MSA Bristol: Protecting those who protect us

by Breaking NewsPPE

Adele Harris, MSA UK Bristol Service Manager discusses the Company’s role in helping to promote firefighter safety through care and maintenance of fire protective clothing

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the operations of MSA Bristol Managed Services, part of MSA Safety Services & Solutions, and explore the role the team plays in helping to keep first responders safe through the care and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and fire protective clothing (FPC).

Speaking with Adele Harris, MSA UK Bristol Service Manager, we uncover the dedication and expertise that drive this important service.

Adele Harris has been with the business for seven years, managing three service centres primarily based in Bristol.

Her customer-facing role involves interfacing with both Pay as You Go and Fully Managed Service customers, ensuring their needs are met with precision and care.

MSA Bristol’s Fully Managed Service is an end-to-end solution spanning the life of a contract.

Their services may include washing, repairing and replacing garments, along with providing a Help Desk team dedicated to responding to firefighters’ queries and handling laundry logistics.

With three service centres in the UK, MSA Bristol cares for thousands of firefighters across the UK, processing and repairing tens of thousands of items annually.

This interview delves into the processes and unwavering commitment that contributes to the operational safety and readiness of first responders.

Can you provide an overview of MSA Bristol Managed Services and the significance of your work?

Our Fully Managed Service is an end-to-end solution for customers over the life of their contract.

During this period, we perform services such as washing, repairing and replacing garments.

We may also offer a Help Desk team dedicated to responding to firefighters’ questions and queries, including new recruits and training logistics.

Additionally, we handle laundry logistics and provide the service of a two-hour emergency response.

These are some of the available benefits of our managed service contract.

Can you talk about the managed services model and its operational scale?

We have three service centres serving 23 managed service customers and a similar number of Pay as You Go customers.

We have 113 employees and care for about 50,000 firefighters in the UK.

Annually, these centres wash approximately 361,000 garments and repair around 71,000 items.

Can you describe the typical cycle for caring for fire protective clothing and what processes are involved?

We operate a seven-day turnaround.

For example, if we collect your laundry on a Tuesday, it will be returned clean the following Tuesday.

The primary objective of all our service centres is this seven-day cycle.

The Fully Managed Service generates other benefits such as returning laundry to the firefighters’ home station regardless of where it entered laundry and RFID traceability throughout the wash process.

During the seven-day process, we’re collecting, washing, drying, inspecting, repairing and delivering gear to the fire stations.

What specific services do your teams provide at the service centres?

We have a team that responds to our Help Desks, handling various activities.

These include sizing new recruits, addressing queries related to laundry or equipment and managing changes when firefighters get promoted or change locations.

In addition, we issue all new recruits with a complete ensemble of PPE, ready for their start date, and monitor the return of equipment from departing staff.

Our commitment is to do our part to keep the fire service operational at all times.

Whatever the challenge, we endeavour to find a solution, frequently within a two-hour window, for example.

Since we manage their entire FPC and PPE contract, it’s our goal to keep this gear operational.

This could mean repairing a helmet, providing replacement FPC and PPE, or resolving issues sometimes caused by the users themselves.

It’s our ability to find solutions and reduce or minimise operational downtime that makes this an outstanding service for our customers.

What are some of the benefits of having all services done in-house at MSA Bristol?

One important reason lies in our mission to help protect firefighters.

We are a purpose-driven organisation and that shared mission and our values make us act as a team.

We help to ensure that firefighters are operational and can protect our communities daily.

Everyone in our organisation understands this mission and performs their part of the chain to the highest standards.

Secondly, there are synergies from being both the manufacturer and the service provider for these garments.

Our associates repair garments daily so they are familiar with their structure and assembly, ensuring they are returned fit for purpose again.

This creates a feedback loop where we learn from how our garments behave over their lifecycle, typically seven to eight years.

Our design teams can then use this feedback for future product development.

Finally, having everything in-house means we have control and traceability throughout the entire process.

We have insights into what has happened to every garment over its lifecycle and where it is at any moment in our process.

This end-to-end oversight allows us to achieve high service levels, maintain quality and ensure timely delivery to customers.

We can also ramp up operations quickly in response to unique situations or large incidents because we have all functions in-house.

Those are just some of the benefits of keeping everything in-house.

When washing and repairing, how do your associates ensure the safety and longevity of the gear?

We use specific wash programs for certain types of contaminants.

When we inspect a garment, we have approximately 17 checkpoints, encompassing fabric layers, reflective tape, pockets, trims and fastenings on the garment.

When we repair a Bristol garment, we are able to use the same machinery, components, threads and fabric as in its original manufacture.

Over time, we’ve developed intensive repair routines based on years of experience and proven results.

