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How to Choose the Right Firefighter Helmet for Your Team

Posted on by Stephen Conlan

Firefighters operate in some of the most extreme conditions, facing intense heat, falling debris, and hazardous environments daily. A helmet is their last line of defence, providing essential protection in life-threatening situations. This guide outlines the key factors to consider when selecting firefighter helmets to ensure maximum safety, comfort, and durability for your team. 

 

Understanding Safety Standards

In the UK, firefighter helmets must comply with EN 443:2008, the European standard that ensures helmets undergo rigorous testing for heat resistance, impact protection, and penetration resistance. Helmets that meet this standard provide critical protection against: 

 

  • Thermal resistance up to 1000°C 
  • Impact protection from falling objects 
  • Penetration resistance against sharp debris 
  • Lateral crushing resistance 
  • Electrical insulation properties 
  • Molten metal splash protection 

Always verify compliance with EN 443:2008 to guarantee your team has the protection they need during high-risk operations. 

 

Helmet Materials and Durability

The materials used in a firefighter helmet significantly affect its protective capabilities and longevity. The two primary material types are high-performance thermoplastics and advanced composites, each offering unique advantages: 

 

  • High-performance thermoplastics: Lightweight, impact-resistant, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. 
  • Advanced composites: Superior thermal resistance, enhanced structural integrity, and excellent durability in extreme conditions. 

While thermoplastics offer a great balance of protection and affordability, composite helmets provide long-term durability and additional protection in high-heat environments. 

 

Weight and Balance

A well-balanced helmet reduces neck strain and enhances comfort during extended use. Heavier helmets can cause fatigue, affecting performance in prolonged operations. Testing different models for weight distribution ensures firefighters can remain effective throughout their shifts. 

 

Fit and Comfort

A properly fitting helmet is essential for both safety and endurance. Look for features that enhance fit and comfort, such as: 

 

  • Adjustable suspension systems for a secure fit 
  • Padded liners to improve comfort during long shifts 
  • Ventilation systems to reduce heat buildup 

A secure, well-fitted helmet prevents shifting during critical moments, allowing firefighters to focus on the task at hand. 

 

Eye and Face Protection

Firefighter helmets should include integrated eye and face protection to shield against debris, heat, and hazardous materials. Options include: 

 

  • Visors: Protects against debris while maintaining clear vision. 
  • Goggles: Provides a snug, close-fitting seal for eye protection. 
  • Face shields: Offers full-face coverage for maximum safety. 

Selecting helmets with removable or replaceable eye and face protection allows teams to adapt to different operational needs. 

 

Helmet Styles and Design

Firefighter helmets come in various styles to suit different roles and preferences: 

  • Traditional Helmets: Often made of leather or composite materials, offering a classic look and durability. 
  • Modern Helmets: Lightweight, ergonomic, and built for contemporary firefighting demands. 
  • Jet-Style Helmets: Provides full cranial protection, gaining popularity for their comfort and practicality. 

Choosing the right style depends on your team’s operational environment and personal preferences. 

 

Maintenance and Service Life

Regular maintenance extends a helmet’s lifespan and ensures continued protection. Key inspection points include: 

  • Visible impact damage or stress indicators 
  • Heat exposure markers 
  • Strap and retention system integrity 
  • Shield clarity and function 
  • Overall structural condition 

Implementing a tracking system for wear and exposure incidents helps plan replacement cycles and maintain safety standards. 

 

Additional Features

Many helmets come with additional features that enhance safety and functionality, including: 

 

  • Reflective trim for increased visibility in low-light conditions 
  • Chin straps for a secure fit 
  • Ear covers for added protection from heat and debris 
  • Communication systems for seamless coordination during operations 

Evaluate these features based on your team’s specific needs to optimise their protection and performance. 

 

Partnering with a Trusted Supplier 

Selecting the right firefighter helmets requires expert guidance. At FlamePro, we go beyond industry standards to provide firefighter PPE designed with direct input from firefighters and tested in real-world conditions. Our helmets deliver the protection, comfort, and durability your team needs to perform at their best. 

 

Speak to our expert team about finding the right helmet and protective wear for your team.

Firefighting PPE Now and the Future

Posted on by Stephen Conlan

Over the past decade, firefighter PPE has evolved rapidly, driven by the ever-changing nature of fire and rescue operations. Firefighters today face new risks, shifting incident patterns, and emerging PPE manufacturers must stay ahead of these changes, anticipating future needs to deliver protection that keeps pace with the challenges of the job – which is exactly what we do here at FlamePro.

Case Study: Defender Kit Protects Certified Volunteers Battling Wildfires in Cyprus

Posted on by Becky Keegan

When SupportCY of the Bank of Cyprus sought to enhance the safety of its growing volunteer force combating wildfires in Cyprus, they required personal protective equipment (PPE) that not only met safety standards but also provided comfort in extreme conditions.

 

After evaluating several options, they chose FlamePro’s Defender wildland PPE for its lightweight, breathable design and durability providing the ideal solution, ensuring SupportCY’s volunteers are protected while working in challenging wildfire environments.

 

The SupportCY Volunteer Unit of the Bank of Cyprus consists of highly trained volunteers specializing in firefighting and civil protection. Equipped with state-of-the-art fire trucks and advanced technology, the unit actively supports governmental agencies in Cyprus and Greece in wildfire prevention, response, and recovery efforts.

 

Challenge

As wildfires in Cyprus have become more frequent and severe, the need for a reliable, protective solution for SupportCY’s volunteers grew. The volunteers, who support the Fire Service and Forest Department, were exposed to intense summer heat and the hazards of fighting wildfires in rugged terrain.

 

“Sadly, wildfires have become a recurring problem in Cyprus, partly due to the effects of climate change.  Very hot summers leave the vegetation extremely dry and flammable.  Every three years or so we tend to face a huge devastating fire and are working hard to prevent this happening again. SupportCY’s volunteer programme is a central point of response and assistance, supporting the Fire Service and Forest Department in preventing and containing this growing problem.” – Marios Stavrou, SupportCY Head of Operations at the Bank of Cyprus

 

“As our team of volunteers has grown considerably, and our operations have become more dangerous and complex, it soon became clear that we needed protective clothing to keep us comfortable and safe.” –  Marios Spyrou, Criminal Defence Lawyer at Elias A. Stephanou LLC and SupportCY volunteer.

 

The challenge was to find lightweight, breathable protective clothing that could keep volunteers cool and safe in extreme temperatures of up to 40°C, while not effecting movement or causing heat stress, which had been a recurring issue.

Additionally, the clothing needed to distinguish volunteers from professional firefighters while still offering suitable protection for wildland firefighting conditions.

 

“We started looking for a uniform that would offer suitable protection for our role, whilst looking recognisable as a volunteer force and distinct from the fire service. The biggest threat to our volunteers undertaking this kind of work is heat stress. Summer heat in Cyprus can be intense, with firefighters often working in temperatures of around 40 degrees.” – Marios Spyrou

 

Solution

After extensive research, SupportCY selected our Defender wildland PPE as the ideal solution for their volunteers. The Defender PPE met all requirements, offering:

  • Breathability and lightweight design preventing heat stress by allowing sweat to escape and keeping the body cool in extreme conditions.
  • Strong materials that ensure long-lasting wear and comfort, even in the most demanding environments.
  • Reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions, crucial for volunteer safety during night operations.
  • Thumb straps on the jacket to keep it securely in place while wearing gloves, ensuring ease of movement.

Our adherence to EN standards for firefighting gear gave SupportCY confidence that the PPE would provide the necessary protection for their team.

 

Results

“The Defender is very light and easy to work in. I decided to test it by going for a run in the mountains during the heat of the day to see just how breathable it would be, and I was impressed!” – Marios Spyrou

 

SupportCY has seen a marked improvement in volunteer safety and comfort during wildfire response operations with the use of their Defender kit.

  • Reduced heat stress – Volunteers are now able to work more effectively in high temperatures without suffering from heat stress symptoms.
  • Increased efficiency – The lightweight design allows volunteers to move more freely, making them more effective in the challenging environments.
  • Enhanced visibility and safety – Reflective strips improve visibility, especially in low-light conditions, ensuring that volunteers are easily seen by other responders.
  • Confidence in protection – The Defender’s proven durability and comfort have made it a trusted choice for the team, allowing volunteers to focus on their critical work without worrying about inadequate protection.

 

“The material feels comfortable and strong and is well made, and the illuminated strips stand out very well in the darkness, helping to keep the team visible. I also particularly like the thumb straps on the jacket to hold the jacket in place as gloves go on.

The team are really pleased with the uniform too. We’ve received positive comments from the public, and we are being taken more seriously in our role. We’re now clearly recognisable when undertaking operations and have gained more support from the media and the public as a result.” – Marios Spyrou

The Importance Of Customer Collaboration And Feedback

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Collaboration is the key to PPE success

 

Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a critical investment for fire and rescue services (FRSs). Functionality, quality, price and delivery times are key factors when determining what supplier to use and kit to buy.

 

First class customer service and communication should also be a top consideration when selecting a supplier. This blog looks at the importance of supplier and customer collaboration and how it’s vital for the successful implementation of PPE solutions that are safe, comfortable and fit for purpose.

 

Understanding requirements

It’s vital that suppliers understand FRSs’ needs and requirements at the outset. Detailed discussions must be had to achieve this. Suppliers need to ask the tricky questions to understand fully what the kit will be used for, the likely risks, timescales, budgets and customisation requirements. Only then can FRSs be confident that they will purchase PPE that is up to the job.

 

Collaborative working in the discovery phase can ultimately help save FRSs money. Take Fire and Rescue New South Wales. They came to us interested in our Defender range. They had wildland kit from another supplier but at certain times of the year and in certain locations, such as the Blue Mountains, firefighters were getting cold. It wasn’t fit for purpose. There was still life in their old kit, but they felt a new and improved kit was their only option. We took the time to understand their situation and needs and instead of quoting for new PPE, we created flame resistant hoodies to fit under their existing wildland jacket. This simple solution saved them money, prolonged the life of their existing PPE and could also be worn around the station and when doing other non-fire related work. Win-win!

 

 

Collaborative working

 

Communication and collaborative working are vital throughout the whole procurement process. Discussions should be meaningful – a two-way process where suppliers listen and act on customer feedback at every stage to ensure a smooth process and the most desirable outcome.

 

We pride ourselves on our customer relationships. We take a ‘no surprises’ approach. We’re open, honest and keep customers in the loop every step of the way, which helps build trust and ensures a smooth path to purchase. We’re clear about what the process entails and honest about timescales, particularly delivery times that range from between 8-12 weeks.

 

The procurement process is often complex, so we guide customers through it, helping them navigate any difficulties and often their own internal processes. Gatwick Airport for example has just ordered our cutting-edge structural PPE, Valiant. They were really impressed by our proactive approach – constantly asking questions, pushing things forward and advising and guiding them through the whole process. Our personal approach saw us take them to our dedicated factory in Bulgaria to walk them through the production process and what to expect. They met the team in charge of making their kit and saw for themselves our excellent working conditions and seamless operation in action. We helped with their business case, providing all the information they needed to demonstrate the benefits of this investment.

 

 

Listening to feedback 

 

User trials are an important step in the process and allow FRSs to assess how well the equipment performs under realistic conditions and in different scenarios. It helps them assess fit, functionality, and usability and identify any issues and necessary adjustments before placing an order. Allowing firefighters to be part of the selection process and have a say in what they wear also helps with staff satisfaction and morale, as the kit they acquire is what they want and need.

 

Feedback at this stage is critical. North Wales FRS, for example, has recently purchased our Defender PPE. Following feedback from their firefighter trials, we modified the knee pad to ensure the final design met all their needs. We welcome feedback at this stage and can quickly provide multiple sets of PPE for testing. Our specialist design team are on hand throughout the procurement process to tweak PPE so it meets all the requirements and is fit for purpose.

 

Successful outcomes 

 

The right supplier will go out of their way to understand a FRS’s needs, take on board feedback, be flexible, responsive and help FRSs navigate the complicated procurement process. Working closely with FRSs is vital for selecting the right PPE and ensuring its successful implementation. This collaborative approach not only improves user experience but also enhances safety and compliance.

 

How to Choose the Correct Boots for Firefighters

Posted on by Jonny Russell

When equipping firefighters, every item of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a vital role. Choosing the right firefighter boots not only enhances a firefighter’s safety but also impacts their comfort and performance in demanding conditions.

 

This guide is designed for professionals responsible for ordering firefighter PPE, offering insights into selecting boots that provide optimal protection and functionality.

 

Why the Right Boots Matter

 

Firefighting boots serve as a vital line of defence, protecting crews from extreme temperatures, dangerous debris, chemical exposure and the intense physical demands of emergency response. Selecting the wrong boots puts firefighters at risk of injury and compromises their ability to perform effectively in critical situations.

 

To ensure your team is equipped to handle the challenges they face, consider the following key factors when selecting firefighting boots.

 

  1. Compliance with Safety Standards

 

Boots must adhere to stringent safety standards to ensure maximum protection. In Europe, look for certifications like EN 15090, which specifies safety requirements for firefighting footwear. This standard guarantees that the boots have passed rigorous testing for resistance to heat, penetration, and impact.

 

Firefighting boots that meet these standards provide essential protection against hazards such as:

 

  • High temperatures and flames
  • Sharp objects and debris
  • Chemical exposure

 

Always confirm that the boots are certified, not just compliant. Certification ensures that an independent body has tested and verified the boots against the relevant standards.

 

  1. Material Durability and Heat Resistance

 

Firefighting boots must endure extreme environments. High-quality materials such as full-grain leather or advanced composites provide the necessary durability and resistance to heat. Features to look for include:

 

  • Heat-resistant soles made from materials like nitrile rubber or polyurethane
  • Reinforced toe caps using steel or composite materials
  • Flame-retardant coatings to prevent ignition

 

Selecting boots with premium materials ensures they maintain integrity under prolonged exposure to heat and physical stress.

 

  1. Protection Against Puncture and Impact

 

The unpredictable nature of firefighting environments means sharp debris, heavy objects, and falling hazards are common. To protect the foot’s intricate anatomy—comprising 26 bones and numerous joints, ligaments, and muscles—firefighter boots should feature:

 

  • Steel or composite toe caps for impact resistance
  • Puncture-resistant midsoles to shield against sharp objects

 

These protective elements are essential to minimise the risk of injuries and ensure long-term foot health.

 

  1. Water and Chemical Resistance

 

Firefighting often involves exposure to water, chemicals, and biological hazards. Boots should be both waterproof and resistant to chemical penetration to ensure safety and comfort during extended operations.

 

Waterproof boots keep feet dry, reducing the risk of blisters and other discomforts that can impede performance.

 

  1. Slip Resistance and Traction

 

Slippery surfaces are a constant hazard in firefighting scenarios. Boots with high-traction soles and intricate lug patterns provide the grip needed to navigate wet, oily, or debris-covered terrain safely.

 

Effective traction not only prevents accidents but also enhances stability and efficiency during critical operations.

 

  1. Comfort and Fit

 

Comfort is just as important as safety. Ill-fitting boots can cause blisters, fatigue, and long-term foot issues. To ensure the best fit, consider:

 

  • Sizing options that accommodate a range of foot shapes.
  • Enhanced comfort with features such as 3D memory foam ankle protection, which in built into the Jolly 9305 boot.
  • Padded collars and insoles for added comfort.
  • Adjustable laces or zippers for a secure fit.

 

Encourage firefighters to break in their boots gradually before using them in active duty. This process helps the boots conform to their feet, reducing the risk of discomfort during long shifts.

 

  1. Weight and Mobility

 

While durability and protection are paramount, boots should not be so heavy that they hinder mobility. Modern firefighting boots strike a balance, offering robust protection while being lightweight enough for prolonged use. Features like composite toe caps can reduce weight without compromising safety.

