Ultimate protection starts with uncompromising design – every detail of FlamePro kit is engineered to defend lives when it matters most.
Firefighting is dangerous. At FlamePro, we understand the unique challenges and risks firefighters face and how critical personal protective equipment (PPE) is to their safety.
Our garments strike the right balance between superior protection, durability and comfort.
There’s a huge amount of work that goes into creating our life-saving kit. Here we look at the key design considerations and the expert team behind our PPE.
The innovators behind our PPE
Our team of 17 have decades of experience between them!
Adrian heads up the product development team and has worked in the industry for 14 years, specialising in flame resistant garments.
Collectively, they have a deep understanding of the ever-evolving risks faced by frontline firefighters, the latest technologies and solutions on the market and the strict standards that need to be adhered to.
They work closely with industry experts and customers at every stage of the process and this input and feedback underpins all our designs to ensure we deliver exactly what firefighters want and need. It’s a real team effort!
Knowing the risks
Firefighters are exposed to many risks that are ever changing. Protection against extreme heat and flame, toxic chemicals and biological pathogens is vital. It’s also critical firefighters stay dry and cool and can move freely.
Our team understands the potential risks of every scenario. A comprehensive risk assessment informs every design decision, from fabric choices to garment structure. The team works closely with safety experts and firefighters to ensure we’re ahead of the game, offering unparalleled protection against the likely dangers.
Meeting strict standards
PPE regulations and standards vary from country to country. They dictate what level of protection and testing is required, how long PPE should last and how it should be cleaned and maintained.
Our Certification and Testing Manager works closely with our designers and Technical Product Manager to ensure that all of our PPE adheres to strict regulations and standards. Helen has worked in the industry for over 20 years, for testing houses and those setting standards, and her knowledge is second to none.
Our PPE conforms to all the latest standards including BS, EN, ISO and AS/NZ. Our team knows these standards inside out, ensuring that all our designs meet the necessary requirements and are fully compliant.
The right fabrics for ultimate protection
Choosing the right fabrics is critical to PPE design and protection. PPE is constructed from two or three fabric layers depending on the level of protection required. Structural kit for example has three layers. The outer layer must be tough and protect against heat and flame. The moisture barrier must protect from liquid and chemicals and be breathable. The thermal layer must keep firefighters cool, protecting them from heat stress. How these layers work in combination are critical.
Our Technical Product Manager is a fibre and fabric expert and works closely with manufacturers to offer a wide range of options. He has more than 30 years’ experience working in the protective clothing and textiles arena for companies such as Rhodia, Kimberly-Clark and Ansell.
We select only the best suppliers and fabrics. Our Valiant range for example uses new fabric and membrane technologies and is renowned for its high durability and thermal performance that stands the test of time.
We’re constantly reviewing the latest technologies on the market and are not tied to any brand or supplier meaning we have the freedom to find the right combination to suit all requirements and budgets.
PPE that lasts
PPE is a major investment so needs to last. It must be durable and capable of withstanding regular washing. Fabric selection and design plays an important role.
Carefully positioned knee and elbow pads, for example, can provide extra strength. Extensive testing ensures that all fabric combinations stand the test of time, work well together and can be frequently washed.
We’ve recently invested £150,000 in a brand-new testing lab at our UK headquarters. Immediate access to state-of-the-art testing equipment helps us quickly identify and fine-tune the very best fabric combinations and design styles for firefighter protection.
Testing processes simulate real life conditions, and we go above and beyond what’s required. All designs are also independently tested, and wearer trials ensure they perform as expected on callouts.
To ensure longevity, we recommend regular maintenance and inspections. Our clients can take advantage of FlamePro’s Fully Managed Service for cleaning, repair, and decontamination.
Comfort without compromising safety
Comfort is just as important as protection. Firefighters need to be able to move quickly and easily.
Ergonomics is a key consideration when designing PPE. Our Valiant structural PPE is 3D with curved seams and shaped panels that follow body contours. Side panels enable extra movement and support. Seven-panel sleeves stop the jacket riding up when stretching or climbing. The shoulders and lower back are specially designed for comfort and to reduce injury when wearing breathing apparatus.
Getting the right fit is also critical. It takes time and expertise, especially when taking into consideration multiple layers and varying body shapes and sizes.
Our team also ensures that our helmets, gloves, and boots work seamlessly with our jackets and trousers to provide full-body protection without compromising on comfort.
Innovating to meet firefighters’ needs
We’re innovators, constantly pushing boundaries. Our kit goes above and beyond basic protection, incorporating innovative features that offer additional safety and convenience. Our Valiant kit has a simple design to reduce the accumulation of toxic particles and makes it easier to clean and maintain. It also uses revolutionary glow in the dark and reflective tape.
PPE can be tailored as required. From fabric combinations to extra pockets, loops or badging. You name it, we can do it! We work closely with customers, ask the right questions and make sure firefighters have the right kit and the right level of protection for every job.
What’s next
We’re constantly researching new materials and technologies to improve our products, and we’re excited about the potential of smart PPE, which could monitor environmental conditions and firefighter health in real-time.
We’ve already introduced specially designed PPE for different jobs. For example, structural PPE specially designed to protect firefighters in intense and enclosed building fires. Wildland kit that is 50% lighter and ideal for long and high-intensity wildfires where maneuverability, breathability and durability are key. And finally technical rescue kit, which is light, visible, flexible and suitable for callouts such as road traffic collisions. But we’re doing more so watch this space!
As we continue to innovate and refine our products, we remain committed to providing frontline firefighters with high-quality PPE that offers protection, comfort, and durability.
Our intelligent PPE designs can be delivered in just 12 weeks and we have options for all requirements and budgets. To find out more get in touch today.