Additionally, every garment is personally signed off by the inspector and the repairer.

In recent years, what growth and investments have been made in the Bristol Managed Services division?

Two major investments stand out.

One is in Scotland, where we opened a service entity in Livingston in the second half of 2021.

Its purpose is to provide service levels and commitments to one of the largest fire and rescue services in the world, which is in that region.

This year, another major investment occurred in our service centre in Bristol, where we undertook a full-scale modernisation.

We’ve introduced new cleaning and drying equipment and implemented an automatic railing system that feeds through the different process steps, from washing to the logistics process back to the customer.

This system uses RFID technology to increase efficiency and improve traceability throughout the process.

This modernisation has brought some pretty exciting changes for us.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Survitec Suitxchange removes compliance burdens and reduces port delays

by Health and SafetyPorts & MaritimeProductsSafety

Global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec has introduced a new rental and exchange service to ensure ship operators always have fully serviced and certified immersion suits onboard.

SuitXChange offers two immersion suits from its world-leading brands, Hansen Protection and Crewsaver. It is a fast exchange service designed to remove the administrative, financial, and operational challenges ship managers face awaiting the return of serviced suits during scheduled port visits.

The development, which provides a more timely and sustainable solution for immersion suit servicing, follows the success of Survitec’s RaftXChange service. When Survitec introduced the world’s first global Liferaft exchange programme in 2008, the industry quickly saw the benefits of quick port turnaround, controlled compliance, and lower capital costs.

Metkel Yohannes, Survitec’s Director of Service and Rental Solutions, said: “By opting for a rental and exchange agreement, no capital investment is required. The prices are fixed, meaning our customers will never be hit with unforeseen costs, allowing them to plan and budget more accurately”.

Under Survitec’s new SuitXChange programme, immersion suits due for certification can be replaced with newly serviced, fully certified suits of the same type, which are ready for exchange as soon as the vessel enters port, supporting customer calls for shorter port stays. The logistics required to service suits are reduced, so less transportation is needed, resulting in a more environmentally sustainable operation. The service facilitates overall cost reduction and better management through fixed annual charges. At the same time, Survitec’s team of highly skilled technicians ensure immersion suits are always compliant with the regulations.

Survitec implemented an eight-month SuitXChange pilot programme to gain insight from its customers. The research helped the company tailor the service to ship managers’ requirements before launching to the market.

“Ship managers often tell us they struggle to get their suits serviced in time, having to rent or buy additional suits to prevent port delays. And then had to pay for those suits being serviced to be shipped to their next location for pickup. With SuitXChange, ship managers no longer need to worry about ensuring they have compliant suits and in-date certificates. We take care of it all”, said Survitec’s Product Category Manager, Alex Scollins.

Ship managers who have already signed a Survitec rental agreement say SuitXChange negates any immersion suit capital expenditure and can reduce the time their vessel spends in port. SuitXChange also eliminates the administrative burden of due-date management, tracking, managing, and ensuring that all associated tasks are completed. Under the agreement, Survitec will fulfil all related tasks.

Since different immersion suits have different service intervals, Survitec offers its Crewsaver Endurance immersion suit for a six-year rental period, with exchanges taking place every three years.

The enhanced SuitXChange+ program offers the premium Hansen Protection SeaEco+ immersion suit, certified for use without a lifejacket.

Both offer fully tested, certified, and SOLAS-compliant immersion suits for a fixed annual rental fee. It is a mandatory requirement under SOLAS regulation III/32 (as amended by resolution MSC.152(78) that all persons on board merchant ships have an immersion suit regularly serviced and certified to prolong the in-water life of each crew member following ship abandonment ship.

“We offer a straightforward administration approach with a key account manager backed up by an experienced global customer service team. We facilitate all the preparation and logistics of the immersion suit exchange, delivering peace of mind.

“We have the largest, most comprehensive service network worldwide, so we can guarantee that immersion suits are replaced with newly serviced, fully certified suits of the same type at all the major maritime hubs,” said Yohannes.

Burlington Uniforms to unveil first own brand range at The Emergency Services Show 2024

by PPE

Leading uniform provider, Burlington Uniforms will be unveiling an own brand launch at The Emergency Services Show (18-19 September at NEC, Birmingham).  The Burlington Technical Range is the first clothing collection to be produced under the Burlington Uniforms brand and features 12 specialist garments.

The range comprises tactical flex trousers, a polo shirt, ¼ zip top and a shirt, each available in elite, premium, and performance options.

Display garments will feature on stand 5/E162 with additional items available for handling and closer inspection.  Swing tags will detail the product specification, features and benefits. 