 

  1. Versatility for Different Scenarios

 

Firefighters face diverse challenges, from structural fires to technical rescues and wildland firefighting. Depending on the scenarios your team encounters, consider boots designed for specific applications:

 

  • Structural firefighting boots for heat and flame protection.
  • Technical rescue boots for flexibility and all-terrain use.
  • Wildland firefighting boots for breathability and lighter weight.

 

Choosing the right type of boot for the task ensures optimal performance and safety.

 

Partnering with a Trusted Supplier

 

Selecting the right firefighting boots is a critical decision that requires expert guidance. At FlamePro, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver boots that exceed industry standards. The boots that we supply are designed in collaboration with firefighters and tested under real-world conditions to ensure they meet the demands of the job.

 

Our in-house manufacturing process ensures consistent quality and rapid delivery, so you can equip your team with the best gear when it matters most. Contact us today to learn more about our range of firefighter boots and how we can help you make an informed choice.

FlamePro Puts PPE To The Test

Posted on by Julie Roberts

FlamePro Raises the Bar for PPE Innovation with New In-House Testing Lab

 

 

“Every second counts in an emergency—and so does every layer of protection.”

That’s why we have invested in our own in-house state-of-the-art in-house testing laboratory at FlamePro’s UK headquarters near Hull. This £150,000 investment isn’t just about equipment; it’s about our commitment to safeguarding those who risk everything to keep us safe.

 

By housing cutting-edge testing technology under our own roof in Hull, we’re accelerating our ability to deliver revolutionary firefighter  PPE solutions to the market—faster than ever before.

 

Why This Lab Matters

 

Imagine the challenge, until now, as part of our product development process, fabric and clothing samples have been sent to external testing facilities to measure their protective qualities, slowing down the development process.  Whilst final design versions will still require testing by independent, accredited facilities, the on-site lab will save a huge amount of time in sample testing, helping us to quickly discover the most favourable designs and bring new innovations to market.

 

  • Faster innovations: Immediate results mean quicker decision-making.
  • Superior solutions: We can experiment more thoroughly with fabric combinations and design tweaks.
  • Global leadership: This lab cements FlamePro as a pioneer in PPE excellence.

 

Inside the Lab: A Revolution in Testing

 

The lab has been fitted out with a host of specialist testing equipment, the majority supplied by the market leaders in precision testing solutions for the textile industry.  The equipment includes:

 

Convective Heat Test Machine

 

When seconds stand between safety and burns, our testing ensures that garments meet EN ISO 9151 standards, providing maximum protection against flames. This device plays a critical role in measuring how much heat transfers through clothing when directly exposed to flames, as outlined by EN ISO 9151. It’s one of the most vital tests for meeting the EN 496 standard for structural firefighting PPE. The test is conducted on the fully assembled fabric—including the outer shell, thermal barrier, and inner moisture barrier—providing essential insights into how long the clothing can resist flames while staying cool enough to protect against burns.

 

Radiant Heat Test Machine

 

Firefighters don’t just face flames; they endure intense heat from surrounding smoke and structures. This machine tests how our fabrics perform under radiant heat, crucial for passing EN 469 standards.

 

At structural fires, firefighters face danger not only from flames but also from intense heat radiating from the fire, surrounding smoke, and the building itself. To tackle this, the radiant heat test machine measures how clothing performs under heat radiation, following the EN ISO 6942 standard. This crucial EN 469 test is a game-changer for our R&D efforts, allowing us to rapidly assess how fabrics respond to radiant heat when combined, driving innovation and enhancing protection.

 

Universal Strength Tester

 

From seams to entire garments, we test tensile strength and tear resistance to guarantee durability in the toughest conditions.

 

This cutting-edge device evaluates how clothing holds up when pulled in opposite directions, testing fabrics for both tensile strength and tear resistance. It’s an invaluable tool for quality control, ensuring seams remain strong under pressure and fabrics meet the highest durability standards.

 

Specialist Washing Machines

 

Durability matters—especially when PPE undergoes frequent washes. By testing fabrics under ISO 6330 conditions, we ensure they maintain their protective qualities wash after wash. We’ve installed specialist washing and drying machines designed to meet the rigorous procedures of ISO 6330. These machines allow us to test how well PPE holds up to repeated cleaning while maintaining its protective qualities. Each test wash is meticulously controlled, with precise weights, temperatures, and spin settings to ensure reliable results. The insights gained directly inform the care labels on our garments, ensuring wearers get the best performance and longevity from their PPE.

 

What This Means for PPE Innovation

 

Adrian Jaoudat, Head of Product Development, highlights the impact of the lab on our mission:

“At both FlamePro, we already have an excellent reputation for our quick turn-around of market-leading products and short lead times for new orders.  With the new lab, our world-class R&D department will become even more efficient and rigorous in the discovery of highly protective PPE solutions.”

 

Helen Briggs, Certification and Testing Manager, will be managing the day-to-day running of the new lab and testing procedures.  She adds:

“It’s very exciting to have our own testing lab on site!  Immediate access to state-of-the-art testing equipment will be hugely beneficial to our R&D and design endeavours, helping to consolidate our position as a leader in firefighter and arc flash PPE innovation.”

 

Our Vision for the Future

 

FlamePro’s new testing lab isn’t just an investment in technology; it’s an investment in lives.

 

And this is just the beginning. With in-house testing now in place, we’re opening the door to groundbreaking advancements that will redefine safety standards for years to come.

 

Lasting care and service

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Supporting Beyond Delivery

 

When you purchase kit from FlamePro, our job doesn’t stop there.  Optimal protection depends on PPE being clean, a good fit and in top condition for every call out.  Then at the end of its life, it needs to be disposed of responsibly.

 

 

After-sales care and maintenance is crucial to keep your team safe.  At FlamePro we take this responsibility seriously.  In the UK, we offer a full service package to ensure you consistently get the best from your PPE.

 

 

The risks

 

Dirty firefighting suits can be dangerous to health. Good quality PPE protects against contaminants like chemicals, blood, carcinogens and toxic smoke particles. But after an incident, these harmful substances remain on the outer layers of the PPE. Firefighters continue to be at risk until the kit is carefully removed and decontaminated.

 

 

The requirements

 

National and international guidance from the BSI and ISO states that firefighting PPE must be cleaned after every fire-related incident. The Fire Brigades Union DECON campaign is taking this further, calling for stricter monitoring and decontamination policies.

 

Fire and Rescue Services have a duty of care to their crews. They must minimise the immediate and long-term health risks.  To keep everyone at the station safe, exposed kit should be contained and professionally decontaminated.

 

Keep it clean and fit for purpose

 

You can depend on us to handle ongoing PPE cleaning and maintenance. Our full service package offers the benefits of a local service, combined with specialist expertise.  We clean and decontaminate PPE at 22 aftercare service depots across the UK.   Clean kit is returned within seven days, ready for action.

 

 

We use the latest technology at our depots to scan and inspect your kit for signs of damage.  Repairs are undertaken as part of the seven-day service and meet our high manufacturing standards. If repairs are un-economic, the kit is retired and replaced.

 

 

 

Take stock

 

Our Wardrobe Management Portal gives you real-time access to the history and status of each garment in our care. Track the date of manufacture, the wearer, and every clean and repair.  Place new orders and rank changes.

 

 

Size up

 

Accurate sizing is crucial to our after-sales service. Oversized garments can be too heavy and risk snagging. Tight garments reduce air gaps and compromise thermal protection and movement. It’s essential that firefighters get a good fit to operate safely.

 

FlamePro’s Sizing App revolutionises the sizing process.  Convenient, quick and accurate, it saves valuable time and resources. AI technology captures precise measurements, ensuring comfort, mobility and safety for each wearer.

 

For those that prefer a personal service, we offer an in-person sizing option.  Our sizing team will visit your crew members at all your locations to ensure correct size and fit.

 

 

Recycle

 

Our environmental impact matters. We work hard to protect firefighters, and we want to protect our planet too.  FlamePro is proud to offer a comprehensive, scalable recycling package for firefighting PPE.

 

The FlamePro Recycle scheme accepts firefighting clothing, boots and helmets from any supplier to be reused, repurposed and recycled. Our services are scalable, whether you require occasional box returns, or regular recycling bin collections across multiple sites.  These initiatives can help your organisation hit its sustainability targets. Together, we can all make a difference keeping firefighting PPE out of landfill.

 

 

Our global commitment

 

Whilst our full range of care and maintenance services is currently available in the UK, we’re actively sourcing worldwide partners to help us deliver these services globally too. Your FlamePro sales contact can advise on aftercare services available in your location.

 

Ultimately, taking care of your kit is taking care of your crew. From design to manufacture, sizing, tracking, cleaning, repairs and recycling, FlamePro will help you get the best out of your PPE for its lifetime and beyond.

The Design Behind The Protection

Posted on by Julie Roberts

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.

7 Reason to Choose FlamePro

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Increasingly, Fire and Rescue Services across the globe are choosing FlamePro PPE to protect their firefighters.

 

Here are just some of the reasons why:

 

  1. DESIGN EXPERTISE

 

We’re innovators. Our highly skilled and experienced design team is at the forefront of firefighter PPE design. Protection, comfort and ergonomics are stitched into every piece of kit we create, and we don’t compromise on quality.

 

We’re not tied to any suppliers. We’re free to use the very best available fabrics for the job.  All our PPE is heat and flame resistant, breathable, durable and carefully designed to be comfortable.

 

We have our own testing laboratory to put new styles and fabric combinations through their paces. This enhances design innovation, whilst always ensuring high levels of protection and safety.

 

  1. CUSTOMER FOCUS

 

Our team is known for being professional, honest and easy to work with.  We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with customers: they trust us to get the job done.

 

Every customer has a dedicated account manager to answer queries and provide updates.  We take the time to get to know you and your organisation, to understand your preferences and how you work.  We never oversell. We always ask the right questions to make sure the solutions we’re providing are exactly what you need, and can tailor your kit accordingly.

 

Before you place an order, we’ll make sure the design is right, from the national or international standards it meets, to the specific fabrics we use, to the placement of pockets and loops. We’ll then produce samples for you to try.

 

  1. THE PERFECT FIT

 

To provide optimal protection, PPE must fit well. We know everyone is different, that’s why we manufacture 96 different standard sizes across all body types.

 

Our Sizing App helps to ensure that we get the right fit for each member of your crew. Convenient, quick and accurate, it uses AI technology to capture precise measurements, ensuring comfort, mobility and safety.

 

For those preferring a personal service, we offer an in-person sizing option.  Our sizing team will visit crew members at all your locations to ensure correct size and fit.

 

  1. FAST DELIVERY

 

We deliver – quickly! Sourcing kit in good time has become problematic in today’s market. Our competitors are taking months to complete orders and failing to meet delivery deadlines. Not us.  Our customers are surprised and delighted at how quickly they can receive kit.

 

We keep healthy stocks of technically advanced fabrics, so we’re not hindered by supply issues. We have the staff, capacity and capability to hit the ground running when you place an order, so we can deliver excellent quality kit in industry leading times of 8-12 weeks.

 

  1. MANUFACTURING CONTROL

 

From initial design to delivery of your kit, everything is handled by us. Part of the reason we’re out-stripping our competitors on delivery times is the full control we have over our supply chain and manufacturing capabilities.

 

Whilst many PPE suppliers look to Asia to contract out their manufacturing, we have our own manufacturing facility in the heart of Europe. Here we employ our own staff, and have stringent training, auditing and quality control procedures. Our in-house production line is expertly managed to ensure a smooth process and avoid delays, meaning your PPE will reach you quickly.

 

  1. CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

 

Our care and attention to detail doesn’t stop on delivery.  You can depend on us to handle the ongoing cleaning and maintenance of your kit, to ensure it’s in tip top condition for every call out.

 

Our full service package in the UK provides cleaning and decontamination services at 22 aftercare service depots across the country. Here, we also inspect kit for signs of damage and undertake repairs. PPE is returned within seven days, clean, repaired and ready for action.

 

All aftercare services are logged on our Wardrobe Management Portal, where you can track and access the service history of each piece of kit, and order replacements.

 

We’re actively sourcing worldwide partners to help us deliver these services globally, and can advise on aftercare services available in any location.

 

 

  1. ENVRONMENTAL RESPONSIBLITY

 

Our impact on the environment matters. We work hard to protect firefighters, and we want to protect our planet too.  We’re proud to offer our customers a comprehensive recycling package for firefighting PPE.

 

Our FlamePro Recycle scheme takes used firefighter clothing, boots and helmets from any supplier to be reused, repurposed or recycled. Our services are scalable, whether you require occasional box returns, or regular recycling bin collections. Together, we can all make a difference keeping firefighting PPE out of landfill.

 

Download our latest product brochure here.

Top tips for maintaining firefighting PPE

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Ensure your firefighting PPE is always in peak condition with FlamePro’s comprehensive guide, Top Tips for Keeping Firefighting PPE Tip-Top. In this essential download, we share expert advice to help you inspect, maintain, and store your protective gear effectively, keeping you safe on the job and extending the life of your PPE. From choosing the right fit to understanding the signs of wear, this guide details every aspect of PPE care, including how to clean gear after every fire-related callout and the importance of regular inspections.

 

Firefighters work in high-risk environments where PPE is the first line of defense. That’s why this guide goes in-depth on identifying critical defects, using proper cleaning protocols, and logging maintenance activities to create a traceable care history. With sections on advanced inspection techniques, record-keeping, and compatibility checks, you’ll find everything needed to ensure every piece of equipment – from gloves and helmets to jackets and boots – is functioning at its best. FlamePro’s dedicated section on transport and storage provides tips to protect your kit from environmental damage, preserving its integrity and protective qualities.

 

Download the guide today and empower yourself with the knowledge to keep your PPE in top shape. With FlamePro’s tips, you’ll not only uphold the highest safety standards but also make a worthwhile investment in your kit’s longevity, ensuring it’s ready to support you when it matters most.

Crucial guide to the physical and psychological effects of heat

Posted on by Julie Roberts

As global temperatures continue to rise, heat stress has become a critical risk for firefighters, impacting both their physical health and cognitive performance in life-threatening situations. Our new report, Heat Stress, The Body & The Mind, offers an in-depth look at the severe toll heat stress takes on firefighters and the strategies essential for protecting them in an increasingly challenging climate.

 

Firefighters already face extreme conditions, and the added threat of heat stress can lead to serious health risks such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and long-term mental health effects. In this comprehensive report, we explore not only the immediate physical dangers but also the impact of heat on cognitive functions, which can lead to slower reaction times and impaired decision-making. It’s a vital resource for fire services, PPE designers, and anyone in the fire industry seeking to better understand and mitigate these hazards.

 

At FlamePro, we’re dedicated to advancing firefighter safety through innovation. Our Valiant structural suit and Defender wildland suit are designed to reduce heat stress by using lightweight, breathable materials without compromising on critical protection against flames and other hazards. This report also covers the latest practical steps—from hydration and rest strategies to pre-cooling methods—that firefighters and their teams can adopt to lessen the effects of heat on the job.

 

Available exclusively from FlamePro, this report highlights our ongoing commitment to developing PPE that meets the ever-evolving needs of firefighters, ensuring their safety even as temperatures rise.

Top tips for sourcing firefighting PPE

Posted on by Julie Roberts
Sourcing the Right Firefighting PPE: Essential Considerations

Protecting firefighters is a top priority for every fire and rescue service (FRS), and selecting the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in ensuring their safety. Our comprehensive guide, Top Tips for Sourcing Firefighting PPE, is designed to help procurement officers navigate the complexities of PPE selection.

