8100 FR Balaclava

Flame-Resistant Balaclava – Essential protection for high-intensity firefighting

Designed to provide critical face and head protection, this flame-resistant balaclava is a versatile addition to your firefighting gear. Whether worn under a helmet or paired with a flame-resistant snood for enhanced neck coverage, it offers superior comfort and safety in extreme conditions.

Built for firefighting demands:
Designed as part of a comprehensive flame-resistant baselayer range, this balaclava integrates effortlessly with other protective gear, offering adaptability to meet the diverse needs of firefighting environments.

Enhanced safety and practicality:
Whether tackling high temperatures or protecting against debris and radiant heat, this balaclava delivers dependable protection while maintaining breathable comfort.

Ready for every call.
Trust this flame-resistant balaclava to provide critical protection and adaptability. Engineered for modern firefighting demands, it’s an essential piece of gear for any crew member facing the heat head-on.

Why in-house manufacture of firefighting PPE is critical

Posted on May 3, 2024July 9, 2024 by Stephen Conlan

In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of firefighting, it’s frustrating to wait months for PPE orders. Time and lives are precious, and the tender process itself is often lengthy and slow. Once an order is placed, firefighters need a swift, reliable roll out. The only way to achieve this is to choose a supplier that is fully in control of manufacturing and its supply chain.

Keeping everything in-house is the difference between rapid delivery and unexpected long delays. Our Operations Director Paul Hetherington explores further “At FlamePro, we deliver on our promises and have market leading delivery times meaning crews are protected within just 10-12 weeks of order. This is no coincidence.

“Being fully in control of our supply chain and manufacturing process is a game changer. We can focus on firefighters’ needs and you don’t have to wait for months for life saving kit.”

Manufacturing and supply chain control

Whilst many of our competitors look to China or Asia and contract out their manufacturing, we do everything at our in-house manufacturing facility in the heart of Europe. We manage the facility, employ our own staff, and have stringent training, auditing and quality control processes.

We also have a dedicated sampling team and production line, meaning we don’t compete for manufacturing slots and aren’t second in line behind more profitable military jobs – which often adds to delays.

Ideally located for rapid delivery

Our manufacturing facility is based in Bulgaria. Part of NATO, with stringent rules and regulations and good control on modern slavery, it’s well placed for easy access and fast delivery to customers in UK, Europe and beyond.

In-house design

Our highly skilled, in-house design team is based in the UK. They control every aspect of the design process and work closely with fire and rescue services to ensure firefighters’ PPE is fit for purpose. They regularly visit our manufacturing facility to oversee the process and ensure everything runs smoothly and to time.

Reduced environmental impact

Location matters when it comes to environmental impact too. Being based in Europe means we have a smaller carbon footprint than other manufacturers. This is reduced even further as our main garment components and latest 3D fabric technology, is mostly sourced in Europe.

The right kit for the right job: delivered quickly

Firefighters’ needs are our top priority. We have developed protective gear for every scenario – wildland, rescue, marine and structural firefighting, that keeps them safe, cool and comfortable.

Our team is on hand to provide expert advice, pinpoint your specific requirements, and never oversell! What you get from us is a quality product that meets your needs, offers excellent protection and is delivered quickly.

To discuss your requirements and learn more about our cutting-edge firefighter protection, give us a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030 or drop us a message using our contact form below.

8300 Snood

Flame-Resistant Snood – Versatile protection for firefighters

When the job demands adaptability and safety, this flame-resistant snood provides firefighters with reliable protection and versatile wear options. Designed to safeguard the neck and face in high-risk environments, it is a lightweight, comfortable, and essential addition to your firefighting gear.

Built for firefighters’ needs:
The snood’s versatility makes it invaluable in firefighting scenarios where conditions can change rapidly. Whether providing a barrier against heat, flames, or debris, it complements your protective gear to keep you focused on the task at hand.

Pair it with confidence:
For enhanced protection, combine the snood with a compatible balaclava to form a complete solution for face and neck coverage, ensuring safety in the most challenging environments.

Protection you can trust.
Firefighters deserve safety gear that adapts as quickly as they do. This flame-resistant snood delivers the flexibility, comfort, and protection needed to handle every call with confidence.