Exceptional standards

Burlington Uniforms has harnessed more than 49 years’ experience in developing and curating bespoke garments and wardrobes for its emergency services and blue light clients, plus its knowledge of mass production, customisation and personalisation to produce this high-performance range. 

Each garment is designed so that the specification can be adjusted to meet certain requirements and various price points.  This capsule range showcases the exceptionally high spec to which these items can be produced.  For example, the elite and premium options use durable Cordura fabric and revolutionary odour absorbing fabric, Odegon.

Feedback for further development

Throughout the event Burlington Uniforms will be encouraging visitors to stand 5/E162 to offer honest and meaningful feedback on the specialist range.  The Emergency Services Show presents a unique opportunity for delegates to influence further product development.

Underpinned by outstanding customer service

The Burlington Uniforms team will also be on-hand with guidance and advice, and to explain the company’s extraordinary approach to customer care, including its fully managed service, innovative Wardrobe Management System, bespoke clothing and personalisation offers. 

These services set Burlington Uniforms apart from ordinary uniform providers.  Coupled with the new Burlington Technical Range, stand 5/E162 is a must-visit for buyers and procurement teams working in the emergency services and blue light industries.

Visitors to the stand will also be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of safety boots.

To find out more about Burlington Uniforms please visit our webhttps://www.burlington-uniforms.co.uk/site.  To arrange a meeting at The Emergency Services Show, please call 0208 443 6920.  In the meantime, stay up to date through social media, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

The evolution of safety footwear standards

by Breaking NewsPPE

Burlington Uniforms‘ General Manager, Tristan Weedon, discusses the evolution of safety footwear standards and their impact on workplace safety and worker wellbeing

One crucial piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is often underestimated: safety footwear.

Safety footwear acts as a shield against hazards, including impact, punctures, slips and falls, electrical hazards, chemical spills and extreme temperatures.

Steel toes or composite caps absorb the brunt of falling objects, preventing crushed or broken toes.

Thick, puncture-resistant soles protect feet from sharp objects like nails, screws, or metal shards, minimising the risk of painful puncture wounds and potential infections.

Slippery surfaces are a major cause of workplace accidents.

Safety footwear incorporates slip-resistant treads that provide superior traction, reducing the likelihood of a fall and associated injuries.

In environments with exposed electrical wiring or potential for static discharge, specialist non-conductive footwear can safeguard against electrical shocks.

Specific safety boots offer protection from chemical splashes or spills, preventing burns and skin irritation.

Meanwhile extreme temperatures can be hazardous for feet.

Insulated boots can regulate temperature, keeping feet comfortable and preventing burns or frostbite.

Selecting safety footwear – the basics

Procurement teams musts consider several key factors when buying safety footwear – the work environment, tasks performed and comfort.

Safety footwear shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort regardless of the occupation or setting.

Ill-fitting or uncomfortable footwear can lead to fatigue, decreased productivity and even an increased risk of accidents.

 In its Health & Safety at Work guidance – Working feet and footwear document, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) state: ‘Wherever special footwear is provided the employer must make sure that it fits properly and should allow the toes wiggle room (around 1cm gap between the longest toe and the end of the shoe)…’

Critical provision

Of course, there are certain professions, such as firefighting, where safety footwear is critical. For UK firefighters, every second counts.

Whether they’re responding to a late-night blaze or undergoing rigorous training exercises, comfort and safety are paramount.

There are varying degrees of fire safety footwear, from general station wear to specialist firefighting footwear, each must comply with the associated standards.

Station wear

Station boots are the workhorses of a firefighter’s station wear, providing vital support and protection throughout the day. Durability is key.

They need to withstand the rigours of daily use, from navigating uneven surfaces in the station yard to tackling demanding training drills.

But durability doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.

Firefighters often spend long hours on their feet, so station boots are designed to be comfortable for extended wear, preventing fatigue and ensuring readiness for an emergency call-out.

Historically, brigades have opted for EN ISO 20347 compliant occupational footwear, ensuring long-term wearability and support.

However, more recently and as risk assessments identify new hazards, buyers are switching over to EN ISO 20345.

Navigating EN ISO 20345:2011 to EN ISO 20345:2022

The standard is currently in transition from EN ISO 20345:2011 to EN ISO 20345:2022.

For manufacturers, the ability to continue production under valid EN ISO 20345:2011 certificates until 11th November 2024.

After this date, all existing certificates will expire at their designated date, at which time, safety footwear must be re-tested and certified against the updated requirements of EN ISO 20345:2022.

Notable changes

Most of the basic requirements remain the same for EN ISO 20345:2011 and EN ISO 20345:2022.

However, EN ISO 20345:2022 does includes some key changes, most notably – slip resistance.

The slip resistance testing procedure has been improved.