 

With shrinking budgets and new regulations like the UK’s Procurement Act 2023, FRSs must make smart, informed choices when buying PPE. This guide provides practical advice on sourcing PPE that complies with key standards, such as EU PPE Regulation 2016/425, and ensuring the gear is fit for purpose.

 

You’ll learn about the importance of risk assessments, how to base procurement decisions on up-to-date information, and how to collaborate with suppliers and other FRSs for cost efficiency. The report also covers key procurement routes—whether through tenders, frameworks, or direct purchases—and emphasises the value of seeking expert advice from knowledgeable suppliers like FlamePro.

 

Equip your team with the best PPE while staying compliant and within budget. Download the full guide now and make informed, cost-effective decisions that prioritise firefighter safety.

Capita Case Study

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Customer Name: Capita
Business sector: MoD Fire Service
Year of order: 2023
Business requirements: Top to toe ensembles for military firefighters from a flexible supplier able to also provide a range of customisations, fully managed services, and the handling of ongoing maintenance and cleaning of the PPE.

 

An Overview

In 2021, FlamePro was awarded a 10 year contract by Capita to provide Firefighting PPE for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Martin Trafford from Capita Fire and Rescue describes the procurement process, and explains how this has developed into a successful working relationship:

 

“Firefighters working for the MoD make up one of the largest Fire & Rescue Services (FRSs) in the UK. Our firefighters are located across 56 stations on RAF airfields, Royal Navy and defence sites. In addition, we have firefighters stationed overseas in locations such as Germany, Cyprus, Brunei, the Falkland Islands and the Ascension Islands. As a result, our firefighting PPE requirements are more complex than most. Like all FRSs we require high-quality full structural protection for our firefighters, but delivery and maintenance are more challenging given our widespread locations. Equally, our needs can change at very short notice, so we need suppliers that can be flexible and work to tight deadlines.”

 

The requirement

Our former firefighting PPE was coming to the end of its useful life, so we needed to re-tender for new kit. We required around 4,000 items to make up full top-to-toe firefighting PPE, comprising structural tunics, trousers, boots, gloves, helmets and flash hoods. These
would need to work together as an ensemble to offer suitable protection and meet the European standard EN 469:2020 Level 2. As military firefighters, there were some additional specifications to consider such as rank sliders and name badges for identification on the fireground. We also needed a supplier with capabilities for providing fully managed services, handling the ongoing maintenance and cleaning of the PPE.

 

 

The tender process

The tender process took around a year to complete, which is standard for this kind of contract. A request for proposal (RFT) was issued with a prequalification questionnaire, which led to four different PPE providers being issued an invitation to tender (ITT). These suppliers presented their most suitable products, which were then put through rigorous wearer trials with a selection
of firefighters testing the kit in a variety of training scenarios. FlamePro scored highly across the range of criteria which included price, quality and wearer comfort. The company offered a good selection of products to choose from and responded attentively to each specified element of the brief. We were also impressed with FlamePro’s strength in logistics and focus on swift delivery times. Thanks to the benefit of its in-house manufacturing capabilities, FlamePro was undeterred by the challenge of providing kit to various  locations in the UK and overseas.

 

 

The solution

FlamePro’s Valiant structural jacket and trouser set was selected as the clear front-runner. The combination of high-quality fabric technologies and innovative design was well received, and it scored particularly highly in the wearer trials for its comfortable and ergonomic fit. To complete the ensemble we selected Jolly 9305 pull-on leather boots, Holik Diamond short firefighting gloves, the MSA Gallet F1XF helmet, and FlamePro’s 171 Full Cover particulate protection hood, worn under the helmet to protect the neck and face from harmful smoke particles. We have since purchased additional specific purpose wildland firefighting PPE from FlamePro,
namely the Defender Wildland Firefighter Suit and compatible accessories, which is required for our firefighters in high-risk areas of the UK, and Cyprus for example.

 

 

Cleaning & maintenance

For essential care and maintenance, FlamePro provides managed services for all our UK sites via its partnership with the Johnsons Workwear network of cleaning facilities across the country. Kit is collected, cleaned, repaired if necessary, and returned within seven days as standard. For our overseas sites, the MoD has arrangements in place with local cleaning providers, and FlamePro assists by providing advice and instructions on optimal cleaning techniques.

 

 

Distribution & logistics

FlamePro has demonstrated excellent flexibility in responding to our distribution needs since the contact was awarded. Initially, overseas delivery was organised via the MoD’s ‘Purple Gates’ distribution hubs, but we realised efficiencies could be made by delivering kit directly to some overseas sites. FlamePro was able to adapt its systems to suit our needs, and re-routed
deliveries to minimise lead times.

 

Subsequently, the impact of Brexit saw the export of goods delayed by cumbersome tariffs and paperwork, so FlamePro adapted again, and has reverted back to the Purple Gate system which currently remains more efficient. Over time, we have been impressed with their ability to flex to deliver the best service for their customers depending on circumstances.

 

 

From the outset, FlamePro put a lot of time and effort into understanding challenges and nuances, but FlamePro has always been very good at responding to these needs and adapting swiftly to change. Defence services often have to respond quickly to global events, which means our suppliers must respond quickly too. With its control over manufacturing capabilities and excellent management of logistics, FlamePro has consistently delivered exceptional service and exceeded our expectations.

Kent FRS SPPE Framework

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Customer name – Kent Fire & Rescue Service
Business Sector –  State Brigade
Business Requirement – : Specific need PPE due to the increasing amount of Wildfire incidents occurring. Ensuring firefighters were not exposed to the risk of heatstress associated with using structural garments when attending wildfire incidents.

 

 

An Overview

Brett Egan-Briers from Kent Fire & Rescue Service (FRS) is the National Firefighters PPE Technical Advisor. He handled procurement for the National Specialist PPE (NSPPE) Wildland PPE Framework in 2022, which selected FlamePro’s Defender as the preferred wildland PPE ensemble for UK firefighters:

“The driver behind this procurement project was the increase in wildland fire incidents occurring in the UK. We have always been susceptible to heath, moorland and grassland fires in the summer months, but these were increasing in frequency and intensity, particularly in London and the South East which were affected by long periods of hot, dry weather.
Nominated by the Commercial Transformation Programme (CTP) as the lead service in creating national procurement frameworks for PPE, Kent FRS was tasked with identifying a preferred wildland kit for the UK’s firefighters, along with a maintenance package to handle ongoing repairs and cleaning. By working together to select a supplier, FRSs would benefit from economies of scale and more efficient route to purchase.

 

The requirement

Traditionally, UK firefighters have worn structural PPE to all call-outs. This provides full thermal protection when faced with intense fires in buildings, but can be heavy and cumbersome to wear. In reality, tackling structural fires is a small part of a firefighter’s role. Today we attend a wide variety of incidents, from road traffic accidents to flooding, as well as undertaking work in the community providing fire safety advice and education. Around 93% of the time, wearing full structural PPE isn’t necessary, and firefighters would prefer to be operating in kit that is lighter and more comfortable.

At a wildland fire, crews are likely to be wearing kit for long periods of time in hot weather and need to stay comfortable. Specific purpose wildland PPE is usually much better suited to these fires than full structural PPE. It needs to be resistant to radiant heat, flames and embers, but doesn’t require multi-layer thermal protection against the intense heat of structural fires. As a result, it is usually lighter and more breathable, which is preferable when fighting fires in hot weather. We set about creating a procurement framework to make it easier and more affordable for FRSs to purchase this specialist kit.

 

The tender process

A thorough pre-qualification assessment was conducted to verify important criteria amongst potential suppliers, and as a result, three PPE suppliers were invited to tender, each putting forward designs and samples for consideration.
The ensembles were then tested by a selection of firefighters from Fire and Rescue Services across the country, who undertook various training scenarios whilst wearing the kit. The entire process took into account transparency, innovation, business resilience, value for money, and feedback from the wearer trials.

FlamePro’s Defender was a firm favourite at the wearer trials, and the company’s in-house design, manufacturing and testing capabilities ensured that samples and designs met the technical requirements. In addition, FlamePro’s partnership with the Johnsons Workwear network of cleaning facilities across the country, meant that a comprehensive fully managed service package was available for FRSs in all locations, enabling crucial ongoing maintenance of the kit. As a result, Defender was selected as the wildland PPE of choice for the Framework.

To date, I understand that FRSs from Lancashire, Cumbria, Surrey, Hampshire, North Wales and Norfolk have purchased the kit, and are putting it to good use on wildland fire call outs.

 

 

The investment

Wildland fires are an increasing problem in the UK and likely to become more frequent with climate change. When considering costs, it’s important that FRSs look holistically at the whole life costs of their PPE stock in light of the incidents they are likely to face. Specialist PPE is often considered an additional cost, but can offer good value for money if it can help prolong the life of more expensive structural PPE.

All firefighters must have access to full structural PPE in case of a serious incident, and most have two personal issue sets to allow for cleaning. This kit is generally more costly due to the higher level of thermal protection and complex combination of materials required. However, the repeated wearing and washing of structural kit can shorten its useful life significantly, meaning that it’s not
economical to wear this kit to all call-outs. Depending on the location and types of incidents faced by individual FRSs, purchasing specific purpose Wildland or Technical Rescue PPE could save on the cost of replacing structural sets in the long run, whilst ensuring firefighters are working in comfort with suitable protection.”

FlamePro delivers with unrivalled lead times

Posted on by Julie Roberts

FlamePro delivers with unrivalled lead times

PPE lead times are a sticking point in the industry right now. Global events are taking a toll with competition for production lines increasing as military requirements take precedence. Lead times dragging beyond 12 months are not unusual, and are understandably causing frustration, with fire and rescue services (FRSs) facing long waits for orders to arrive.  Increasingly, procurement officers are looking for suppliers that do things differently and can guarantee rapid delivery without compromising on quality.

 

FlamePro is defying this trend with unrivalled lead times thanks to our in-house manufacturing facility in the heart of Europe. Here we have full control of the process and supply chain, which helps to reduce our carbon footprint and ensures rapid delivery of quality kit within just 8-12 weeks.

 

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We go out of our way to understand their requirements and think outside the box when it comes to solutions. Often the right PPE solution isn’t necessarily the most obvious one!

 

We have a clear path to purchase, which ensures we fully understand our customers’ requirements and crucially, once an order is placed, we can move quickly:

 

Quick and efficient sizing

Our sizer app makes it quick and simple to size your entire team. It’s an accurate way to select the best fit.

 

Full control of supply chain and manufacturing process

We have our own dedicated manufacturing facility in Bulgaria. We employ our own staff, and have stringent training, auditing and quality control processes. Our dedicated sampling team and production line means we don’t have to compete for manufacturing slots and there are no delays or long waits for PPE.

 

We keep healthy stocks of innovative and technically advanced fabrics, which also enables us offer industry leading delivery times.

 

Central European location

Our manufacturing facility is well placed for easy access and fast delivery to customers in UK, Europe and beyond.

 

Uncompromising quality

Speed doesn’t affect quality. Our PPE is carefully manufactured to the highest quality. Every item of clothing we sell uses quality fabrics, is heat resistant, flame resistant, breathable and durable and carefully designed so that it’s ergonomic and comfortable.

 

Actions speak louder than words. Over the last 3 years we have been the contract holder to supply Wildland Firefighting garments to several UK FRSs through the National Specialist PPE (NSPPE) Framework. Supply has included large scale role-outs to Lancashire FRS, Scotland FRS, Surrey FRS and most recently Hampshire FRS. Through this Framework, we are contracted to deliver within 12 weeks and have met this requirement every time.

 

We also hold a lot of stock PPE and for these items, we can offer next day delivery to our distributors including Fire Ladders and Flameskill.

 

Download our latest product brochure here.

Defence Brochure Download

Posted on by Stephen Conlan

Explore the future of Defence Procurement with FlamePro.

Download our latest brochure to discover how FlamePro can become an integral extension of your team. In close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), we meticulously analyse the statement of requirement to propose optimal logistical solutions.

By sourcing, manufacturing and delivering a diverse array of non-lethal commodities globally. Our brochure provides case studies and further information on how we leverage our established global supply chain connections to explore solution alternatives, gather materials and place and track orders with speed and precision using one supplier.

The Specific Purpose PPE Report

Posted on by Julie Roberts

In the evolving landscape of firefighting, traditional full structural PPE is no longer the one-size-fits-all solution for the diverse emergencies firefighters face. Our comprehensive report, issued in July 2024, delves into the changing role of UK firefighters and the financial and practical benefits of adopting specific purpose PPE. With fewer incidents involving structural fires and a significant increase in non-fire emergencies such as road traffic collisions, medical incidents, and wildfires, the need for versatile, cost-effective PPE has never been greater.

 

This report offers a detailed analysis of the cost implications and potential savings associated with incorporating specific purpose PPE, such as technical rescue, wildland, and water rescue gear. By highlighting case studies and providing practical recommendations, it serves as a crucial resource for Fire and Rescue Services seeking to optimize their PPE procurement strategies and ensure the safety and efficiency of their teams.

 

Discover how aligning PPE choices with today’s firefighting demands can lead to significant cost savings and improved operational effectiveness. Dive into our report to learn more about how specific purpose PPE can be a game-changer for the modern firefighter.

Dynamic new website improves customer experience

Posted on by Julie Roberts

We’re excited to introduce our fresh new website! Easy to navigate, quick to load, and teaming with useful information, it’s a helpful customer resource for solutions and support.

 

As a company, we’ve experienced significant growth in recent years, honing our expertise in specific markets and regions across the world. The new website better reflects our company today, with dual dedicated areas focusing on our Firefighting PPE solutions and our Defence Procurement ranges.

 

We’ve taken care to make sure that information and products are easy to find, with simple menus and internal links helping to make navigation simple and intuitive.

 

Our responsive new design ensures that the viewing experience is equally as good on all devices, from desk tops to mobile phones.

 

The website speed has also been optimised, with fast loading, display and response times for a positive user experience.

 

Firefighting PPE
Aimed at Fire & Rescue Services and firefighters in industry, this section showcases our full range of firefighting PPE, along with details of our care and maintenance wrap-around service for cleaning and repairs.

 

Defence Procurement
For our customers in the military, this section details the specialist project management of global rapid procurement and mobilisation services we offer. With capabilities to supply any non lethal items such as high-quality load carry, PPE, clothing and medical equipment. All can be purchased via our rapid procurement service, thanks to our robust global manufacturing, supply and distribution network.

 

Testimonials and case studies
Find out from the front line what it’s like to work with us, to purchase from us and to wear our kit! Our customers tend to come back to us for repeat orders thanks to our high-quality products and swift delivery times.

 

Information and resources
Delve into the latest hot topics and issues affecting our industries. This section of the website features white papers, opinion pieces and research to keep you up to speed.

 

FlamePro’s Head of Marketing, Dominic Beasty comments:

“It’s exciting to see the new website go live! We’ve worked hard to make it more cohesive and informative, and much easier to navigate. It helps to showcase FlamePro’s expertise and capabilities on the global stage, and highlights our unwavering focus on customer service. We hope it will continue to serve as a hub of information and support for our customers, suppliers and the wider industry.”

Why in-house manufacture of firefighting PPE is critical

Posted on 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.

Brochure Download

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Explore the future of firefighter protection with FlamePro.

Download our latest brochure to discover how our cutting-edge innovations and industry-leading delivery times are reshaping the landscape of firefighting PPE. Whether you’re looking for advanced safety features, unparalleled comfort, or tailored fit options, our brochure provides comprehensive insights into our state-of-the-art products designed to keep your team safe and agile. Don’t miss out on learning about our customisable solutions that cater to every firefighting need. Enter your details to download now and equip your team with the best.