402/403 HVP Firefighter Suit

Staying dry when everything is wet

Water won’t wait for an invitation to let itself in. When your team is dealing with fires, floods or rainy-day rescues, kit them out in waterproof, flexible, breathable kit that will keep them dry. The 402/403 Raider HVP Firefighting Suit combines the 402 Raider HVP Firefighting Jacket and 403 Raider Firefighting Trousers to keep your team fully covered.

Designed specifically for high volume pumping, we have designed the Raider HVP Firefighting Suit to stay dry on the inside. All seams and stitching are fully taped, ankles, writs and waists have double-band 50mm triple trim and the whole suit is made of technical fabric with breathable membrane.

The 402/403 HVP firefighting suit is sold as a complete set or as separate 402 HVP Firefighter Jacket and 403 HVP Firefighter Trouser for a fully flexible kit to suit your crew’s needs.

8210 Baselayer Top

Flame-Resistant Baselayer Top – Essential protection and comfort for firefighters

Designed specifically for the demands of firefighting, this flame-resistant baselayer top delivers advanced protection while ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility.

A baselayer built for action:
This baselayer top pairs seamlessly with leggings for a coordinated set that maximizes both protection and comfort. Its versatile design allows it to be worn under jackets, sweatshirts, and coveralls, making it an indispensable part of your firefighting gear.

Effortless care, enduring performance:
Contrast stitching adds a modern touch, while the fully machine-washable fabric ensures hassle-free maintenance. Durable and practical, this baselayer top is ready to perform shift after shift.

Stay protected, stay comfortable.
Equip yourself with gear that’s made to meet the challenges of the job. This flame-resistant baselayer top offers essential protection and all-day comfort, ensuring firefighters can perform with confidence when it matters most.

8220 Baselayer Leggings

Flame-Resistant Baselayer Leggings – Unmatched protection and comfort for firefighters

Firefighters require reliable protection and comfort in every layer of their gear. These flame-resistant baselayer leggings are designed to provide flexibility and comfort during demanding shifts.

A complete protective solution:
When paired with the matching baselayer top (8210), these leggings form a versatile, two-piece system that maximizes safety and comfort. The seamless integration with outerwear ensures firefighters are ready for intense operations without compromising mobility or protection.

Built for practicality:
Fully machine washable, these leggings are as easy to care for as they are to wear, making them a practical choice for any firefighter’s gear.

Gear up with confidence.
Equip yourself with baselayer leggings designed to protect and perform when it matters most. With superior flame-resistant properties, unmatched comfort, and proven durability, these leggings are an indispensable addition to any firefighter’s kit.

8770 Flame Resistant Bra

Flame-resistant bras – designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for the job

Designed for female firefighters, delivering reliable support and life-saving protection, meeting rigorous safety standards including BS EN 1149-5 and BS EN ISO 11612.

Built for protection, designed for you
Crafted with flame-resistant materials, this bra ensures complete coverage without sacrificing comfort or fit. Designed to contour to the female form, it offers secure support and freedom of movement, so you can stay focused on the task at hand. Pair it with flame-resistant boxer briefs for a complete undergarment solution that maximizes protection against Arc Flash risks.

Prioritize protection and peace of mind.
Invest in safety gear that works as hard as you do. This flame-resistant bra offers unbeatable comfort and protection, ensuring your crew stays cool, confident, and prepared for anything the job demands.

8700-M Mens Boxer Briefs

FR Boxer Briefs – Comfort and protection for firefighters in demanding conditions

Engineered for the unique needs of firefighters, these flame-resistant boxer briefs deliver all-day comfort without compromising on protection. Designed with light, breathable fabric and advanced safety standards, they are an essential addition to any firefighter’s kit.

Built for safety and practicality:
These boxer briefs meet stringent safety standards, including BS EN 1149-5 and BS EN ISO 11612, offering trusted protection in intense, hazardous scenarios. Whether you’re tackling fires in humid environments or enduring long shifts, the breathable design and snug fit help maintain comfort and focus.

Durable and versatile design:
Crafted in a professional navy tone, these boxer briefs pair seamlessly with your firefighting gear. Their rugged design and high-quality materials are built to stand up to the demands of the job while providing the comfort you need to perform at your best.