Previously, slip resistance could be checked against any part of the sole, now it must be tested specifically on the heel (heel strike area) and at the toes (push-off point), the two critical points where there is minimal contact with the ground.

All tests (SRA, SRB and SRC) and their associated markings are no longer used.

Instead, all appropriate safety shoes must demonstrate basic slip resistance.

Additional requirements

There are now also 18 potential additional requirements for occupational footwear, including six new ones – PL and PS under Perforation resistance; a new standalone additional test for Ladder Grip (LG); a new standard for Fuel oil resistance which now includes resistance to hydrocarbons (FO); a new SC marking for Scuff cap; and the old WRA marking for Water resistance has been replaced by WPA and a more stringent WR (water resistant) mark.

Protection levels

Under the 2011 standard, the protection levels were divided into six class: SB, S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5.

Under the new standard, there are now eight main protection classes with the addition of S6 and S7.

These replace S2 with Water Resistant Upper, now S6 and S3 with Water Resistant Upper, now S7 and are used to indicate those with higher water resistance properties in line with the new WR certification.

The class codes may also be followed by P, L (or PL) and S (or PS) to indicate additional perforation resistance in line with the P, PL and PS certifications.

Firefighters – Structural

UK firefighters need boots that can withstand intense heat, treacherous terrain and exposure to water, while still providing the flexibility and support for long hours on their feet.

Firefighter Structural boots prioritise heat and flame resistance through EN 15090.

EN 15090:2012 specifies the minimum requirements and test methods for the performance of three types of footwear used by firefighters for fire suppression, general-purpose rescue, fire rescue and emergencies involving hazardous materials.

These are classified as Class 1: footwear made from leather and other materials, excluding all-rubber or all-polymeric footwear and Class 2: all rubber (i.e., entirely vulcanised), all polymeric (manufactured in one piece) and hybrid footwear (polymeric) footwear with another material that extends the upper.

Ultimate protection

There are certain conditions which demand specialist kit, such as a High Volume Pump (HPV) shout and a Technical Rescue.

Both combine the safety features of EN ISO 20345 and EN 15090 to create a high performance boot.

In fact, there are an increasing number of boots tested to EN ISO 20345:2022 along with EN 15090.

This covers much more stringent safety checks on slip resistance, waterproofing, puncture protection etc.

Specialist Technical Rescue boots also often use additional safety features for protection against electrocution during live work or in proximity of live parts of plants up to 36000 V AC or 25000 V DC (EN 50321) and Chainsaw cut resistance (EN 17249).

Essential element

Safety footwear plays a vital role in UK firefighting, ensuring comfort, durability and protection throughout long shifts and in demanding conditions.

It’s an essential element of a healthy, productive and ultimately, successful work environment.

By prioritising appropriate footwear, employers can safeguard their workers physical wellbeing, reduce mental stress, create a culture of safety and peace of mind and help minimise the risk of accidents and the financial burden associated with workplace injury.

About Burlington Uniforms

Burlington Uniforms has a reputation as one of the UK’s leading uniform providers.

We focus on delivering innovation and excellence in line with our values, supplying exceptional uniforms, workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) to a diverse clientele.

Established in 1974 as a Savile Row tailor by Anthony Hewitt, we are proud of our family roots, which provide the foundation for the friendly and attentive approach which runs throughout the business.

We provide an outstanding customer experience through unparalleled customer care and our hassle-free uniform supply service – offering sizing, customisation, branding and stock holding.

This is complemented by our innovative Wardrobe Management System which empowers clients to address their staff uniform requirements remotely and with ease.

A trusted and dedicated specialist supplier, we support some of the UK’s most prestigious brands, businesses and service providers, in both the public and private sector, offering a unique blend of personalised service and cutting-edge products.

You can reach us at 0208 443 6920, via email at sales@burlington-uniforms.co.uk, or visit our website at www.burlington-uniforms.co.uk.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Safe in every scenario with MSA

by Breaking NewsPPE

Aurelie Favre, Senior Marketing Manager presents MSA Safety’s range of protective gear and technology innovations designed to enhance firefighter safety and efficiency

How is MSA Safety helping firefighters navigate daily challenges?

MSA Safety has a range of solutions to help keep firefighters protected and connected at the fire scene, as well as providing firefighters with tools to simplify compliance and easily access data to help make their jobs easier and ensuring they’re prepared and ready to respond.

Firefighters face a multitude of unpredictable scenarios, ranging from technical rescue missions to wildland firefighting, and in the realm of emergency response, adaptability is an important factor.

Having the appropriate protective gear and technology to suit a given situation can make a difference.

We’re helping firefighters operate safer with new solutions and products that leverage technology and data to help products last longer, perform optimally, and bring awareness to their behaviors.