Explaining EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 – Wildland Firefighting Clothing

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Explaining EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 – Wildland Firefighting Clothing

There are a wide variety of standards that personal protective clothing and equipment have to conform to – in this blog we’re explaining EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 – wildland firefighting clothing and has replaced EN15614:2007

 

Having different kit for different uses is important as UK firefighters attend a wide variety of incidents, from structural fires to road traffic accidents. Always turning out in full structural kit is often too heavy and cumbersome and provides a level of protection the job doesn’t need. It also means an often protracted level of wear on the firefighters’ most expensive garments.

 

How Often Is Wildland Firefighting Needed?

 

An article in New Scientist in April 2019 reported that there had already been more wildfires in 2019 than in any other year on record – almost a hundred. At the start of that year there had been a dry spell and hot weather over Easter which resulted in 96 major wildfires affecting 25 or more hectares of land. 2019 ended with 137 wildfires of >25 hectares, according to the European Forest Fire Information System.

 

And in April 2020 National Geographic reported that wildfires are getting more frequent in the UK. In 2020 so far there have been notable wildfires in the Peak District and Wales, so it’s clear that wildland firefighting is an increasing activity for the UK’s state firefighting brigades.

 

Although forest and wildland fires primarily happen during the summer, the start of 2020 has shown that it’s possible for this type of incident to happen at any time of year. According to Statista there was a more than three-fold increase on wildfires from 2022 (6,236) to 2023 (20,362) which is still down from the 2019 (28,754) highs. Wildfires are becoming more and more prevalent in the country.

 

What Does The Standard Cover?

 

In the UK, wildland fires tend to burn slowly rather than raging swiftly through large swathes of land meaning that firefighters have to spend large amounts of time in conditions where radiant heat can be elevated.

 

Firefighters attending wildland fire incidents may also have to walk long distances from appliances, meaning their kit has to balance providing protection from heat with being light and effective, reducing the chances of firefighters suffering from heat stress.

 

EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 specifies standards for the design, minimum performance levels and testing methods for all wildland fire kit.

It covers:

 

  • Radiant heat protection
  • Function and performance of fastenings and badges
  • Tensile strength
  • Thermal resistance
  • Water vapour resistance (which creates breathability)
  • Reflective material proportions

 

EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 is more stringent than the superseded EN15614 with higher performance requirements for Tensile strength, Tear strength, Seam strength and Heat resistance.

 

What Does EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 Not Cover?

 

As the standard for wildland fire fighting, EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 does not apply to clothing which is intended for fighting structural fires. EN469 is the standard which covers kit intended for this purpose.

 

It also doesn’t cover clothing which needs to protect firefighters against chemical, biological, electrical or radiation hazards.

 

Wildland Fire Clothing From The Experts

 

Our wildland fire range is approved to the relevant standard, but designed to meet the needs of the firefighters who have to wear it. All of the range is fire-resistant, thin and light, without the unnecessary thermal protection needed from structural firefighting clothing. This makes the clothing more comfortable to wear over longer periods, reducing heat stress on firefighters.

 

To speak to one of our experts about our comprehensive range of EN ISO 15384:2020 +A1:2021 accredited wildland fire fighting clothing, give us a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

ESPO Framework

Posted on by dev@cda.group

We have been awarded a place on the ESPO Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Clothing framework (144), which makes buying FlamePro kit easier than ever for the public sector.

 

This framework offers a range of personal protective equipment and clothing; Ranging from corporate workwear, schoolwear and leisurewear to fire/rescue service workwear and police workwear.

 

 

 

 

 

There are some key benefits of using the ESPO 144 framework:

 

● You can view a list of supplier prices which enables you to purchase directly. No need for further competition.

 

● This framework is compliant with UK/EU procurement legislation – they’ve done the work, so there’s no need for you to run a full EU procurement process.

 

● ESPO gave us a full assessment during the procurement process. They checked our financial stability, track record, experience and technical & professional ability.

 

● Pre-agreed terms & conditions underpin all orders.

 

 

Your next steps:

1. Register for ESPO.
2. Download the User Guide
3. Enjoy saving time on time-consuming EU-compliant advertising and supplier vetting.

 

 

If you have any questions about this process or framework at all, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here and happy to help.

Explaining EN16689:2017 – Technical Rescue Clothing

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

All protective clothing and equipment has to conform to certain UK, European and international standards – EN16689:2017 is the European standard for technical rescue clothing for firefighters.

It’s important that brigades have access to a range of protective clothing for their firefighters, especially as fighting fires accounted for only 28% of firefighting incidents in the UK, according to the latest data.

We thought it would be useful to explain what this standard covers and how it’s different to the other main standards for firefighting clothing.

 

What is technical rescue?

 

In firefighting terms, technical rescue refers to shouts which don’t involve structural fires. The term technical rescue applies to incidents such as road traffic accidents and working around collapsed structures, often as a result of natural disasters such as landslides. Usually there’s limited exposure to heat and flame. Incidents could also involve working in public places or in confined spaces.

As a result of the types of incident that technical rescue clothing is needed for, the specification for this type of kit is different to the usual fire-fighting kit, which needs to primarily protect against heat and flame.

 

What does the standard cover?

 

The standard covers a range of factors including clothing design and performance levels. It also specifies the way clothing meeting the standard should be tested. In particular, EN16689:2017 specifies minimum standards for:

• Flame spread resistance – despite the main intended use for this type of kit not being about fighting fires
• Breathability (referred to in the standard as water vapor resistance)
• Protection from contact heat
• Mechanical resistance
• Resistance to blood-borne pathogens
• Visibility

 

What does EN16689:2017 not cover?

 

The standard is not intended to cover protection for hands, feet or head. And it doesn’t cover protection against other hazards such as chemicals or risks from electrical equipment.

There are other standards for different types of rescue, including EN469, which is the standard used for protective clothing intended for fighting fires and EN15614:2007, the standard for wildland fires.

 

Buying technical rescue clothing

 

Our Technical Rescue range all conforms to EN16689:2017, along with other associated standards covering footwear, helmets and gloves.

Available in a range of colours including red and navy, the range has been carefully designed to ensure that it performs under technical rescue conditions. Our extensive research with firefighters means this kit also has everything you need – from pockets in the right places to reinforced knee pads and adjustable ankle and waist tabs on some garments.

Many of our technical rescue products also double-up as wildfire firefighting gear, meeting EN15614:2007 as well.

For a conversation about buying your next technical rescue kit that conforms to EN16689:2017, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Care and Maintenance

Posted on by dev@cda.group

Crucial to keep your team safe

 

Keeping fire kit clean and structurally intact isn’t optional nowadays. It’s about keeping the team safe because today fire is far from the only risk they face.

 

Today’s firefighters face today’s risks

 

Historically, firefighters wore smokey and well-worn kit as a badge of honour, an indicator of experience. This is no-longer how firefighters and brigades can afford to think.

 

Keeping clothing clean and properly maintained is not only a way to extend the life of the clothing but also the firefighter, because without it firefighters will potentially be exposed to harm whilst fighting a fire and even whilst they’re not.

 

Today’s firefighters are being exposed to ever more complex materials when they attend incidents. Plastics, fillings, chemicals, foams – each has the potential to be harmful through air-borne particles that are inhaled, but there is also increasing evidence of the danger of particulate harm through the skin.

 

A structural fire suit and accessories like gloves and hoods are not just designed to protect the firefighter against heat and water. A modern fire suit has layers that allow heat and moisture from perspiration to escape but block harmful contaminates like chemicals, blood and indeed particulates from passing through the layers of the suit.

 

However, if a firefighter is exposed to those harmful particulates, they will remain on the outer layers of the suit as well as gloves, boots, fire hoods etc and these garments need to be de-contaminated. Contaminates will remain and have the potential to harm the firefighter as they return to the station or the next time any of the garments are worn.

 

Modern risks need a modern approach

 

At FlamePro we have developed a state-of-art Care and Maintenance package, specifically designed to meet the needs of modern day firefighters.

 

Our Care and Maintenance package is completely tailored to the needs of your organisation. With a network of 22 service depots across Britain and state-of-the-art online resources we know that we can put together the right Care and Maintenance package for you.

 

Our Care Package

 

FlamePro offers our customers a turnkey solution for the care or maintenance of their turn-out gear, keeping garments, clean, de-contaminated and free from defect.

 

We offer a seven-day SLA as standard on the laundry service, using the latest technology to scan and identify individual garments before processing so that we can create a history for each garment. Take a look at the various elements of our package.

 

Cleaning and de-contamination

 

Firefighter protective clothing must be clean to give optimum performance. Dirty fire suits can insulate less, conducting more heat and even electricity. They will also not shed liquids as effectively.

 

However, as we’ve highlighted above many contaminants are carcinogens and toxic skin chemicals which can endanger the life of the firefighter. Suits need to be washed and de-contaminated in line with prescribed protocols.

 

Maintenance

 

Every garment that is sent for cleaning or de-contamination also undergoes an inspection to look for garment damage, not only to the outer and seams of course, but also by inspecting the thermal liner and the moisture barrier layer.

 

With a set of agreed criteria, garments are ether repaired (this could include re-proofing as well) as part of the service, or if repairs are un-economic we can follow agreed procedures to either ask for authorisation to retire the garment and issue a replacement or replace it automatically as agreed.

 

 

 

If you want us to, we can hold a stock of garments in order to be able to immediately get a garment out to your firefighter.

 

Any repairs are made with the same care and to the same high standards we use when manufacturing the garment. It is vital that we maintain the integrity of the garment in order that it can do its job and protect the firefighter.

 

Wardrobe Management

 

You can manage everything by merely logging onto our dedicated Wardrobe Management Portal (WMP) to arrange collection of dirty or damaged kit.

 

Our WMP also gives you access to your account with the ability to drill-down to individual wearers, seeing the history of their garments with details on cleaning, repairs and maintenance. This crucial insight gives you real-time information and analysis into the garment lifecycle as well as analysis of the costs of cleaning and repairs.

 

The WMP also allows new kit orders, ordering garments to be manufactured and pulling garments from held-in-reserve stock. We can also manage all Rank Change Requests through the user profile within the WMP.

 

Call and chat to one of our friendly experts by calling +44 (0) 1332 341030.

National Ambulance Resilience Unit

Posted on by dev@cda.group

 Bespoke Garments: Supply and Distribution of PPE for the National Ambulance Resilience Unit HART.
 Timeframe: 6 – 8 weeks
 Contract Size: 1175 full ensembles per annum

 

Overview: The United Kingdom contract for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to the National Ambulance Resilience (NARU) Unit HART teams involved in National Emergencies and Crises, included full ensembles of equipment for a total of 1,175 personnel across the country.

 

The delivery time for these bespoke garments to be made to order is 6-8 weeks. The personal protection equipment is critical in keeping the team safe and assisting them playing a vital role in UK’s health services and emergency resilience. NARU is part of the National Health Service (NHS), funded by the Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response Department of NHS England.

Ministry of Defence – United Kingdom

Posted on by dev@cda.group

Bespoke Garments – Supply and distribution of PPE for the Ministry of Defence

Distribution: 97 sites globally

 

Contract Size: 5,000 full ensembles

 

Overview: The United Kingdoms Ministry of Defence (MOD) issued a contract to globally fit out all 97 UK defence sites with the supply and distribution of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). This included full ensembles of equipment for 2,500 personnel, and logistics cover beyond the United Kingdom to strategic UK defence sites around the world.

 

Ministry of Defence – United Kingdom, Poland, LENP

Posted on by dev@cda.group
  • Arctic Sleeping bags (-30 degrees) 12,000
  • Arctic Bivvy Bags 12,000
  • Thick Roll Mats 12,000
  • Waterproof stuff bags 12,000

Timing: 7 weeks, shipments every 2 weeks

 

Overview: It was announced that the UK would send 12,000 sleeping kits to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to assist them in grueling winter conditions. Suppliers, however, had lead times of 6-12 months on the sleeping systems, and the MOD needed them in 12 weeks. Once DE&S and MOD had successfully validated our product, we used one of our contracted factories to successfully supply and ship the product. We carried out third-party inspections during production and carried out a final pre-shipment inspection for every shipment per week. Working closely with our factories, we enabled fast and efficient deliveries to be made to the UK MOD. This, in turn, allowed the MOD to fulfil the promise of the government to the Ukraine, on time, and in full for the Ukrainian winter period.

G4S Case Study

Posted on by dev@cda.group

Customer name – G4S
Location – Rosyth , Scotland
Business Sector – Industrial
Business Requirement – : Prioritise safety, address functionality concerns of existing gear, and seamlessly transition from outdated equipment.

 

Enhancing safety and boosting morale at G4S

 

G4S has revolutionised its Emergency Response Team with FlamePro’s cutting-edge structural fire suits. With an impressive 18-year legacy safeguarding a sprawling 303-acre site for Babcock International, G4S identified the pressing need for advanced protective gear. The mission was clear: prioritise safety, address functionality concerns, and seamlessly transition from outdated equipment.

 

For Shaun Fyfe, G4S Service Delivery Manager, the results speak volumes—boasting not only a significant enhancement in safety protocols but also a remarkable boost in team morale.

 

The challenge

 

The need for FlamePro construction of new class aircraft carriers, the Queen Elizabeth garments came about when the construction of new class aircraft carriers, the Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Wales, required a dedicated Emergency Response Team. The existing fire protection teams needed upgraded equipment, as the old suits were becoming outdated and did not provide the necessary fit functionality required when working in confined shipbuilding spaces, where their kit could easily get caught. The primary objectives were to enhance safety, ensure functionality in confined spaces, and address issues with the previous gear, such as bagginess and wear and tear.

 

The product selection process

 

The quality of the work garments was paramount, given the intense and critical nature of their work. While budget constraints were a consideration, the focus was on ensuring the right equipment without compromising on safety and functionality.

 

“FlamePro’s Valiant garments stood out for their superior design, providing a great fit and flexibility essential for working in confined spaces. The decision-making process prioritised safety and functionality over cost, with a long-term perspective to avoid frequent kit renewals” says Shaun.

 

Outcomes and impact

 

G4S initially purchased 21 sets of FlamePro Valiant fire suits and was the first security team in Scotland to trail the brand-new Gallet helmets with integrated torches to prevent snagging. They are looking to roll out a further 15 sets in the coming year.

 

The feedback from the Emergency Response Team has been overwhelmingly positive. The new suits offer improved flexibility, better fit, and enhanced protection with features like Kevlar and carbon fibre components.

 

“There has been a significant reduction in wear and tear compared to the previous gear, leading to increased longevity” says Shaun.

 

The adoption of the Valiant kit at G4S has not only addressed safety concerns but has also significantly boosted the morale of the Emergency Response Team. The improved
functionality and comfort of the FlamePro gear have made the team feel like “superstars,” contributing to a positive work environment and feeling of belonging as more than a support function.

 

A lasting customer relationship

 

“Working with FlamePro has been seamless and I would recommend them to others” says Shaun, who also expressed satisfaction with the prompt responses and support provided by the FlamePro customer service team.

 

FlamePro demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction by addressing specific needs in a timely fashion, such as sourcing Gallet helmet covers to enhance product longevity.

FlamePro fire kit: The trusted solution for Farnborough firefighters

Posted on by dev@cda.group

When Farnborough Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Service (FARFFS) sought to renew its personal protective equipment (PPE) contract, its criteria extended beyond exceptional safety gear. They were in search of a supplier capable of delivering outstanding customer service and prompt delivery. FlamePro, a renowned provider of life-saving garments to firefighters worldwide, with exceptional dedication to customer satisfaction, successfully secured the contract, offering 31 kits to FARFFS.

 

Positive trial feedback and enhanced mobility

 

FlamePro submitted a tender for the 10-year PPE contract, initially providing tunics and leggings for trial purposes. Following extensive trials by FARFFS, the feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with the crews highly satisfied with the performance of the gear.