Stay protected. Stay comfortable.
Equip yourself with flame-resistant gear that prioritizes your safety and wellbeing. These FR boxer briefs are a must-have for firefighters who demand nothing less than superior performance and protection.

Introducing FlamePro RECYCLE

Posted on January 3, 2023June 21, 2024 by Julie Roberts

FlamePro RECYCLE is our new service introduced to give you an easy, safe and importantly secure disposal route for all of your end of life PPE, protecting the environment and removing the risk of PFAS ground contamination.Originally developed as a way to prevent FlamePro garments being part of the 350,000 tonnes of textiles that go into landfill in the UK every year, FlamePro RECYCLE gives a whole host of benefits to customers subscribing to the service.

The risk of ground contamination from PFAS, which is increasingly high on the environmental agenda, is eliminated for those items returned and recycled through our service. As no items are sent to landfill there is no opportunity for the returned contaminated garments to pollute the ground or drinking water or the dangerous effects that this can cause to human health and the wider environment to occur.

Customers using our new RECYCLE service can legitimately claim zero landfill for items disposed of through the scheme and, disposal can be certified to allow them to provide evidence of sustainable actions taken for their own sustainability measures and certifications.

To ensure that the service fits our wide variety of customers we have ensured that FlamePro RECYCLE has a returns and collection options that scale per individual requirement, allowing choices from ad hoc single boxes every 6 months to multiple 1100L bins collected every week, whatever suits them best.

As the majority of our customers have branded PPE recognisable to, and trusted by the public, we have worked hard to establish a route that guarantees that there is no danger of identifiable PPE getting into the wrong hands. This not only protects vulnerable members of the public, but also our customers themselves. FlamePro RECYCLE works in accordance with BS EN: 15713-2009 Secure Destruction of Confidential Material Code of Practice ensuring all branded or identifiable items are shredded and de-badged the moment they hit site, safeguarding any vulnerabilities.

It is not just FlamePro own garments that customers are able to return, but any end-of-life PPE that they need to dispose of, regardless of supplier this includes, boots, gloves, safety glasses and helmets. All items are then recycled and re-used for other purposes, avoiding landfill, and helping feed into a circular economy.

To allow us to offer this sustainability enhancing service, we have partnered with an industry-leading recycling company who are committed to sending zero waste to landfill. Our partner is certificated to ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environmental) and ISO45001 (H&S), this compliments our own ISO9001, 14001 & 27001 certificate.

To find out more visit FlamePro RECYCLE, get in touch using the form below to discover how to tailor this service to suit you.

8700-F Ladies Boxer Briefs

FR Boxer Briefs for Women – Built for comfort, safety, and performance

Firefighters face extraordinary challenges, and their gear should provide comfort and protection without compromise. These flame-resistant boxer briefs for women are thoughtfully designed to meet the specific needs of female firefighters, combining advanced safety standards with exceptional comfort for extended use in demanding environments.

Advanced safety you can trust:
These boxer briefs meet the strictest safety certifications, including BS EN 1149-5 and BS EN ISO 11612. This ensures reliable protection against hazards such as heat, flames, and static electricity, so you can focus on your mission without distraction.

Tailored for women, ready for the job:
Crafted to fit and move with the female form, these boxer briefs are both practical and stylish. The professional navy tone complements firefighting gear, while the lightweight and breathable fabric offers lasting comfort in extreme conditions.

Because safety is personal.
When the heat is on, trust in gear that’s as resilient as you are. These flame-resistant boxer briefs for women provide vital protection and unparalleled comfort, ensuring you’re ready for every challenge the job throws your way.

What next for UK fire and rescue services?

Posted on September 20, 2021June 4, 2024 by Dominic Beasty

There’s broad agreement that the fire and rescue service needs reform. The latest assessment of the sector in England by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services reinforces this point. A new white paper is due later this year with recommendations from the Home Office about changes.

What might we see in that white paper? Here at FlamePro we’re not experts in governance (just in protective kit), but we’ve listened to the sector and some key themes have emerged.