We’re looking forward to the Emergency Services Show and showcasing our industry-leading solutions including personal protective equipment, like MSA Bristol fire protective clothing, MSA GALLET® Fire Helmets, our M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and MSA FireGrid software.

We have the solutions to help firefighters and brigades navigate their challenges through our ecosystem of fire service products.

What are the current trends in fire protective clothing and gear?

The role of protective clothing in helping to protect first responders is an area of particular focus.

Firefighters and decision makers should consider selecting PPE based on their agencies anticipated needs and adapting to evolving hazards, not only adherence to current standards.

Structural gear remains critical for most of the fire rescue services, but there are trends showing firefighters are looking for enhancements to their gear when it comes to fabrics.

MSA Bristol offers diverse types of protective clothing for the varied scenarios to which firefighters respond.

Whether fighting structural fires, navigating urban search and rescue missions, or confronting wildfires, each scenario may demand specialised PPE.

At ESS, MSA Safety will have the full line of Bristol fire protective clothing on display, including our newest design, the MSA Bristol Rescue Stretch.

It integrates one of the industry’s latest innovations, the GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric, which is a lightweight fabric, that is flexible, waterproof, wind proof, and has blood-borne pathogen protection.

It also features incidental flame protection, and comes in varying colors, styles and fits.

MSA will also have the Bristol X4 series of fire protective clothing.

This includes the X4 structural fire protective clothing and X4 Wildland™ garment.

The X4 Wildland garment is designed to be worn for longer periods of time in hot environments.

It offers lightweight comfort to help firefighters in situations where wearing a structural suit could be too inefficient.

Additionally, there will be the X4 TRW-Hybrid™ suit, which is designed for the evolving demands of technical rescue teams and wildland firefighters alike.

With a convertible design, it can transition from technical rescue to wildland firefighting applications, offering versatility without compromising on performance.

With removeable features and durable liquid resistance, it helps provide the level of protection needed for diverse emergency scenarios.

 

How does Bristol incorporate customer feedback and requests for more diverse sizing and customizable clothing into their designs?

When it comes to diversity in the fire service, there’s a lot of work that has already been done with fire protective clothing to accommodate the diverse builds of firefighters, with a range of fits that Bristol has offered and continues to offer.

But right now, there’s a need for making it known that there are many options out there to accommodate the needs of firefighters.

It’s about providing firefighters with different choices so they can select what turnout gear fits them best.

Incorporating design features into Bristol fire protective clothing comes in large part from customer feedback.

That customer feedback is imperative to Bristol and how we design and deliver new protective firefighting equipment.

Voice of Customer (VOC) activities are important for Bristol during the product development process, and paying attention to form, fit, and function is an important part of that process.

Can you share how connected technology is helping to advance safety in the fire service?

This is an area MSA has been out of front of for some time.

With our Connected Firefighter Platform, we’re continually working to provide valuable insights to firefighters and fire brigades without adding complexity or getting in the way.

This means having our hardware, like the SCBA and our LUNAR® personal search and rescue device, for example, work seamlessly with our FireGrid software, that provides on-scene incident management and after-incident data and inventory management capabilities.

Having all that work seamlessly and intuitively in the background allows firefighters to focus on their tasks, while receiving critical data quickly to help make informed decision on the fire ground.

Having this level of connectivity also means there is data that fire services have access to.

And that is where we aim to enable fire brigades to leverage their data to perform ongoing maintenance to service their SCBA and help to keep better track of equipment and PPE usage.

Additionally, the data can provide insights into training possibilities and help departments track compliance-related tasks, helping to simplify those processes.

How can connectivity impact on-scene operations and post-incident behaviours?

With the MSA FireGrid software, one of its core functionalities is live incident management.

This means you can monitor live data from the M1 SCBA to help the incident commander make more informed decisions in real time.

As the incident is ongoing, data is being sent to the cloud, being safely stored, and can be used later to analysis of the event or to manage gear and supplies.

For post-incident analytics, using the SCBA as an example, firefighters don’t have to change anything about the way that they’re using their equipment, but because our devices are cloud-connected, all that data is stored in their account in the cloud, and we’re able to utilise that data to provide more insightful analytics and reporting for the customer to better inform things like training or on-scene procedures.

We are continually looking at ways enhance our capabilities to bring innovative solutions to the fire service to help keep firefighters safe and ready to go.

Those attending ESS will have the ability to demo these solutions during their time in Birmingham.

Navigating fire protective clothing in a changing world with MSA Safety

by Breaking NewsPPE

MSA Safety‘s garment design experts explore tailored protection and the importance of material engineering in fire-protective clothing for diverse emergency scenarios

In the face of increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions, the role of protective clothing in helping protect first responders is an area of particular focus.