 

Firefighters particularly commended the integrated knee pads and praised the remarkable freedom of movement provided by our garments. The adjustment period for our PPE was minimal, quickly adapting to the body and allowing firefighters to carry out their duties without limitation.

 

Also, our boots garnered high praise for their immediate comfort, eliminating the need for an extended breaking-in period, unlike other brands. These lightweight boots don’t impede firefighters during incidents, enabling them to move swiftly and perform their duties efficiently.

 

Based on the positive trial experiences, our PPE emerged as the preferred choice for FARFFS’ firefighting operations.

 

Ed Knighton, Station Manager, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “The fit of FlamePro PPE is excellent, ensuring unrestricted movement and enabling our firefighters to respond effectively to emergencies and training exercises. I was impressed with how light the kit was and how easy it was to control body temperature.”

 

Flexible PPE solutions

 

Having secured the decade-long contract, FlamePro began providing 31 firefighters with boots, leggings, jackets and trousers, gloves, particulate flash hoods and helmets. Specifically for this project, we provided repairs, recycling, and laundering for these garments.

 

Emphasising firefighter health and safety

 

Recognising the risks associated with firefighter cancers, FARFFS prioritises clean equipment and post-incident PPE. Our washable gloves play a crucial role in limiting exposure to harmful particulates. In contrast to traditional leather gloves, which pose contamination risks and lack proper washing capabilities, the FlamePro washable gloves ensure efficient cleaning, alleviating concerns of contamination.

 

FARFFS also commended FlamePro’s industry-leading particulate flash hood, which provides an additional layer of protection against cancer-causing particulates. From the first use, this hood offers above 99% protection, surpassing alternative products.

 

Conclusion

 

FARFFS’ selection of the FlamePro fire kit stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to equipping firefighters with the finest gear available, guaranteeing their safety and effectiveness in the line of duty.

 

“As a seasoned firefighter with 32 years of experience, I have no hesitation in recommending the FlamePro fire kit”, concludes Ed.

The Importance of FR base layers

Posted on by Julie Roberts

In the dynamic and perilous realm of firefighting, the significance of outfitting firefighters in flame retardant (FR) base layers versus non-FR garments cannot be overstated. This crucial decision impacts not only the comfort and performance of the individuals on the front lines but is ultimately a matter of life and death.

 

When contrasting flame retardant base layers with their non-FR counterparts, the primary distinction lies in the ability to resist ignition and impede the spread of flames. In the intense heat of a firefight, a momentary spark can escalate into a full-blown catastrophe. Flame retardant base layers act as a critical barrier, providing a level of protection that non-FR garments simply cannot match.

 

The intrinsic resistance to ignition is not just a matter of compliance with safety standards; it is a fundamental feature that elevates the safety of firefighters. Non-FR garments, when exposed to flames, can ignite rapidly, exposing the wearer to immediate and severe risks. In contrast, flame retardant base layers are engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of a fire, offering a crucial layer of defence that can make the difference between life and death.

 

Beyond the immediate threat of flames, the risk of burns is a constant concern for firefighters. Flame retardant fabrics excel in minimising heat transfer, reducing the potential for burns even in the face of extreme temperatures. This level of protection is a non-negotiable aspect of firefighter safety that cannot be compromised.

 

The comfort and mobility of firefighters are equally pivotal factors in the choice between flame retardant base layers and non-FR garments. While non-FR options may offer flexibility, they pale in comparison to the carefully crafted balance achieved by flame retardant base layers. These garments prioritize both protection and practicality, ensuring that firefighters can execute their duties with agility and efficiency, unencumbered by the limitations of inadequate gear.

 

The choice between flame retardant base layers and non-FR garments is not merely a matter of preference; it is a strategic decision that directly impacts the safety and well-being of those who selflessly confront the flames. The imperative of providing firefighters with the best possible protection cannot be compromised, making flame retardant base layers an indispensable investment in the face of an unpredictable and challenging profession.

 

At FlamePro we are proud to include in our range FR base layers, leggings, tops and because protection should be on every layer we supply FR underwear too.

Protecting firefighters from cancer: the most advanced particulate hoods on the market

Posted on by Julie Roberts

Many of us have been alarmed by recent research commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union and independently carried out by the University of Central Lancashire, that evidences instances of cancer among firefighters aged 35-39 is up to 323% higher than the general population of the same age, urging our industry to act now to make firefighting a safer profession. The neck and jaw areas are most vulnerable to smoke and particulate exposure, which is why protective hoods are so critical.

 

We’ve worked hard to create an industry-leading particulate hood responding to firefighters’ needs. FlamePro’s next-generation particulate hoods give firefighters the most advanced protection from cancer-causing particulates from the very first time it is worn, a step-up from alternative products that fall short.

 

Unlike any other hood using the same fabric, FlamePro’s pioneering design is engineered with unique differences to give firefighters the highest level of protection and comfort:

 

Maximised protection that lasts longer

 

171 and 172 DuPont™ Nomex® Nano Flex versions are independently tested and certified to give above 99% protection from the first wear and up to 250 washes compared to other products that only give protection levels for around 100-150 washes. And our 173 PTFE hood offering 99.9% protection from the first wear.

 

Great value, without compromising safety

 

Not only do our new particulate hoods have extended durability that give maximum levels of protection for longer than any alternative, but we also offer both critical cover and full cover protection options to accommodate varying budgets. This gives you the confidence you’re not compromising on the quality and safety standards your firefighters deserve.

Eliminates the risk of particulate exposure and weak spots

 

Particulate barrier protection all the way to the face eliminates the risk of exposure, compared to alternative hoods which have a rib around the edging leaving the face exposed to particulates. FlamePro’s hoods have protected seams for comfort and use meta-aramid threads to give 100% protection from particulates filtering through. What’s more, our hoods are made without any quilting to ensure there is no particulate seepage through weak spots.

 

Exceptionally lightweight to improve mobility and reduce heat stress

 

Our particulate hoods are lighter than any other hood using the same material thanks to FlamePro’s intelligent pattern cutting to tailor the fit. This not only ensures safety and comfort by adapting to the wearer’s size, but it also contributes further to reducing the risk to the firefighter of heat stress.

 

Two sizes for maximum safety and comfort

 

FlamePro knows that a “one size fits most” approach isn’t good enough. Our hoods are tailored for different sizes to reduce the risks of ill-fitting hoods, giving maximised protection and comfort. Garments are clearly labelled to make sure firefighters are easily able to identify that they are donning the right hood.

 

Eliminate need for duplicate kits

 

FlamePro’s particulate hoods meet both structural AND wildfire certifications, eliminating the need for buying, storing, and maintaining duplicate kit and the risk of firefighters taking the wrong protective hood to an incident. This reduces the budget investment needed for the same item at both wildfire and structural incidents.

 

Highly breathable allowing heat and moisture to escape

 

FlamePro’s particulate hood uses cutting-edge DuPont™ Nomex® Nano Flex fabric, specifically developed to prevent contamination from particulates.

 

The heat and flame-resistant fabric is highly breathable, very thin, and lightweight which is crucial for allowing both heat and moisture to escape, allowing firefighters to stay clear headed and safe. These qualities are essential for preventing heat stress and maintaining comfort in extreme environments.

 

Reduced hearing impairment

 

Unlike PTFE laminated hoods, the new 171 and 172 hoods do not contain a plastic lining that interferes with hearing. This means firefighters hear instructions more clearly and are more aware of their surroundings, enhancing their ability to perform safely.

 

Stand-out choice in wearer trials

 

Firefighters chose our particulate hood more frequently than any other in user trials, reporting it was comfortable, cool, and quiet to wear.

 

Act now

 

Give your firefighters maximum protection against the cancer-causing risks of particulates. View FlamePro’s particulate hood  collection or contact us to act now.

 

Introducing FlamePro RECYCLE

Posted on 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.

What next for UK fire and rescue services?

Posted on 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.

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

Posted on 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.

Wildland fires: are we in for a summer of fighting fires on the moors?

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

What’s the deal with wildland fires? As news of Northern Ireland’s firefighters battling wildfires hit the headlines last week, many firefighters will be thinking they’ve never been out to so many wildfire shouts.

 

We’ve seen a rise in wildfires around the world over the past few decades. Australia and the United States have both suffered repeated high-profile wildfires, with scientists suggesting that the number of large fires in the western US has doubled between 1984 and 2015.

 

In the UK we’re not even a decade into recognising wildfires as a big risk – they weren’t even on the National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies until 2012! Now they seem to be a common call-out for brigades with moorland and mountains in their patch.

 

Wildfires and climate change

 

Making the link between wildfires and climate change isn’t rocket science. Climate change means we’ll get more extremes of weather – hotter and drier, as well as colder and wetter.

 

In fact, new data shows that 2020 was Europe’s warmest year on record, and one of the three warmest years on record across the world. Europe’s temperature was 0.4oC higher than the last warmest year on record. And there were more sunshine hours recorded in Europe than any other year since records began in 1983.

 

According to the UK Met Office, April 2021 is on track to be one of the driest on record. We’ve had an average of 12.8mm of rain across the UK up to April 22, much lower than the April average of 72.53mm, according to Met Office figures.

 

So with warmer temperatures and less rain, it will be much easier for wildfires to take hold and spread as the ground is drier, and so is material they need for fuel. Given these stats, it’s no surprise we’re seeing more of them.

 

Wildfires – what’s the risk?

 

In the UK we usually get wildfires on the moors, which means they tend to be in more remote areas. This can mean a long trek from the appliance for fire crews to even get to the location of the fires. And that’s an even tougher ask when done in heavy kit.

 

Tackling wildfires takes huge amounts of resources, drawing fire crews away from towns and cities where there are more likely to be fires or road traffic collisions which endanger more people. It’s not where fire crews want to spend their time.

 

And they are tricky to tackle. As happened in Northern Ireland last week, firefighters can put out one wildfire, only for another to spring up nearby. And the radiant heat generated by wildfires can quickly lead to heat stress or heat exhaustion, especially if firefighters are working in warm temperatures too.

 

The best firefighter kit for wildfires

 

Who wants to be trekking up a mountain or over a moor in heavy kit if you don’t need that level of protection? Better to wear something lighter-weight, but which will still keep you safe from wildland risks.

 

That might not be the usual approach, but our wildland kit gives you all the protection you need to break with the tradition of wearing too-heavy, too-cumbersome suits to fight fires in the open air. It’s as much about a change of mindset as it is about a change of kit.

 

It might feel counter-intuitive to reach for lighter kit when you’ve a wildfire to fight. But all of our wildland firefighting garments conform to EN15614:2007, the European standard for wildland firefighting clothing. There is also a new British standard – BS ISO 16073-3:2019 – which our new wildland garments range conforms to.

 

Launching soon, we’ve made our next generation of wildland garments from a new stronger and more comfortable fabric. It’s lightweight and anti-abrasion, plus features glow-in-the-dark tape, because wildfires don’t just knock off for the night when darkness falls.

 

Like our previous range, it’s made from a single layer of lightweight yet strong fabric, providing the right level of protection without being too heavy to wear for long shifts out in the sticks.

 

The new product development team has also worked hard on the ergonomics of the new wildland range, creating products which make it easier to move around in and are more comfortable to wear. Just what fire crews need when spending long days fighting fires on moorland.

 

To find out more about our new range of multi-use stationwear, give one of the 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 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.

Insight is the key to new ranges

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Our market-leading new Valiant structural fire suit has been more than a year in the making. FlamePro has assembled a team of experts to create a suit which makes no compromises on protection and provides solutions to challenges that our firefighting customers have told us are a problem.

 

Here we introduce Technical Sales Manager Reece Buchner, a key member of the team who provided the customer insight which shaped the development of Valiant. As part of our series on getting to know the people behind the range, here’s a bit more about Reece’s approach to customer feedback.

 

 

Product development to meet customer needs

 

reece-buchner-progarm-technical-sales-managerThe key to designing successful new products is truly listening to your customers’ problems. The FlamePro sales team have spent the last few years visiting and speaking to fire officers at state and private brigades around the country. This intelligence has informed the design and features of the new Valiant structural suit.

 

Reece spends much of his time listening. His approach is simple: it’s not about selling to people, but about truly understanding what their problems are. This critical understanding of the modern fire fighter’s challenges has been a crucial part of the new product development taking place at FlamePro.

 

“It’s about unpacking their problems,”

says Reece.

 

“More of the conversation is focused on their problems, rather than asking what products they want us to make.”

 

“A bit like Henry Ford said about him inventing the car; if he’d listened to his customers, he would have made a faster horse. So I’d rather hear what’s difficult for fire crews, what they are worried about, and what causes them issues when they are out at an incident.”

 

Having gained a reliable reputation through the company’s popular wildland kit, which uses a different fabric to other garments on the market (more natural fibres keep crews cooler for longer), Reece had the confidence of many Technical Service Managers, Group Managers and Chief Fire Officers and they were happy to discuss what they were looking for.

 

“Our attitude is always that nothing’s impossible. We won’t discard an idea because we haven’t done it before or there’s nothing like that on the market already. We’re just keen to listen and use that information to create products that really stand up to the rigors of being a fire fighter.”

 

 

A structural suit that feels lighter to wear, with just as much protection

 

Reece’s insight into the problems and concerns of state and private fire crews all over the UK contributed to the development of the new Valiant structural fire suit.

 

Talking about the new suit, Reece continues,

“Wearer trial feedback tells us that it feels lighter to wear than similar kit while delivering plenty of thermal protection. The unique combinations of advanced moisture barrier and clever linings use 3D fabric technology to transfer moisture away from the skin faster, keep crews cooler for longer.”

 

The Valiant suit’s clever fabric system design and the team’s obsession with ergonomics have been complemented with plenty of design features such as:

 

• 3D spacers used to reinforce and add strength around the shoulders, relieving the pressure from wearing breathing apparatus and reducing the chance of injury due to steam burns created by sweat not wicked away in ferocious firefighting conditions

• Additional Kevlar™ puncture-proof protection on knees and elbows with additional padding for comfort when crawling

• Robust, detachable braces, using 3D spacers and chunky ladder lock buckles to create easy adjustment

• Easy grab tabs on pockets and adjusters to allow the firefighter to keep their gloves on and not expose their hands

• Glow-in-the-dark strips as standard, different on the front and back, enhancing visibility and providing valuable information in rescue situations

 

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

Introducing our Head of New Product Development

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

If, like we were, you’re looking for revolution, not evolution in product development, you need to do things totally differently.

 

To develop the new FlamePro Valiant structural fire suit, we swept away all of the industry assumptions about what a fire suit should be by putting our team of experts covering new product development, technical fabrics, and ergonomics. The result? We believe we’ve created the most advanced structural fire suit on the market.

 

More than a year in the making, we’ve created a suit which makes no compromises on protection, but due to its clever design and composition feels lighter and more comfortable to wear.

 

We wanted to introduce you to the clever people behind the range’s innovations, so in this blog you’ll meet Adrian Jaoudat, our Product Manager.

 

Insider knowledge

 

adrian-jaoudat-progarm-product-managerThere’s not much Adrian doesn’t know about FlamePro and our sister company, ProGARM. He’s spent 10 years working for ProGARM, and the last three working on FlamePro too since it was bought by the same owners.

 

Starting in the warehouse on a gap year from his studies to be an architect, Adrian never returned to Poland where he was at university. Instead, he quickly worked his way up through the business.

 

“Solving problems is what I like to do,”

Adrian says.

“I guess that’s why I wanted to be an architect, but I now use that problem-solving approach on new product development.”

 

Throughout his time with the business, Adrian has worked in Operations, Purchasing, Procurement, Quality Management, and now Product Development, with a particular focus on innovation. This detailed knowledge of every aspect of what it takes to make a garment and get it to the end user helps shape his approach.