The changing role of the modern firefighter

From providing extra capacity to move dead bodies to giving vaccines and delivering PPE, the fire service played a critical role during the pandemic. The international emergency allowed fire brigades up and down the country to demonstrate, once again, they can do more than just put out fires.

Firefighters have been much more than the name suggests for many years. While tackling blazes will always be a priority, prevention work is now a central part of the brief. So is working alongside other emergency services at incidents such as terrorist incidents, floods, and road traffic collisions.

Is “firefighter” even the right term any more? Fighting fires is absolutely a core part of the role, but it’s not where the majority of brigades spend their time.

We’re not just saying that. In 2020, tackling fires only accounted for 29% of the incidents attended in England, the same percentage as non-fire incidents. This compares to fires being 35% of incidents ten years ago. The rest of the incidents in 2020 were false alarms (42%).

Efficiencies in fire and rescue structures and lines of command

Scotland has one fire and rescue service. The previous eight regional brigades were merged in 2013.

The latest report by HM Inspectorate of Fire and Rescue services in England lists national reform as a priority. It says changes should address “the deficit in the fire sector’s national capacity and capability to support change”. And that precise definitions of the role of fire and rescue services and the people who work within them should be created.

The report also calls for “greater clarity on activities such as co-responding (supporting the other emergency services), responding to floods, responding to terrorist attacks and wider public safety”. We don’t think frontline firefighters would disagree.

Will a similar structure to Scotland be on the table? Or will Government see the available efficiencies in sharing HR, finance, and other central services with, for example, regional police forces as a route to reform?

Risks and threats to fire brigades

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it; or so they say. The issue for England’s fire and rescue services, according to HM Inspectorate, seems to be that brigades measure the same things differently. A common approach to assessing, measuring, and managing risk is called for.

One of the emerging risks is contamination, especially from particulates, which can be carcinogenic. This is already high on the agenda in the US and mainland Europe; the industry in the UK is just developing its understanding of these risks. What’s clear is that protection can be provided by kit. But behaviour is also a critical piece of the jigsaw.

Not long ago, firefighters would have put their dirty gloves in their helmets after a shout. Now we know the gloves are likely contaminated with particles which can seep through the head’s thin skin. The kit didn’t need to change to address this risk, behaviour did.

With most brigades having a mix of retained and full-time firefighters, training to build a mutual understanding of risks and how to manage them will be more important than ever.

Here at FlamePro we’re keen to see whether Government makes any bold moves to remove barriers and enable the Fire and Rescue service to adapt. As demands change, so should the industry’s ability to respond.

To discuss your requirements and learn more about the range, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

2101 FR Compression Socks

FR Compression Socks – Enhanced performance and protection for firefighters

Designed with the demands of firefighters in mind, these flame-resistant compression socks complement your protective gear. Built with advanced, inherent flame-resistant technology, these socks go beyond safety, delivering a host of medical and performance benefits to keep you at your best in high-pressure situations.

Designed for the modern firefighter:
These socks combine flame-resistant protection with practical benefits to improve wellbeing and resilience during extended use. By supporting venous return and boosting overall performance, they help firefighters stay sharp and comfortable when every second counts.

Important considerations:

Not suitable for individuals with diabetes, heart conditions, or a history of stroke.

Protective gear built around you.
Comfort and safety are non-negotiable for those who face danger head-on. These FR compression socks are a powerful addition to your kit, providing the support and protection you need to keep moving, performing, and protecting others.

Firefighting kit – is it time to end one-type-fits-all?

Posted on August 30, 2021June 4, 2024 by Dominic Beasty

We know that every day as a firefighter is not the same. Every call-out is different – from road traffic collisions to industrial fires, the demands of the job change by the hour. You might not be rescuing cats from up trees, but we know that running into burning buildings isn’t what you spend most of your time doing either.

So if every shout is different. If the demands placed on you whenever you turn out to a job aren’t the same. Why do you put on the same kit each time?

From our research with firefighters, we know that the diversity of demands on your time has increased. The diversity of kit needs to keep pace with those changes.

A range of risks

Firefighters’ turn out kit protects you from a wide range of risks linked to tackling structural fires. It also provides protection from a range of potential contaminants you’ll encounter in smoke and fire water.

But do you always need that level of protection?

