, featuring its aerial video capabilities that will be integrated into MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform through future development projects to help increase situational awareness.

“Firefighting is a challenging profession, requiring courage and composure in the face of highly dangerous situations,” Mr. Traynor said. “To operate effectively, firefighters must have confidence in themselves, in their crew and in their safety equipment. At MSA we pride ourselves on listening to the needs of firefighters on the ground, and providing them with innovative solutions and technologies, so that when they arrive at an incident they know we have them covered.” 

MSA is at Interschutz in Hall 14, Booth H20 or visit www.MSAsafety.com/Interschutz. 

Read IFSJ’s exclusive interview with Jason Traynor, General Manager at MSA from our latest issue.

Bollé Safety launches protective eyewear for first responders

by Featured NewsProducts

In a strategic move, protective eyewear manufacturer Bollé Safety has created a new division dedicated to the tactical market: Bollé Safety Standard Issue. The company is set to present its complete product range adapted to different professions, including first responders and special forces, at Eurostory’s trade show being held in Paris this month.

Bollé Safety has focused its expertise on the development of ballistic glasses and goggles in order to provide first responders and tactical interveners with the eye protection, designed to counter all risks related to the eyes in dangerous situations.

Among the key features of Bollé Safety Standard Issue range is the brand’s Platinum anti-fog and anti-scratch coating, which gives the lens resistance even in the most extreme environments. The coating is applied on both sides of the lens to provide maximum protection for the eyes and ensure clear vision in all conditions. In addition, all lenses are made of polycarbonate, a material of choice for safety glasses because of its resistance to scratches and impact.

The manufacturer has developed a range of sic protective glasses which, depending on the lenses, are suitable for various uses, including smoke lenses which are better at filtering UVA and UVB (99.9%), recommended for professionals who often work outdoors, clear lenses for use indoors and offer a 90% visible light transmission rate, and copper lenses which are suited for all activities requiring alternating exposure to high and low light.

The complete range of protective eyewear is designed for tactical and first responders environments and complies with international safety standards such as ANSI, AS/NZS and the current European standard for eye protection EN166. Each Bollé Safety Standard Issue product is tested and certified by independent laboratories to ensure impeccable quality.

Peter Smith, CEO of Bollé Safety, commented: “With the Bollé Safety Standard Issue brand, our priority is to develop ballistic glasses and goggles that combine comfort, style and protection allowing these professionals to concentrate on their high-risk jobs.”

Arc Flash: Quantifying the Arc rating of a protective garment

by Passive

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed a series of International Standards for clothing to protect against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. The clothing is intended to be used for electro technical work where there may be an electric arc hazard. These standards do not address electric shock hazards, and are not suitable for electric shock protection unless used in combination with other standards. They also do not address the effects of noise, UV emissions, air pressure, shrapnel, hot oil, the consequences of physical and mental shock or toxic influences of an electric arc.

The following test procedures are available for electric arc testing: procedures according to standards:

1) IEC 61482-1 “Open Arc Test Method”
The arc rating is most commonly quantified by the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) determined by the open arc test method IEC 61482-1. This test method is currently being revised to IEC 61482-1-1/CDV. The ATPV represents the maximum incident thermal energy in units of energy per surface area (e.g. kJ/m2 or cal/cm²) that a fabric can support before the wearer will suffer 2nd degree burns.

The break-open threshold energy (or EBT) is another fabric characteristic. It represents the highest incident energy exposure value on a fabric where the garments do not exhibit break-open. The formation of holes in the fabric caused by break-open would allow heat or flames to pass through. Workers are assumed safe if the arc rating of their clothing (or ATPV value) exceeds the electric arc incident energy as calculated in the worst case scenario of a risk assessment.

Materials or assemblies are given an ATPV value, expressed in kilojoules per square metre (kJ/m2), which can be converted into the familiar cal/cm2.

2) IEC 61482-1-2 “Box Test”

The box test is another way to measure the protective performance of clothing against the thermal effects of an electric arc, and is defined in the IEC 61482-1-2 test method. In this test, the fabric is exposed to an electric arc confined in a specific box with a specific electrode arrangement.

A fabric passes the test:
• If the heat transferred behind the fabric does not cause second degree burn (i.e. is below the Stoll curve)
• If the after flame time is below 5 seconds
• If there is no melting to the inner side of the fabric
• If a hole caused by the arc is not larger than 5 mm in every direction (in the inner most layer)

Test conditions for Class 1 try to simulate typical exposure conditions for a short circuit current of 4 kA protected by devices limiting the duration of the arc to 0.5 seconds in confined space, and of 7 kA respectively for Class 2.

It is the opinion of UK technical committee PEL/78 that the “box test” does not provide the user with a realistic and reliable test.  A premise of this test is that the fault currents will not exceed 4000 A or 7000 A and the worker will not be closer than the specified distance from the arc (in reality this cannot be guaranteed).

The energy on the worker’s body is directly proportional to the length of the arc, the current and the duration of the arc.  For example, if a worker positioned at 60cm from the arc and is exposed to 4 cal/cm2 at 30cm from the arc the energy will be approximately16 cal/cm2.  Experience in the field has shown that hazards can range in strength starting from 3 or 4 cal/cm2 to levels higher than 40 cal/cm2.

UK technical committee PEL/78 believes that open arc test will provide the best way to determine whether a particular material will provide the best protection for the worker for any given job.

IEC 61482-2/CDV – Performance Requirements For Garments

Flame resistant garments are CE marked to the above standard.  This standard contains performance specifications for protective clothing tested according to either “open arc” or “arc in a box”.