 

A complex introduction to new product development

 

After he joined the new product development team seven years ago, the first range Adrian worked on was multi-norm waterproofs. Multi-norm products protect against a range of hazards and have to meet the specifications and standards for each of them. Not the simplest of ranges to make a start on, but this had advantages.

 

“I had to quickly learn about the certification process,”

Adrian says.

“What it takes to pass each of the standards, the issues to look out for, the technical detail you need to put together, and the testing the garments have to go through.

“Working on a multi-norm product meant I had to learn about multiple standards at once. It was a steep learning curve, but beneficial in the long-run as everything after that seemed simple!”

 

Making improvements to the FlamePro ranges

 

Adrian now heads up the team tasked with new product development (NPD) for both FlamePro and ProGARM. He studied the range and the market for 18 months before starting on the project to create the new Valiant suit.

 

“To me, new product development is a careful balance of understanding what the customer wants and seeing where the market is going. A bit like Henry Ford said, if he’d have given people what they asked for, he’d have come up with a faster horse.”

Adrian explained.

“We need to create products people want and need, but also spot the opportunities to come up with something genuinely new and different to fulfil that need.”

 

After assembling the expert team who would create the new product, comprising Adrian’s own in-house NPD team including technical fabric expert Stanley Russell, ergonomics specialist Lorraine Costello and our sales manager Reece Buchner for industry insight, Adrian stepped into the role of project manager for the new range.

 

Once the product was designed, Adrian used his significant experience to secure certification of the new FlamePro Valiant structural suit. It took more than 12 months – the lengthiest certification process Adrian has ever experienced. There were more than 250 tests on component parts and the garment as a whole, to ensure that it meets or exceeds all of the necessary criteria.

 

So is that job done for Adrian now the new range has been launched?

 

“Not at all,”

he says.

“We’re only just getting started! Watch this space for a whole spectrum of new product launches.”

 

A giant leap forward in structural fire suits

 

The team didn’t let us down. FlamePro’s new generation of FlamePro structural suit represents a huge leap forward.

 

To read more about Valiant and find the links to the datasheets about it, visit the product page.

To discuss your requirements, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Fabric innovations for the new 770/775 suits

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Meet Valiant – New technologies. New designs. New Benchmark.

 

Three major components of a fire-fighting structural suit influence its performance and how heavy it is to wear – the outer fabric, the thermal moisture barrier, and the quilted inner layer which provides the heat protection.

 

Fire brigades have always had to balance how much thermal protection they want their suits to provide with comfort and wearability for their fire crews – more protection generally makes a suit heavier to wear, meaning fire fighters get hotter, are more at risk of heat stress, and of tiring more quickly.

 

That’s not a compromise you have to make any more.

 

FlamePro’s new structural turn-out suit, Valiant, sweeps away the need to choose between comfort and performance. But how did we create a suit that minimises these compromises?

 

Industry expertise

 

We started by listening to firefighters and assembling the right team. A team of experts in garment design, ergonomics, new product development, and technical fabrics to help us conceive the very best structural fire-fighting suit that would set a new benchmark.

 

Then we started from scratch. The new range is not an evolution of existing products, it’s revolution, born from the team’s expertise and access to the best technologies there are.

 

Two major innovations allow our new Valiant suit to deliver protection, comfort and practicality – a new moisture barrier, and a revolutionised thermal lining.

 

Moisture barrier innovation

 

They say if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got. We knew the traditional Gore-Tex Fire Blocker membrane had been used by fire-fighter PPE companies for more than 15 years. There had to be something better.

 

Our fabric specialist, multi-award-winning Stanley Russell knew just where to look.

 

The manufacturer of the non-woven product in Fire Blocker had developed a 3D version of the traditional non-woven structure. The fabric structure creates space for air to move, enhancing the speed with which moisture is transferred away from the skin, keeping firefighters cooler for longer.

 

We commissioned a version of this which has been combined with a customised version of the Event membrane – renowned as the most breathable ePTFE membrane in the world and used by the US military.

 

This exclusive combination, currently only available in Valiant, gave us a moisture barrier that:

 

• is the same weight as Fire Blocker
• offers increased breathability, moisture management and high-temperature wash durability
• delivers better thermal performance against radiant heat than like-for-like suits

 

A new approach to the fire suit’s thermal lining layer

 

The component that adds the most weight to a structural fire-fighting suit is the thermal lining, which provides the heat protection. Traditionally, barriers are a combination of woven fabric, quilted to spun lace or needle felt, with both fabrics being 100% aramids or aramid blends. This creates a bulky layer which may have high thermal properties but has moderate breathability, lower comfort levels, and could trap moisture.

 

We wanted to create a revolutionary new thermal lining layer that reduces bulk, increases breathability but still provides excellent thermal protection.

 

The team worked with one of the world’s leading manufacturers to create a 3D woven structure that combines aramid and viscose to create a fabric with market-leading breathability, superior moisture transportation to keep moisture away from the skin, and great thermal performance without being bulky.

 

Market-leading fire-fighting fabric systems and totally new designs

 

We’re shaking up the market with our new Valiant range. It allows buyers to combine our innovative and market-leading moisture barrier and lining with a choice of five outer fabrics to create a structural fire-fighting suit that meets the needs of their brigade.

 

All of the range features changes to create enhanced comfort, such as Kevlar ® re-enforced knee and elbow pads, lumbar support to make it more comfortable wearing breathing apparatus, and chunky grab tabs to allow you to adjust your suit and access pockets without exposing your hands.

 

The Valiant suit is also the first on the market to offer fully-certified glow-in-the-dark strips as standard, with different placements on the front and the back of the jacket. This clever idea means if a firefighter is unconscious and needs rescuing in the dark, you’ll not only be able to see them, but you’ll be able to see what position they are in too. And they have been tested through 50 wash cycles.

 

Choose from male or female cuts in XS to 4XL and from extra small to XX tall – 96 choices for the perfect fit for all your firefighters.

 

Get in touch to chat to one of our friendly experts by calling +44 (0) 1332 341030.

How to inspect your firefighting kit

Posted on 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 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.

Why UK firefighting kit must meet BS EN469:2020 Level 2 standards

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

A revised version of the European standard for firefighter protective clothing – BS EN469 – has been published in 2020 so we wanted to take the time to explain why UK state brigade kit must meet BS EN469 Level 2 standards.

 

The new European Standard makes several key changes and improvements on the 2005 version and our previous blog explains what the new revisions mean.

 

One element that we know UK-based crews are struggling to make sense of is the Level 1 and Level 2 standards, so here we explain the difference, why it exists and how it applies here in the UK.

 

Understanding the levels

 

The European Standard specifies Level 1 kit for fighting fires in the open, wildland fires, for example. Level 2 kit is full structural kit, the kind that is intended to keep you safe no matter what you are doing. The kind that repels water, contaminants and steam, but lets out sweat.

 

Some clothing meets Level 1 and some clothing meets both Levels 1 and 2.

 

Why UK crews need Level 2 kit and why Level 1 exists

 

Within the EU, particularly in France and Spain, and also in the US, firefighting crews can be split into two units – the ones who go into burning buildings and those who stay outside. Since full structural kit is intended to protect against structural fires, including flashovers, there’s a trade-off between comfort and safety. For those who stay outside, lighter, more breathable kit that conforms to Level 1 will keep the crews safe enough, but those facing the heat and intensity of the fire need far higher levels of protection.

 

Here in the UK, most Fire and Rescue Service crews operate a single crew model, where everyone has to be ready to deal with all situations and levels of risk, meaning full structural kits that conform to Level 2 standards are a must for everyone.

 

Of course, there are still situations where Level 1 kit will do the job: wildland fires, rescue operations (although there are specific wildland and rescue firefighter clothing standards) and clear up operations are easier to do in lighter kit that doesn’t need the same heat or water resistance.

 

Kit for on ships

 

Marine companies must have firefighting kit on board. Few ships have a dedicated firefighting crew, rather a team with firefighting training but other on-board responsibilities. Most fire situations on a ship can be dealt with using a fire extinguisher, while larger events will lead straight to an evacuation, but in the event that crew members face a fire that needs fighting, they’re going to need kit that is similar to EN 469:2020 Level 2, but the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) have their own standards.

 

It can be tempting to save costs with a lower specification suit, but in the confined environments on a ship, clothing equivalent to EN 469:2020 Level 1 kits will not be sufficient, exposing firefighting crew to an unnecessary level of risk.

 

The FlamePro Beacon fire fighters kit provides the full range of safety measures for firefighting on the high seas.

 

What to look out for when buying kit

 

The word “lightweight” will be music to the ears of anyone who has had to don full structural firefighting kit, but these items are lightweight for a reason. Lightweight often equals less protection, less heat insulation and no moisture barrier.

 

Moisture barriers are essential for structural kit as they prevent water, pathogens and steam getting to the skin, causing burns and contamination. Level 1 compliant suits don’t have to have this.

 

Not only can FlamePro Level 2 compliant suits be relied on to keep the wearer safe, they also have a fully-fledged PTFE membrane that allows the maximum amount of vapour (sweat) out of the garments. Others may have PU membranes which are more like plastic bags.

 

To understand the British and international standards that apply to firefighting kit, visit the certifications and standards page of our website. Each item in our catalogue, lists which standard it is compliant with so you can buy with confidence, which is useful. now you know why UK state brigade kit must meet BS EN 469 Level 2 standards.

 

If you would like any further advice on what to look for when specifying your firefighting kit don’t hesitate to get in touch or call one of our experts on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

What you need to know about the outer fabric of a fire suit

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Specifying garments for firefighters is a tough job, with many variables that you need to balance to be sure you get the right kit. The outer shell of your turn-out kit is a critical part of its anatomy, so here’s what you need to know about the outer fabric of a fire suit.

The function of a fire suit’s outer fabric

While not quite the first line of defence for firefighters (that honour goes to the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish applied to it) the fabric on fire suits does play a major part in its function.

It needs to be strong enough to withstand the tough conditions firefighters face on call-outs – from building fires to RTAs – have the right amount of heat protection and breathability, plus contribute to the suit being light and comfortable to wear.

Colour is important. The gold colour so familiar to UK firefighters not only makes it easy to see when a suit needs cleaning, but also contributes to heat protection by radiating heat away from the suit.

What are the fabric options for firefighter gear?

There are a few well-known fabric and fibre options for firefighter protective gear; each has their pros and cons. The best functionality will always be achieved by blending at least two together to harness the positives of each fibre.

The main brands of fibre are PBI, PBO, Kevlar, Nomex and Kermel. FlamePro’s new range of turn-out suits gives fire brigades three options, each comprising different fibre blends and all meeting the new EN469:2020 standard.

At the top of the price range is our new premium turn-out kit, designed using PBI Max, the strongest fabric in the PBI range. It has all of the attributes you will associate with PBI fabrics – low thermal conductivity and retaining its flexibility and strength after two flashovers.

The mid-range suit is constructed from a brand new blend created by Kermel. It matches PBI on strength, will withstand two flashovers and has good colour- and light-fastness. This suit is one of the first on the market to be CE certified.

Our best value suit contains a mix of meta-Aramid and para-Aramid fibres to ensure it has good tensile strength, stands up to tearing and retains its colour.
All of our new range exceeds the requirements of EN469 Class 2, giving you peace of mind that your crews will be protected when on call-outs.

How to choose your brigade’s fire suits

Specifying the right turn-out kit for your brigade depends on striking the right balance on each of the factors – thermal protection, breathability, strength, and comfort. Of these, the outer shell mainly impacts the strength and can impact overall comfort with differences in weight and rigidity.

Once a suit has been confirmed to meet the minimum standard, brigades then need to choose what’s most important to their crews, based on the type of incidents they respond to.

Chat to our friendly experts about what you need to know about the outer fabric of a fire suit to help you decide by calling +44 (0) 1332 341030.

How to understand test results for protective clothing for firefighters

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

There’s such an enormous amount of information to absorb when choosing your new firefighter gear, it’s important you know how to understand the test results for protective clothing for firefighters.

 

Here’s a simplified explanation of the information you should expect to see from firefighter protective clothing manufacturers and guidance on what to look for in the test results.

 

Checking compliance with the relevant safety standard

The first step in assessing any protective clothing is checking the test certificate has been issued by a Notified Body – one that’s qualified and accredited to do the tests and provide results.

 

Next, you’ll need to know the protective garments meet the standard for firefighter protective clothing. EN469:2020 is the brand new standard which you can expect all gear to meet from early in 2021. Manufacturers do get some grace to ensure their garments are re-tested and certified, so you could also see kit which meets EN469:2005.

 

On the test reports will be a column listing the applicable essential health and safety requirements. There needs to be a tick in every box to demonstrate the protective clothing meets the standard.

 

One incredibly important test is the mannequin flash fire test. This shows what happens to the kit after eight seconds of intense heat simulating a flash fire. You’ll get an indicative burn prediction for second- and third-degree burns – lower numbers are better here. If you can go along to see the test you will also benefit from being able to see what happens to the kit afterwards. Does it break open or retain its strength?

 

The variables in protective clothing for firefighters

Specifying the right kit for your brigade isn’t as straightforward as simply understanding the test results for firefighters’ protective clothing, it’s about striking the right balance between all of the variables that make up a good structural suit. Higher numbers on the tests don’t necessarily mean a suit is “better”.

 

Each manufacturer will choose a different fabric blend, a different shape of suit, and will put the emphasis on some factors more than others, while remaining compliant with the standard.

 

A suit that provides more thermal protection will be heavier, meaning your crews will get tired more quickly and could be more at risk from heat stress. If the suit sacrifices some breathability for protection your teams could suffer scalds or steam burns as moisture builds up inside the suit. You might also want to assess tear strength and burst strength so you have an understanding of how well the suit will stand up to the rigours of the job.

 

In making a selection for your next round of firefighters’ protective clothing you should also consider how many washes and dry cycles the suit will stand. The industry’s understanding of the risk of particulates and other contaminants is increasing; regular washing of kit is one of the major ways to mitigate this risk. If the suit you’re considering is recommended to withstand 50 washes and you’ll need to launder your kit every week, the kit needs replacing in a year.

 

Considering whole of life costs, not just up-front purchase price, is another important factor when choosing protective clothing for your fire brigade.

 

If you’re putting together the specification for your next purchase of structural suits and want to chat through how to understand test results for protective clothing for firefighters, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Understanding heat stress and how to prevent it

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

When the average firefighter needs to evaporate about a litre of sweat every hour to regulate their body temperature, understanding heat stress and how to prevent it is useful knowledge for crews.

 

Fighting fires tests the limits of the human body and can increase a firefighter’s body temperature to over 38 degrees. Firefighting kit is designed to help keep the firefighter’s body within the normal range, protecting health and wellbeing.

 

Good hydration and heat acclimatisation are important factors to reduce the impact of heat stress on firefighters, but the key component of heat stress control is the selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

 

Risks of heat stress

 

The risks of heat stress on a firefighter can’t be underestimated. Mild heat stress might start with your firefighting crews tiring more quickly, meaning it takes longer to get a fire under control as they are unable to work as quickly. Left untreated, heat stress can lead to poor decision-making as cognitive function deteriorates, and massive pressure on the body’s natural functions, significantly increasing their risk of a heart attack and death.

 

Insulation

 

Insulation is an important part of any firefighter kit, but it stops heat travelling in both directions. While it is essential to keep the heat of the fire away from the human body, it comes with the risk of preventing body heat leaving the suit.

 

When it’s humid – inside a sweaty firefighting suit, for example – the air in the suit isn’t cool, dry and moving, making it difficult for the vapour to leave the firefighter’s body, reducing the effectiveness of sweating.