For example, climate change is bringing unprecedented challenges to the fire ground that can impact firefighters’ preparedness.

Consider whether firefighters and decision-makers should be selecting their PPE based on anticipating and adapting to evolving hazards, not only adherence to current standards.

MSA Safety’s garment design experts highlight some of the pivotal factors to consider when selecting fire-protective clothing.

These factors help keep first responders on the front lines safe and prepared for the challenges ahead.

Application: Tailored Protection To Varied Scenarios

Consider the diverse types of protective clothing for the varied scenarios to which firefighters respond.

Whether fighting structural fires, navigating urban search and rescue missions, or confronting wildfires, each scenario may demand specialised PPE.

The features designed for one environment may not be suited to a different environment.

Understanding their distinctions should guide the selection process of the most appropriate garments for your team.

Take structural firefighting, for example.

Structural firefighting PPE generally conforms to widely used regional standards, such as EN469:2020, Level 2, AS4967:2019 or NFPA 1971:2018.

These garments provide a multi-layered defence comprising of a flame-resistant outer layer, a moisture barrier, and thermal linings.

A holistic design like this helps shield from both heat and direct flame exposure whilst also mitigating the risks associated with water and chemical penetration.

Meanwhile, PPE designed for technical rescue, also known as Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), is becoming common in confined space operations and road traffic accidents.

USAR uses generally call for specific attention to flexibility and durability.

These garments feature a more versatile two-layer construction, combining a flame-retardant outer layer with a waterproof membrane.

Such a combination helps protect against injuries during deployments in collapsed buildings or damaged vehicles and also helps reduce the risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens during interventions in road accidents.

When it comes to wildland firefighting, however, specialised garments are usually specifically engineered with a single layer of the flame-retardant outer shell to withstand the rigours of prolonged exposure to extreme heat and flames.

This can be especially crucial for firefighters who endure extended shifts in dry and hot weather conditions as wildfires become hotter and more frequent worldwide.

Performance And Material: Engineering Resilience

The foundation for truly effective protective clothing is materials engineered to withstand the rigours of firefighting and rescue operations, and the quality of the gear is directly linked to its construction.

Consider whether the firefighters’ clothing is made of materials and fibres that protect against the hazards you anticipate and that have moisture management properties to reduce the accumulation of sweat and heat exhaustion for that application.

Para-aramid, meta-aramid, and polybenzimidazole fibres each offer fabrics a unique blend of strength, thermal stability, and flame resistance.

Fibres such as these not only provide a robust defence but also incorporate moisture management properties, helping to curb heat exhaustion.

Para-aramids are known for their strength and durability, while meta-aramids are preferred for their thermal stability and high-temperature resistance.

Polybenzimidazole is known for its excellent resistance to flame and heat, making it another excellent choice for fire protective clothing.

Comfort: Balancing Protection With Wearability

Comfort on the fire ground is not a luxury—it can be an essential component of safety and effectiveness.

Consider whether the demands of your fire and rescue work warrant gear that both protects and enhances performance.

Balancing protection with wearability encompasses a range of factors, from sweat management to ergonomic design.

Selecting ill-fitting PPE that’s too small or tight can impede mobility and compromise thermal insulation.

By adopting ergonomic designs and ensuring a correct fit, fire protective clothing can enhance comfort without sacrificing essential protection.

A well-designed garment can also improve comfort and overall effectiveness by reducing heat stress and allowing sweat to dissipate from the body.

Moreover, carrying a full suite of firefighting equipment can be very physically demanding.

Leveraging lightweight, high-quality fabrics can reduce this burden and minimise fatigue, which can help enable first responders to remain focused and alert.

Compatibility: Synergy Across Equipment

Consider whether the protective clothing, from gloves to helmets, can seamlessly integrate with other PPE to help maximise safety, efficiency, and comfort.

Reducing pressure points or optimising mobility, for example, when protective clothing is compatible with ancillary equipment, can help improve operational efficiency.

Elements such as increased padding and various innovative design features can help enable compatible systems to work in concert during an intervention.

Consider, for example, the role of compatible fire protective clothing in reducing pressure points when worn with a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SBCA).

Strategically placed padding on upper garments to correspond to SCBA straps can significantly enhance firefighters’ effectiveness and ability to navigate hazardous situations, which can reduce the risk of injuries.

But compatibility extends beyond individual pieces of PPE—it can create a comprehensive equipment system that offers enhanced protection for the wearer.

By working closely with suppliers, decision makers can select components, from clothing to accessories, that seamlessly integrate into a unified system that enhances safety and performance.

Durability And Ease Of Care: Investing In Long-Term Resilience

The longevity of protective clothing is a testament to its efficiency.