Wildland fires are becoming more regular. But they demand a different kind of firefighting; a long game. It’s unlikely you can turn up with a few pumps, stay a couple of hours and have totally beaten a wildland fire.

You walk for miles, across uneven terrain, away from the fire tenders and central stores of kit. The heat can be intense in a different way to the heat inside a burning building, and you’re in amongst it, often in the dark.

To perform at your best, you’ll need kit to work with you. Light to wear, but with protection from the heat and the thorns that also appear out to get you. And you’ll need to be easily seen from a distance.

RTCs demand you can easily operate equipment to free people from vehicles while managing potential risks of fire and explosion from damaged engines. Other rescue situations might involve no risk of fire at all.

Take floods. Another increasing risk as our climate experiences more extremes of weather. Firefighters have a crucial role to play in rescuing people and are often called on to pump away water to protect critical assets. It’s likely to be cold, wet, and the literal opposite of a call-out involving fire.

Modern challenges, modern kit

The protective clothing available to firefighters needs to meet the demands of the job. And that’s not a one-type-fits-all kind of situation.

You should have serious protection from heat and flame when it’s needed the most. But when it isn’t, what you wear still needs to help you do the job.

Investing in a diversity of kit to meet the variety of call-outs is what modern brigades are starting to do. Wearing the right kit for the job makes firefighters’ lives easier. It makes sense to match protection to risks, rather than always wearing one set of turn-out gear which could be over-spec’d and over-used, leading to higher maintenance and replacement costs in the long-run.

FlamePro’s team of experts has developed a range of firefighter protective gear for the different scenarios you face. Take a look at our new wildland and rescue ranges, or check out Valliant, the cutting-edge structural suit taking the market by storm.

To discuss your requirements and learn more about the range, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

FlamePro wins major Capita tender to provide PPE for MoD over next 10 years

Posted on June 28, 2021June 4, 2024 by Dominic Beasty

FlamePro, a British manufacturing specialist of life-saving garments for firefighters, has been awarded a £4m contract by Capita to provide its firefighting PPE for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) across the next decade.

The competitive tender, part of Capita’s contract with the MoD, saw four different PPE providers bid for the work, with FlamePro being appointed to provide its full ensemble of PPE alongside a total garment care package.

FlamePro was awarded the contract due to its high-quality product and the company’s dedication to providing support and expertise on PPE care, use and maintenance.

The contract includes a multi-million pound initial roll-out, with a total value of £4m across 10 years.

Nathan Bricknell, General Manager at FlamePro, said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this contract with Capita – it marks a key milestone for the company.

“Over recent months we’ve worked with our partners to develop brand-new fabric technologies and designs, including a 3D woven structure and new moisture barrier membrane, to ensure our PPE is the most advanced on the market.

“Our brand-new structural fire suit has set a new benchmark across the whole industry. This, teamed with our shorter-than-average lead times stands us in great stead to deliver top-quality products and service on this contract.”

To discuss your requirements and learn more about the range, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

How to inspect your firefighting kit

Posted on March 22, 2021June 4, 2024 by Dominic Beasty

No matter what task you’re undertaking, your kit is your last line of defence between you and the fire, floodwater, corrosive chemicals or other hazards you are dealing with. Keeping it in top condition is of paramount importance.

While a generation ago scorch marks and dirt would have been worn as a badge of pride, today’s firefighters know that a clean, well-maintained kit is a safe kit.

In 2019, British Standard BS8617 was introduced to give firefighters guidance on the cleaning, maintenance and repairs of personal protective equipment (PPE) to make sure it keeps you safe. It covers the inspection, testing, cleaning, decontamination, drying, repairs, replacement, retirement/disposal, recording, storage and transportation of kit. It’s a comprehensive standard.

We published a blog at the time that goes into more detail about the standard and what it means for you.

Within the standard, there is a recommendation that all fire services should have a contract in place for outsourcing the cleaning and maintenance of their PPE. In order to effectively use a cleaning and maintenance company, in-house inspections are required to ensure that you’re keeping on top of any issues that might crop up between regular maintenance.