The standard requires the following:

  • A single layer garment having a minimum of ATPV = 4 cal/cm2 (167.5 kJ/m²) when test to the open arc test method or Class 1 when tested to the box test method;
  • Garments must be sewn with Inherently Flame Resistant threads;
  • When garments have a higher rating of arc protection on the front than the back,  the torso, sleeves and legs must be in the same arc rated material the back can have a lower arc rating;
  • Garments must have no exposed external metal (any internal metal or melting parts are to be covered inside to avoid contact with the skin);
  • The garment label will show the lowest ATPV or Class if different panels on the garment are used;
  • The double triangle symbol will be on the label with the ATPV and/or Class underneath it;
  • Upper (ie. torso) garments only will be visually tested to the IEC Open Arc or Box test and the fastenings are to still perform after the arc test;
  • Additional User Information will be provided to include that no undergarments which melt under arc exposure are to be worn and that other PPE should be worn for full body protection (e.g. helmets and gloves).

www.arcflashprotection.co.uk/

DuPont provides nearly five million coveralls to COVID-19 frontline workers

by Projects

DuPont has signed a contract with the European Commission and EU countries, opening the door for countries to place orders for the delivery of millions of Tyvek® hooded coveralls to COVID-19 frontline workers across Europe. The contract allows for over 4.9 million coveralls over the next 12 months to be delivered to key workers.

One of the products offered is Tyvek® 500 Xpert, category III, Type 5-B and 6-B coverall, which is designed to protect wearers against biohazards as well as liquid and particulate threats. Featuring stitched external seams, elasticated wrists, ankles, and face, it is ideally suited to protect workers in healthcare and other frontline occupations from contamination by droplets, while also providing optimal ease of movement and comfortable wear.

Alternatively, if the delivery of the products is time-critical, instead of Tyvek® 500 Xpert, member states can also opt to receive another type of DuPont™ Tyvek® garment that offers similar performance and may be more readily available.

In total, the contract entitles the participating countries to order more than 8 million garments over a period of 12 months from DuPont, if demand persists and production processes allow. Since being signed in early May, the contract currently allows procurement from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, and Slovakia.

Since March, DuPont has increased its production volume and shortened its supply chain to optimize the manufacturing capacity in response to the global crisis. It has also donated 50,000 Tyvek® coveralls to help protect healthcare workers in some of the worst affected countries in Europe. The company has many years of experience in supplying protective garments during viral outbreaks, and some of its Tyvek® and Tychem® hooded coveralls have been successfully used by frontline workers during past epidemics, including Ebola and Bird Flu.

“It is vital that healthcare workers have access to PPE that they can rely on so that they can turn their full attention to the task in hand,” said Albrecht Gerland, Product Manager for DuPont Personal Protection in Europe.

”We are proud to play a part in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. As we manufacture both the fabric as well as the actual coveralls, we are well-placed to quickly respond to the current demand without disrupting the supply to our existing customers.

“This contract will bring our proven DuPont™ Tyvek® technology to those most in need, and we will continue to work tirelessly to meet the European Commission’s requirements in this evolving situation.”

For more information on DuPont, visit dpp.dupont.com.

Bristol Uniforms releases new stock styles for structural PPE

by Products

Bristol Uniforms’ new stock styles for structural PPE are proving popular with fire and rescue services around the world, with orders received from Malaysia to Germany to Saudi Arabia, and many customers already putting their new kit through its paces.

Launched at the end of last year, the three stock styles (XFlex, Ergotech Action CEN and Ergotech Action NFPA) are particularly suited to international customers since they adhere to a variety of international standards and offer a cost-effective means of obtaining excellent quality PPE.

As the kit is ready-made, customers benefit from swift delivery times, while each coat can still be personalised by adding a heat-sealed patch to the back. Firefighters at Shannon Airport in Ireland were in need of a PPE upgrade and arranged a competitive tender.

According to Brian Casey, Airport Police & Fire Service Training Manager at the Airport, the XFlex stock kit was the clear frontrunner. He commented, “XFlex is good value and certainly offered the best quality. It was also recommended to me by others in the industry.”

Brian Casey’s team ordered 73 sets of XFlex stock PPE from Fireguard, Bristol Uniforms’ distributor in Eire

Brian Casey’s team ordered 73 sets of XFlex stock PPE from Fireguard, Bristol Uniforms’ distributor in Eire. The new kit was delivered in May. He continues, “The Bristol Uniforms stock kit is by far the best kit we’ve ever had. I can honestly say we’ve had no issues whatsoever with any of the items we received. They fit very well and are comfortable to wear. My crew is really pleased with them.”

Other satisfied customers include Kettershausen Fire Brigade and the Verallia Glass Factory in Germany, who recently received their stock XFlex PPE.

Uwe Raschel is the Owner of Fritz Raschel Feuerschutz GmbH, Bristol Uniforms’ distributor in Germany. He comments, “Both customers are fairly small fire services with a limited number of firefighters. They were impressed by the quality of the kit, but also particularly keen on the swift availability.”

The XFlex design is based on Bristol’s flagship XFlex structural firefighting range, providing excellent range of movement and breathability. It is certified to CEN standard EN469 Level 2.

The two Ergotech Action stock styles have been adapted for different certifying bodies. One adheres to the CEN standard EN469 Level 2, featuring a navy Hainsworth TITAN1220 outer layer and a Gore Crosstech Fireblocker moisture barrier. The second conforms to NFPA 1971:2018 and comes in a Desert Tan color, with box bellow pockets on both the coat and trousers.

Interest in the stock styles continues from all corners of the globe, with orders for Ergotech Action EN469 PPE received from customers in Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. The Ergotech Action EN469 kit was also recently delivered to Kennelbach, Rothis and Riefensberg fire brigades in Austria, and to the Petronas oil and gas company in Malaysia.

www.bristoluniforms.com/