Robust testing protocols help ensure that garments stand the test of time and can endure the rigours of the job.

From tensile, tearing, and seam strength to resistance against abrasion and puncture, the durability of fire protective clothing should be tested to guarantee that the garments can withstand demanding environments.

Ease of care is another key contributor to this longevity, and laundering practices can play an essential role in maintaining performance standards over the long haul.

By considering the laundering method and frequency of washing during the selection process, fire and rescue services can help ensure that their protective clothing remains in peak condition, maximising its lifespan and minimising the long-term cost of ownership.

MSA Safety’s Fully Managed Service

MSA Safety’s Fully Managed Service for the MSA Bristol range has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive care for protective clothing for over two decades.

This service offering encompasses the lifecycle management of MSA Bristol protective clothing, from collection to washing, inventory, inspection, repair, and return.

Emergency services across various sectors, including Fire and Rescue, Airports, Industrial Brigades, Police, and Ambulance Services, have trusted MSA’s Managed Service, compliant with BS EN ISO 9001:2015.

“As leaders in first responder safety solutions, MSA Safety is committed to pioneering advancements that meet and exceed the evolving needs of frontline responders.

Our Fully Managed Service embodies this commitment, providing comprehensive care that ensures the utmost protection and performance of our protective clothing,” said Adele Harris, UK Bristol Service Manager, MSA Safety.

The Integrated Managed Service System includes cleaning, decontamination, inspection, maintenance, garment tracking, collection and delivery, stock support, and monthly performance reports.

Customers can also access dedicated Service Coordinators who are available via a telephone helpline 24/7, as well as access an online helpdesk portal.

Consider whether your fire and rescue protective clothing is reliable and made-for-purpose.

Such protective clothing serves as one of the frontline defences for first responders, helping safeguard them and enable effective responses to escalating hazards.

By prioritising innovation, embracing wearer-centric design, and leveraging comprehensive management solutions like MSA Safety’s Fully Managed Service, organisations across the globe can empower their teams to confront the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and resilience.

This article was originally published in the July 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Rosenbauer introduces the HEROS H10 helmet for global firefighting

by Featured NewsPPEProductsWildland Fire

New helmet designed for forest and wildland firefighting

Rosenbauer has announced the launch of the HEROS H10 helmet, designed to complement the existing HEROS Titan and HEROS H30 models.

As reported by Rosenbauer, the HEROS H10 is specifically tailored for forest and wildland firefighting, as well as technical rescue operations.

The helmet meets five European standards, making it suitable for high-altitude and water rescue missions.

Additionally, it is certified to the Australian standard, highlighting its global applicability.

A key feature of the HEROS H10 is its compatibility with other HEROS family helmets, including interchangeable interior fittings, which enhances cleaning, hygiene, and parts availability.

Production details and capacity

The first prototypes of the HEROS H10 were successfully manufactured in May 2024.

Series production is set to begin in July 2024 at Rosenbauer’s Pichling plant near Linz, Austria.

This facility, known for its high-quality firefighting equipment, will produce up to 130,000 custom helmets annually in a single-shift operation.

The plant’s workforce includes highly skilled personnel with extensive experience in helmet production.

The on-site quality department maintains rigorous standards, ensuring the safety and reliability of each helmet.

Advanced IT support, including a 3D configurator in the Rosenbauer Online Shop, allows for customer-specific adjustments, while RFID technology ensures precision and efficiency in the production process.

Sustainable practices and local partnerships

Rosenbauer demonstrates a commitment to sustainability in its production practices.

Most suppliers are located near the Pichling plant, reducing transportation time and CO2 emissions.

The company uses high-temperature resistant yet recyclable polyamide thermoplastics instead of problematic duroplastics, reflecting an environmentally responsible approach to manufacturing.

Global impact of the HEROS H10

The combination of advanced technology, production efficiency, and Austrian craftsmanship positions the HEROS H10 as a premier firefighting helmet.

Rosenbauer expects the helmet to positively impact the safety and comfort of emergency response teams worldwide.

NFPA updates fire department medical program standards

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPPE

New NFPA 1582 standard for fire departments

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has updated its guidelines for physicians and healthcare providers involved in fire department medical programs.

As reported by The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), NFPA 1582, also known as the Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, now provides a single standard for both candidates and current fire fighters.

This update includes considerations of age and biological sex in the benchmarks for cardiorespiratory fitness.

The previous standard differentiated between medical requirements for candidates and incumbent fire fighters, relying solely on test results without accounting for individual factors.

NFPA collaborated with IAFF officials, FEMA representatives, attorneys, and medical experts over two years to finalise the new standard.