 

Moisture barriers that make a difference

 

The moisture barrier in firefighting turnout kits help protect against water, chemicals, and viral agents leaching through on to clothes and skin underneath. But they also need to allow moisture out of the kit to minimise the chances of firefighters suffering from steam burns.

 

All moisture barriers are not created equal. Some suits feature a solid plastic lining, like a bin bag inside your suit. You can imagine how comfortable that’s going to get in the heat of a fire.

 

A good moisture barrier is designed to let vapour through, but not liquid, making a suit breathable. In this way, the moisture barrier plays an important role in regulating body heat as it allows as much sweat and vapour out as possible.

 

There are three types of moisture barrier product technology used in firefighters’ protective garments: microporous, monolithic, or bi-component. Each of these barrier technologies has a different level of effectiveness:

 

• A microporous membrane contains small passages or holes, which allows for air permeability and offers water vapour transfer by air-diffusion.

 

• A monolithic membrane is a continuous polymer layer without any passages (holes), and, therefore, does not have any air permeability. However, breathable monolithic moisture barriers use hydrophilic polymers which allow water vapour transfer through molecular diffusion instead.

 

• A bi-component moisture barrier product uses a combination of microporous and monolithic technologies, and allows no air permeability.

 

Don’t let moisture barriers compromise mobility

 

When it comes to choosing structural fire suits for your crew, it’s important to consider how easy the suits are to move in, the different requirements of the team and the work they do. Making it easy to move helps to reduce muscular strain and in turn heat stress.

 

Passing the test

 

Before you buy firefighting kit for your crew, check the moisture vapour resistance rating (also known as the RET rating), a measure of how breathable the kit is. A lower number is better for this test. Breathability is the key to preventing heat stress. Read more about the tests and standards firefighting kit needs to meet in our blog.

 

For our full range of products, including moisture vapour resistance ratings, take a look at the catalogue on our website. Or if you want to chat to our team to improve your understanding of heat stress and how to prevent it, give us a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Hands are precious – keep them safe with gloves

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

From holding your baby to lifting a cuppa to your mouth, from feeling your way through a building dark with smoke to gripping a ladder, there’s no doubt hands are precious – keep them safe with gloves.

 

There are 17,000 touch receptors and nerve endings in the palm alone, picking up sensations of pressure, movement and vibration. A chemical or fire burn compromises our sense of touch and our ability to fully interpret the world as we travel through it – as well as your ability to be an effective firefighter.

 

Gloves are your hands’ best friends

 

It’s important that your crew wears the right gloves for the right situation. For example, increased heat resistance can come at the cost of dexterity. However, if you’re facing a structural fire, you’ll need the heat resistance. Finding the right balance is worth taking the time over as comfort is an important element when it comes to safety – it makes your crew more likely to keep their gloves on their hands, where they belong.

 

To help you find the balance between the right level of protection and being able to do what you need to do with your hands, washable gloves can offer much more flexibility than traditional leather ones. When leather gloves go through any kind of washing, they can become stiff, making them less comfortable and less flexible, which reduces the wearer’s dexterity.

 

As a result, firefighters often end up wearing their gloves when they’re dirty instead of handing them in for laundering. This not only makes it harder to do their job, but could pose a risk of exposure to particulates.

 

 

How often have you seen a colleague take off their gloves and stow them in a helmet while cleaning up after attending an incident? How often have you done it yourself? Know we know about the risks of particulates – now think about the journey they go on, from the gloves from the inside of the helmet, from the helmet to the firefighter’s skin and from the skin into the bloodstream, where they can have deadly consequences.

 

Choosing gloves that are designed to be washed and retain their comfort and dexterity can make a huge difference to a firefighter’s willingness to wear them.

 

When to wash

 

Gloves should be washed every time the rest of the kit is washed. Don’t throw them in a locker after a shower assuming they’re clean enough for another call-out. Even if they don’t appear to be dirty, they can have hidden risks, contaminants from appliance handles.

 

How to wash

 

Washing in hot soapy water might clean away some of the surface muck, but there’s no way of knowing that all contaminants have been cleaned away so all kit should be laundered through a professional laundry service.

 

Choosing gloves

 

FlamePro stocks the full range of Holik firefighting gloves, which are designed to be laundered. They have been tested after 40 washes, to ensure they will stand up the toughest of situations.

 

The Crystal firefighting gloves are all-rounder fabric gloves, designed to be comfortable to wear with additional protection on the back and fingertips for enhances safety. The Hunter fire gloves are cut for comfort, filled with shock absorbers and additional reinforcement. And the Maris gloves are reinforced with hidden protection, offering high protection against radiant heat. All these gloves are washable.

 

Alongside the structural gloves, FlamePro also stocks a range of Holik rescue gloves, specifically for rescue suits rather than structural suits. The Miwa rescue gloves are strong yet comfortable, flexible and breathable. They have built in cut resistance and elastic wristbands. Read our blog on rescue kit.

 

No matter what the call out is, the right gloves are available and keeping them clean and well maintained will protect your firefighters. For a whole range of operations, in work and at home, hands are precious – keep them safe with gloves.

 

If you would like any further advice on what to look for when specifying your firefighting kit don’t hesitate to get in touch or call one of our experts on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Explaining the changes to BS EN469:2020

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

The European standard for firefighter protective clothing – BS EN469 – has been revised and published in 2020. The new standard makes several key changes and improvements on the 2005 version, which we thought it would be helpful to explain for you here.

 

Key changes in BS EN469 2020

 

The updated standard increases the requirement for flame spread and heat resistance testing of:

 

• Any reinforcement material

• Anti-wicking barrier – which also has size limitations added

• Drain mesh – which also has size limitations

• Hardware – must be tested for heat resistance only

• Any label (> 10cm2), badges and retro reflective materials must be tested for flame spread as part of the whole garment

 

It also sets a design requirement and specifies performance testing for external pockets and gives detailed instructions about how to test hardware. The heat resistance of sewing threads must now be tested to 260°C.

 

But the biggest change in the new standard relates to testing the ability of a garment to perform in its “as received” state. The previous standard – BS EN 469:2005 – only required garments to meet the standard after having been laundered five times. The new standard makes it clear that garments need to provide relevant protection against heat transfer and radiant heat from day one of use.

 

Why testing “as received” is important

 

It’s critical that firefighters have confidence in their kit and it’s ability to protect them from the extreme conditions they can face. In theory, the fibres of fabric fluff up and fabrics open up during laundering, increasing the heat protection a garment can provide.

 

As the previous standard stated garments had to meet the requirements after being laundered five times, it is technically possible that a brand new garment didn’t meet the standard.

 

The impact of this change to testing might be that garments need more insulation to ensure they pass the test parameters in new condition. This could make garments heavier, so needs careful consideration when specifying new kit.

 

Aiming for a lower HTI (Heat Transfer Index) value will deliver the same heat protection to your crews. A value of 18 should be the new expectation, where 20 might have been the previous spec. There will be a weight difference between garments delivering 18 and 20 when tested as new.

 

Changes to chemical repellancy testing added to BS EN 469:2020

 

Firefighters’ protective clothing needs to provide a level of protection against chemicals by repelling them to stop them soaking into the garments and potentially getting on to firefighters’ skin.

 

BS EN469:2020 makes a couple of changes to the requirements for testing a garment’s ability to repel chemicals, reducing the list to just two for outer fabrics – H2SO4 and O-xylene – and adding a new requirement for testing the deterioration of a garment’s ability to repel chemicals due to cleaning.

 

There have also been a number of changes to the annexes in BS EN 469:2020:

• Annex A: Assessment, evaluation, and determination of the property values for rating and performance classification

• Annex B: Contamination during use: guidance on cleaning and risk prevention

• Annex C: Summary of the clothing heat and flame protection; selection, use, care and maintenance guidance

• Annex D: Updated information on the optional whole garment test for level 2 garments using EN ISO 13506-1:2017 (currently under revision)

• Annex E: Information on the new test method available for assessing the physical impact of the suit using a sweating torso

 

The timeline for changing to all firefighter garments complying with BS EN469:2020

 

As when all standards change, the new standard is not retrospective, so it is not the case that PPE has to immediately meet the new standard.

 

Here at FlamePro we’re making sure that all of our new launches will meet the 2020 standard and we’ll re-test and re-certify any items in our range as part of our ongoing certification updates. So you can continue to buy FlamePro firefighter PPE with confidence knowing that it will protect your crews the way it needs to.

 

If you want some help with explaining the changes to BS EN469:2020 – the firefighter protective clothing standard, give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

How we create the perfect firefighting kit for your brigade

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Here at FlamePro we have a reputation for designing the best kit to protect firefighters from the hazards they face every day. But how do we do that? And what flexibility is there if you’re the one specifying the new kit for your brigade?

 

The FlamePro approach to firefighter garments and PPE

 

Our approach is a tried and tested one – we have a dedicated new product development team who create the foundations of our garments. They scour the market for the best fabrics, the latest technology, the most up-to-date solutions and innovations. Then we create the basic garments using all of that knowledge. This gives us some standard suits across structural, technical rescue and wildland, plus some more specialist gear such as for water rescues.

 

We use these as the basis of all the firefighting garments we create for customers. Each suit also features the small details we know firefighters need, including various pockets and loops for stowage.

 

Designed in the UK, our manufacturing is in Europe and we work hard to ensure that our delivery lead times are the best they can be. Currently we work on six to eight weeks for delivery, cutting in half the industry average delivery time. We even hold stock of some core items, meaning you can have your hands on them in a matter of days.

 

Make the changes you need to make your brigade’s firefighting kit your own

 

We want to provide customers with flexibility, so we can make changes to our standard kit to increase the strength of the fabric, change the weight, or increase or decrease the heat protection. We’re keen on user testing, so work with customers to get their firefighters into our kit so they can give us accurate feedback about how it feels to wear.

 

If yours is a private brigade such as at an airport, you’ll want to use a light-weight suit most of the time as the chances are you’ll be called on to do more rescuing than fighting fires. You can be confident our 770/775 suit will balance your comfort on station with the performance needed to keep you safe when called out. It’s available in four fabrics for different requirements and specifications.

 

In state brigades, less than a third of the incidents attended are fires, with false alarms the most prevalent reasons to turn out (c40%), and non-fire incidents accounting for about a third of shouts. Our 770/775 lightweight suit will also be a great starting point, being comfortable when you’re at the station, and appropriate for attending rescue and other non-fire incidents, removing the need to pull on your kit in the appliance en-route.

 

You might want to add ranks or other identifiers on epaulettes, or if you think you need extra hooks, loops or pockets, we can make that happen for you too.

 

The FlamePro approach

 

We want to give customers cutting-edge technology and the best solution for your needs. We source the best fabrics and make sure that our standard kit has everything you require to face the rigours and dangers of modern firefighting. Any changes you make become the cherry on top of what’s already an industry-leading set of kit.

 

To chat to one of our friendly team about how we combine our design knowledge with the flexibility to create the perfect set of kit for your firefighting brigade, give us a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Rescue-wear for non-fire call-outs

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Structural suits will protect your firefighters from heat and contaminants, but they are heavy and can get uncomfortable after a while, which is why we recommend rescue-wear for non-fire call-outs.

 

Rescue-wear is designed to be lighter and allow a greater range of motion while keeping firefighters safe, warm and comfortable in a range of rescue situations, including road traffic collisions (RTCs), first response, non-fire training operations and other related rescue incidents such as working at height.

 

The right kit for the job

 

Having the right set of kit for the right work is essential. You can read more about kit that’s suitable for water based incidents and high volume pumping. And we’ve written another article on wildland fires and the best garments for tackling them.

 

So what’s required from technical rescue suits? Clearly firefighters don’t need protection from excessive heat or flames during rescue operations, which allows for a lot more flexibility. Rescue suits need to be waterproof but breathable to keep crews comfortable whether they’re responding to a RTC in torrential rain or working at height in the summer.

 

FlamePro’s lightweight rescue kit

 

FlamePro has launched a new two-piece jacket and trousers rescue-wear set as well as already stocking a selection of gloves for all rescue situations. The technical kit is waterproof with an internal membrane to keep firefighters dry. They are also resistant to antiviral and blood borne pathogens to keep firefighters safe.

 

These new sets are also the first rescue-wear kits that glow in the dark, going beyond the typical high vis strips to provide improved visibility – particularly useful in winter when 14-16 hours out of every 24 are dark here in the UK.

 

The jacket has inner wrist cuffs with a thumb loop to increase comfort in the jacket as well as weatherproofing and a double band 50mm triple-trim around ankle cuffs in the trousers.

 

For our full range of rescue wear for non-fire call-outs, including lists of the benefits and features, visit our website or give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

The best garments for tackling wildland fires

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Twenty-first century firefighters need to respond to a range of risks and incidents and their kit needs to help them do that, so what are the best garments for tackling wildland fires? What are the advantages of having specialist wildland fire turnout kit and what other situations can it be used for?

 

Why does tackling wildland fires need different kit?

 

With wildland fires an increasing risk in the UK – they were only added to the National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies in 2012 – firefighters need flexible kit that will help them do their job in the very particular circumstances wildland fires create.

 

By their nature, wildland fires tend to happen in remote areas, meaning firefighters may have to walk a long way from appliances, often carrying hoses and other equipment.

 

While the heat isn’t as ferocious as being in a burning building, it can still be intense. And as wildland fires are often a risk during heatwaves, firefighters not only have to contend with heat generated by the fire, but the ambient air temperature as well. This can increase the risk of suffering from heat stress.

 

There can be more than one fire raging during a wildland incident, creating increased levels of radiant heat, but also additional locations in need of response. Of all the types of incidents, wildland fires are the ones which tend to go on the longest.

 

The best wildland fire PPE

 

Dedicated turn-out kit for wildland fires will be lightweight and allow firefighters to cover the distances needed. It doesn’t really need the heat protection that standard turn-out kit needs, which means they are usually single-layer, highly breathable garments.

 

Wildland leggings have a closure at the bottom to stop sparks, smoke and debris going up the legs and exposing firefighters to carbon and particulates on the skin. Wearing just a t-shirt on the firefighters’ top half also leaves their arms exposed to heat and particulates. Walking through wildland conditions in structural leggings will likely damage them, and the weight and heat protection the structural suit provides means the firefighter is wearing something unnecessarily heavy.

 

When operating over large areas, and sometimes from multiple state brigades, the kit also needs to ensure firefighters are swiftly identifiable, using colours such as red which will stand out against the landscape. Most structural kit is now gold, which acts as great camouflage against the moorland landscape. Reflective elements are also helpful as efforts to fight wildland fires can continue overnight.

 

Like all professional firefighting kit, garments designed for tackling wildland fires will have a good range of pockets for storing radios and other essential equipment.

 

FlamePro’s comprehensive wildland fire garment range

 

Garments designed for wildland fire response share many of the same qualities needed for rescue suits, so our wildland range is intended to be multi-purpose. This multifunctional approach saves your brigade from having to buy extra firefighting PPE.

 

All of our wildland firefighting garments conform to EN15614:2007, the European standard for wildland firefighting clothing. There is a new standard – EN15 – which our new wildland garments range conforms to.

 

Our next generation of wildland garments are made from a new fabric which is stronger and more comfortable, it’s lightweight and contains anti-abrasion fabric, glow-in-the-dark tape for low-light operations. Like our previous range, it’s made from a single layer of lightweight yet strong fabric, providing the right level of protection without being too heavy to wear for long periods when tackling wild fires.

 

For advice about the best garments for tackling wildland fires give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Best garments for high volume pumping incidents

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Best garments for firefighters attending high volume pumping incidents

They aren’t one of the most common forms of shout but still need specialist support from firefighting brigades, so what are the best garments for firefighters attending high volume pumping (HVP) incidents?

What kind of conditions do firefighters face at high volume pumping incidents?