What to inspect and when

Anyone involved in firefighting or associated activities needs to complete a routine inspection every time you get a new piece of kit, at the start of every shift and after you use the kit. Your whole structural suit needs to be inspected after every call out. Different conditions can cause different issues, but sometimes general wear and tear will make itself known at the most inconvenient of times and you definitely don’t want it falling apart when you need it the most.

Each time, check your garments (jacket and trousers), helmet, gloves, footwear and fire hood.

What to look for

Some damage is not so easy to spot, so a thorough inspection is required:

• Check the surface of the fabric for holes, rips, tears and scuffs

• Shine a torch over reflective surfaces to make sure they remain reflective

• Check the durable waterproof repellent layer (DWR). Having this coating working properly will not only keep out water, but will also protect you from battery acid, other chemicals and, crucially, particulates. Use a spray bottle to mist water over the fabric. If it pools in droplets, the DWR is working fine, but if it soaks into the fabric, it’s time to get it re-treated

• Check that Velcro adheres properly and zips and other fasteners close properly. If you have been in a grassy environment, the Velcro can easily become matted and fail to close properly

• Stress test the fabric. Push a blunt object against the fabric. It shouldn’t go through, but if it does, it’s a good sign of UV damage that has weakened the fabric

What to do when there’s a problem

Your fire service should have clear guidance for what to do when PPE needs to be repaired or replaced. There are steps you can take to preserve the life of your kit. Read our blog on how to maintain your firefighting kit here.

We hope that’s a good short guide to how to inspect your firefighting kit – if you want more details about our comprehensive range of high quality firefighting garments and PPE, call one of our experts on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

How to maintain your firefighting kit

Posted on March 8, 2021June 4, 2024 by Dominic Beasty

When you are busy fighting fires and rescuing people, you might not have thought about how to maintain your firefighting kit.

Anyone involved in firefighting knows that their kit is their best friend. This safety barrier protects people working on the frontline from all manner of hazards, from freezing cold temperatures to the most extreme heat, from toxic chemicals to the invisible hazard of particulates.

But the kit can only do so much on its own. Making sure the kit is up to the task is, at least in part, down to the user.

So how can anyone involved in firefighting and associated activities preserve the life of their kit through regular maintenance?

New British Standard for maintaining your firefighting kit

BS8617 was published in 2019 with detailed guidance for the inspection, testing, cleaning, decontamination, drying, repairs, replacement, and retirement/disposal of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE). While it recommends that each fire service should have a contract provider for cleaning and maintaining kit, there are also steps individuals can take to preserve their equipment.

Understanding your durable water repellent layer (DWR)

The DWR layer is the element of your structural suit that makes the biggest difference between it being professional safety equipment and normal clothes. As the name suggests, it keeps out water, but it also protects you from other liquids, including battery acid and other corrosive chemicals.

Crucially, though, by making the fabric non-porous, the DWR also keeps out particulates, which are now widely recognised as one of the biggest dangers to the health of a firefighter. Particulates in a firefighting scenario can penetrate the skin and get into the blood stream, where they can be carcinogenic. We have a whole blog post on particulates here.

Maintaining your DWR is a simple yet effective measure against these known poisons. To check whether your suit is still water (and particulate) tight, simply spray it with water from a spray bottle. If the water pools in droplets on the surface, the DWR is working effectively. If it soaks into the fabric, the DWR has failed and the garment needs to be re-treated.

When to repair and when to replace your firefighting suits

Within BS8617 is provision for keeping excellent records and traceability for all PPE items. This provides the opportunity to keep a close eye on maintenance spending, monitoring how much money is spent on each item. If a new jacket costs £200 for example, and you have already invested £150 in repairs, there’s a good chance it will be more cost effective to replace the jacket the next time it is damaged instead of paying for another repair.

Garments will also need to be retired if they are over 10 years old (or older than the lifespan determined by the manufacturer) or if they have been contaminated by chemical, biological, radioactive or nuclear agents.

Good maintenance protocols go hand in hand with constant kit inspections to flag issues as they arise. Read more about kit inspections here.

Now you have more information about how to maintain your firefighting kit, if you’ve identified that replacement is better than more repairs then take a look at our full range of structural, wildland fire, HVP and rescue kit here, or call one of our experts on +44 (0) 1332 341030.