Grading and fitness programs

The revised NFPA 1582 standard now assesses fire fighter cardiorespiratory fitness using a percentile system.

Fire fighters who score in the 35th percentile or higher will be considered to have a passing test score.

Those scoring below this benchmark, with age and biological sex considerations, may be assigned a fitness program aimed at improving their cardiopulmonary health.

Once the decision to amend the standards was made, the IAFF and other task group members pushed for the inclusion of metrics related to age and biological sex.

Ensuring accurate and complete results

IAFF Chief Medical Officer Dan Whu emphasised the importance of these considerations: “Cardiopulmonary fitness levels are often not uniform across genders and ages, so it was important for the IAFF to ensure the new standard gave accurate and complete results.”

Whu added: “Considering these factors does not mean fire departments would have to lower expectations, it just means that appropriate fitness levels have been now adopted to reflect the cardiopulmonary differences that may be found within genders and different ages.”

Collaborative effort

The development of the new standard involved extensive collaboration.

NFPA, working with various stakeholders, ensured that the revised guidelines would provide a more accurate and fair assessment of fire fighter fitness levels.

This approach aims to create a healthier and more capable fire fighting workforce by recognising and addressing individual differences in fitness and health.

DuPont unveils new fire safety breather membrane for high-rise buildings

by Breathing ApparatusFeatured NewsPPEProducts

DuPont introduces Tyvek Trifecta: new fire-resistant breather membrane

DuPont Performance Building Solutions has launched a new product, the Tyvek Trifecta breather membrane, specifically designed for the external walls of high-rise buildings.

This product is notable for its A2-s1, d0 Class Fire Performance, aligning with the European Fire Classification Standard EN 13501-1, and it exceeds the fire safety standards set by current UK Building Regulations.

The Tyvek Trifecta is presented in a convenient roll size of 1.5m x 25m, offering exceptional fire safety and moisture protection.

It represents an evolution of the standard Tyvek breather membranes, providing enhanced protection in a lightweight format.

Complete system and UV resistance

In conjunction with the DuPont AirGuard A2 FR AVCL, Tyvek Trifecta forms a comprehensive A-rated membrane system.

The system’s integrity is further reinforced by the DuPont AirGuard FR System Tape, which bolsters its fire and moisture protection capabilities.

This makes the system suitable for various building types including high-rise buildings, hospitals, and schools.

Moreover, Tyvek Trifecta boasts up to 12 months of UV resistance, offering flexibility during construction projects and aiding in the maintenance of a quality façade installation.

Advanced moisture management

The new Tyvek Trifecta is engineered with superior moisture management properties.

It features Class W1 water resistance according to EN13859-2 and is designed with low vapour resistance, making it an optimal secondary weather protection layer in external wall systems.

Andrea Albert, Shelter Solutions EMEA Marketing Leader at DuPont, commented: “Tyvek Trifecta provides an outstanding solution to helps offer building owners fire safety protection of people using their buildings.”

Albert also noted: “This product is a testament to our commitment to developing solutions that help enhance the fire safety and moisture protection standards of the construction industry.”

Rosenbauer set to release new lightweight fire helmet, the HEROS H10, later this year

by Featured NewsPPEProducts

Introduction of the HEROS H10 to enhance fire safety gear

Rosenbauer is preparing to enhance its fire safety equipment line with the upcoming release of the HEROS H10 helmet in fall 2024.

The new model focuses on providing essential protection against both flames and mechanical impacts while minimising the weight to alleviate strain on firefighters during extended wear.

Development and design insights of the HEROS H10

The HEROS H10 was meticulously designed to comply with multiple safety standards, achieved through extensive design and prototyping stages, including 3D printing to refine its features and ensure its adaptability.

“Our rigorous testing and prototyping have been instrumental in developing a helmet that meets the diverse needs of fire safety and rescue operations while providing unprecedented comfort,” stated a Rosenbauer representative.

Transition to production and unique features of the HEROS H10

Currently in the pre-series production phase, the HEROS H10 employs advanced materials and manufacturing techniques such as injection molding to produce the helmet shells.

The helmet is notable for its lightweight, under 500 grams, and versatility, certified for various uses including forest firefighting, mountain rescue, and industrial safety, making it suitable for a broad range of emergency scenarios.

IFSJ Comment

The forthcoming launch of the HEROS H10 helmet represents a strategic enhancement to Rosenbauer’s safety equipment offering, anticipating the needs of fire and rescue personnel who require reliable protection without the burden of heavy gear.

This innovation in helmet design is indicative of Rosenbauer’s commitment to advancing safety technology, aligning with industry standards and expanding the functionality of protective gear used in challenging environments.

The introduction of the HEROS H10 is expected to set a new benchmark in the design and functionality of fire safety helmets.