HVPs are more usually used during flooding incidents – whether caused by rivers overtopping their banks or surface water flooding when large volumes of rain mean road-side drains can’t cope.

This usually results in firefighters spending long hours wading around in many inches of water while operating pumps, so waterproof rubber boots are a must.

It may still be raining, so kit needs to provide suitable protection from the elements while allowing firefighters to not get too hot or too cold.

High volume pumps can also be deployed when a significant amount of water needs moving very quickly. HVPs were used at Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire in 2019 after a reservoir dam wall threatened to collapse. Sections of the spillway were washed away during heavy rain, leading to a major incident being declared and to the evacuation of 1,500 residents.

During the incident 150 firefighters were based on scene, using HVPs that removed 70,000 litres of water a minute from the reservoir as emergency services battled to reduce the water levels and with them the threat of a total collapse.

What is the best kit for firefighters to wear at high volume pumping incidents?

Clearly firefighters don’t need protection from heat or flames during HVP operations, so the best kind of kit will be single-layer, waterproof and lightweight so they can easily move around.

Standard turn-out gear is also well-insulated, and can get heavy and soggy if exposed to the relentless rain that goes hand-in-hand with flooding incidents. It’s important that HVP kit is lightweight due to the physical nature of the job – manning pumps, unrolling kilometres of hoses and joining them all together, then packing everything away when the job is done.

Crews need to be identifiable as firefighters and being able to be seen is still important, so both the overall look, branding and reflective elements need to be consistent with recognised state brigade standards.

Boots in standard turn-out kit are sometimes described as waterproof, but they are designed to resist the splashes created when tackling fires with hoses, rather than paddling around in many inches of flood water. Rubber boots are more suitable for HVP incidents as firefighters can be certain they’ll have dry feet by the end of the shift.

FlamePro’s specialist high volume pumping garments

Our range of specialist HVP garments is the best option when thinking about kit for these distinctive incidents.

Our new generation HVP salopettes, jacket and coverall are being launched in October 2020. Made from technical fabric with a breathable membrane, our HVP garments give you the best combination of protection from the elements while being lightweight to wear. And they all come with the usual range of thoughtful pockets, loops and stowage options that FlamePro is known for.

Combine our HVP waterproof coverall with fully waterproof Skellerup Firefighting Boots so your crews don’t end up complaining of having soggy feet. Add a Tytan helmet and gloves to ensure that your firefighters have all the protection they need.

For advice about the best garments for firefighters attending high volume pumping incidents give one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Why do you need a particulate flash hood?

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Protecting firefighters from the particulates found in soot and smoke has become an increasing concern for both brigades and firefighters themselves.

There’s lots of information about why particulates are considered dangerous and how to stay protected but there’s one major area of vulnerability – the head and neck.

What’s a particulate flash hood?

Standard firefighting kit protects from particulates by catching them on the outside of the three layers of a firefighting suit. A membrane inside the garments means the particulates can’t penetrate through to get on to the skin, and potentially into a firefighter’s bloodstream.

But if firefighters wear their kit and just a helmet and standard flash hood the face and neck is left exposed without any protection from the soot and smoke which carries particulates.

Specific particulate flash hoods cover the neck and head to ensure that there is maximum protection from particulates. They should fit snugly under the helmet so firefighters can get on with the job in comfort.

What particulate flash hood options are there?

Fire-fighting hoods are generally made to cover the head and neck, or head, neck and shoulders, depending on the intended use.

Some brigades have used double-layer flash hoods but without a membrane, which were widely considered as almost disposable because of the relatively low cost. But they don’t provide particulate protection.

Lots of particulate hoods are made from the same material and in the same way as standard turn-out kit. This means they use a membrane between the fabric to ensure that particulates can’t penetrate through.

But this method of making particulate hoods makes them heavy, inflexible and not breathable – something which can increase the chances of heat stress, one of the top causes of injury to firefighters.

Older versions of fire hoods have previously been manufactured without particulate protection because the research about particulates and their dangers came to the fore in 2017.

As experts in fire-fighting kit, Flame Pro has developed a new particulate flash hood which not only protects from the particles known to cause cancer and other illnesses but is also lighter and comfier than other hoods.

Why choose FlamePro’s particulate flash hood?

Flame Pro’s new particulate flash hood utilises Nomex ® Nano Flex, a high-performance material developed specifically to be thinner than standard Fire Resistant (FR) materials. The revolutionary fibre enables a particulate protection flash hood to be as comfortable as a standard hood by allowing air through, but not particulates. It’s also lighter and more flexible.

According to fabric makers DuPont: “A highly breathable FR material with exceptional elasticity and superior particle barrier performance, Nomex® Nano Flex is also thinner and lighter weight than other FR materials…In fact, it results in up to a 4X increase in particle barrier efficiency.”

The Flame Pro one-size-fits-all new generation particulate flash hood is designed to be laundered, making it much better value than other options for head and neck protection which are worn a few times and then disposed of.

Incredibly, the hood provides up to 96% filtration which actually increases with laundering – and it’s not significantly more expensive than other options.

Other benefits include:

• Low noise – unlike hoods made from PTFE or PU, noise from the hood is very low

• Exceptional breathability – it doesn’t trap heat like PTFE/PU options

• Outer shell DWR finish – allows it to dry faster, reducing the build-up of toxic residues

The particulate flash hood also conforms to BS13911, and NFPA 1971 2018, which is the only published standard for particulate protection flash hoods.

To chat to one of our friendly team about the benefits of our particulate flash protection hood, give us a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Protecting firefighters from exposure to harmful particulates

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

All firefighters know that there are many more risks to their health than just fire. Awareness about protecting firefighters from exposure to particulates – found in soot and smoke – has increased over the last few years and is as much about the right clothing as it is about safe working practices and care and maintenance of kit.

Why do firefighters need to protect themselves from exposure to particulates?

Reducing exposure to particulates is critical, because they can cling to protective kit and can get into the blood stream, putting firefighters at increased risk of cancer.

According to the FBU, “there is now mounting evidence that firefighters are at a higher risk of carcinogens and other contaminants than the rest of the population.” In the US and Canada, cancer is documented as the leading cause of death for firefighters and former firefighters.

Particulates are thought to be one of the contributing factors to the increased risks of cancer for firefighters, but the job also includes exposure to fumes and materials such as asbestos.

It’s important to understand how firefighters become exposed to particulates, and how to reduce the risk of exposure.

How firefighters can protect themselves from the particulates in soot and smoke

Recent studies conclude that particulates are most likely to enter a firefighter’s body through the skin, although they can also be breathed in.

There are several steps that firefighters can take to protect themselves from particulates, which include things to do before, during, and after an incident. Making sure you have the best protection is about a combination of working practices and having the right kit for the job.

Before an incident it’s important to assess your PPE. It’s no longer a badge of honour to wear the dirtiest kit. We now know that dirty kit is most likely to have particulates on it, and that handling it and wearing it again can increase the chances of exposure.

Your kit needs to fit properly, be in good condition, and be stored in an area with good ventilation so that any fumes from previous incidents can evaporate.

During a shout, firefighters need to be wearing the right kit and using the right equipment – respirators for damping down, for example, and breathing apparatus if there’s likely to be airborne combustible particles in the area. Standing upwind of a fire so your smoke exposure is minimised is second nature to many, but it’s advice that bears repeating.

Keeping the windows and doors of the appliance shut if there’s lots of smoke also helps to maintain a clean environment to travel back to the station in.

Having the right kit – with the right level of particulate protection – is also critical to limiting a firefighter’s exposure to harmful particulates. The head and neck area are exposed if firefighters only wear a helmet, creating a vulnerability. Wearing a breathable particulate hood which helps keep you cooler while providing particulate protection will keep firefighters protected from particulates and comfortable in challenging environments.

Particulate protection after an incident – the importance of cleaning and storing kit properly

Actions after the incident can also make a big impact on a firefighter’s potential exposure to particulates. Getting out of dirty kit as soon as possible, preferably in a clean area designated for removing PPE, is important. Wearing a dust mask and disposable gloves would also be good practice.

Dirty kit should be bagged and sent for appropriate cleaning. There is a British Standard for cleaning firefighting kit – BS8617:2019 – which specifies how and how often kit should be laundered and maintained.

Simple, seemingly innocuous actions can also create a risk. For example, storing dirty gloves inside a helmet can eventually transfer particulates on to a firefighter’s head, creating a risk they will be transferred to the bloodstream.

Staying safe from the risks of particulates needs a combination of awareness, the right PPE, safe working practices, plus the right care and maintenance.

To chat to one of our experts about protecting firefighters from exposure to smoke particulates and the right firefighting kit for your brigade, give us a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

The changing role of firefighters

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Fire brigades are now officially known as fire and rescue services – a title which reflects the changing role and demands placed on them. Fighting fires is no longer the only thing they get called on to do, in fact, it isn’t even the most consistently attended type of incident, according to statistics.

 

Best garments for firefighters attending high volume pumping incidents

 

Fire brigades are now officially known as fire and rescue services – a title which reflects the changing role and demands placed on them. Fighting fires is no longer the only thing they get called on to do, in fact, it isn’t even the most consistently attended type of incident, according to statistics.

 

What are fire and rescue brigades called on to do?

 

According to the UK Government’s latest statistics (for the year up to December 2019) there were 555,759 incidents requiring fire and rescue service attendance. Of these, 28% (157,156) were fires, including secondary fires (those not involving people or property) – a 12% decrease on the previous year.

 

False alarm fires were the type of incident most attended at 41%and non-fire incidents 30%.

 

Non-fire incidents include attendance at flooding, road traffic collisions and animal incidents, along with attending collaboration incidents such as helping other agencies enter/exit from an incident.

 

44% of the fires attended in the year to December 2019 were primary fires, a 6% decrease on the previous year. Dwelling fires, other building fires and vehicle fires all reduced by similar numbers (between 4 and 5 percent).

 

Dwelling fires made up the biggest proportion of primary fires, but there have been large decreases in structural fires over the past two decades, due in part to the education and fire safety role of the Fire and Rescue Service, but also driven by an increase in adoption of smoke alarms.

 

Since October 2015 landlords in the UK have been required to fit smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors where possible, in their properties. Building Regulations also prescribe the type and location of smoke and fire alarm systems for new buildings.

 

Is firefighter PPE fit for every job?

 

As the role of firefighters has changed, with response now relatively evenly split between fire and non-fire incidents, are full structural firefighting suits still suitable for every incident?

 

If brigades only provide one set of response kit, how can it be right for all possible scenarios?

 

Firefighting kit made for entering fires needs to provide protection from extreme heat and smoke. This necessarily makes it heavy and cumbersome to wear. Is that the right kit to respond to a road traffic incident with people requiring cutting from vehicles? Or to assist with flooding incidents?

 

Even when responding to fires, how many times do firefighters actually have to go into the flames instead of dealing with the fire from a distance? This raises questions for the industry to answer: does that mean that current turn-out kit is “over-specified”? And does that result in problems of its own, such as firefighters suffering from heat stress, which causes exhaustion, due to wearing hot, heavy kit when its fire protection benefits aren’t required?

 

What’s the alternative?

 

This is the key question. There are a host of factors to take into account: operational, safety, stowage, updating procedures, budget… there is no easy answer. However, most would agree there needs to be some improvement.

 

We make a range of standard and bespoke solutions suitable for differing jobs such high volume pumping, tackling wildfires and attending rescue incidents. The priorities are kit that’s lightweight but also practical and tough. All kit needs to be tough enough to provide protection and designed with practicality in mind.

 

Some brigades are now using a technical rescue jacket, which can be worn when responding to non-fire incidents.

 

What other clothing options would work for your brigade? What difference would station clothing that was fire resistant and comfortable make if it meant you could avoid donning full kit for every shout?

 

Our new product development team works hard to bring to market the best in firefighting kit and we’re keen to reflect the modern firefighting environment. What clothing or kit would you like to see brought to market?

 

To discuss the options for your brigade, give our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

How useful are test results when choosing new firefighter kit?

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

All firefighter PPE must conform to a range of international and British standards, but how useful are the test results when choosing your firefighters’ kit? How can you be sure that you have created the right specification for your new firefighting PPE? And what are the elements to consider before making a decision on what to buy?

 

What standards must firefighting garments meet?

 

Firefighting clothing must meet a variety of international and British standards including:

 

• EN 469:2005 – minimum protection requirements for protective clothing for firefighters, measured as Level 1 (lower protection) and Level 2 (higher protection)

• EN 13911 – protective clothing and hoods for firefighters

• BS 8617:2019 – cleaning, maintenance and repair

 

There are additional standards for helmets, footwear, gloves, eye protection and a range of other firefighting PPE.

 

Each garment will be tested by an independent specialist laboratory and a test report issued. But as with many things, the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

 

What is firefighting kit tested for?

 

The four main areas of performance that firefighting clothing is tested for are:

 

• Heat protection rating

• Breathability rating

• Ergonomic rating

• Moisture vapour resistance rating

 

Firefighting suits are made up of layers – usually an outer layer, a moisture and particulate barrier and a thermal lining. Getting the right balance of all three so that the firefighting gear both offers protection and doesn’t hamper the wearer or put them at increased risk of exhaustion is the holy grail of kit design.

 

Clearly clothing made for tackling fires needs to be able to protect the wearer from heat – but what’s the Goldilocks standard? When does too much heat protection become a problem for other areas of performance?

 

An increased heat protection rating will increase the weight of the kit and how hot the wearer will get. This decreases the breathability rating. So where is the sweet-spot for the right level of heat protection which also gives your firefighters enough breathability?

 

The minimum standard for heat protection is 13 – do you need to specify a higher number if that means your team will tire more quickly and be hotter when working, putting them at increased risk of heat exhaustion?

 

The ergonomic rating tells you how easy it is to move around in the kit, but the assumption is that the easier it is to move around, the more compromises have been made on heat protection due to the materials available but with the right kit that doesn’t have to be the case. Again, it’s about finding the right balance between the protection offered and the practicalities of wear.

 

The moisture vapour resistance rating (also known as the RET rating) is a measure of how breathable the kit is. A lower number is better for this test.

 

The moisture barrier in firefighting turnout kits help protect against water, chemicals, and viral agents leaching through on to clothes and skin underneath. But they also need to allow moisture out of the kit to minimise the chances of firefighters suffering from steam burns.

 

How to decide on the right firefighting kit for you?

 

With such a large number of variables for each individual piece of firefighting kit, the very best way to decide on what’s right for your brigade is to do some user acceptance testing. Once you’re satisfied the kit meets the minimum standards to keep your crews safe, testing the kit in the field and getting feedback from your team will help you make the right choice.

 

The kit you choose might depend on the types of incidents you predominantly respond to but should heavily take account of the views of your crews on what kit helps them work for longer or keeps them cooler.

 

Even kit with very similar testing results may operate differently when used in the field, so deciding on the right firefighting kit for your brigade cannot be a paper exercise. It needs to take account of the realities of what your crews are asked to do, and how the kit helps them do that job.

 

For advice on how useful tests are when choosing your firefighting kit – or on any aspect of firefighting PPE – give one of our friendly team a call today on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

What to look for when specifying new firefighting kit

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

If you’re responsible for the firefighting kit for your fire and rescue service, it can be a vast undertaking and knowing what to look for when specifying new kit is critical. Staying up to date with the latest technology and products will help keep the firefighters in your services safe, preventing injury and even death.

 

It’s a complex task and one that state brigades usually only undertake every eight years or so. You’ll need to familiarise yourself with standards, lab test results, types of fabric, and strike a balance between comfort and safety. It’s a huge responsibility and one taken seriously by every buyer we’ve advised.

 

The right kit at the right time

 

If essential kit is damaged, you’ll want a replacement ASAP to make sure your firefighters are safe and prepared for the next call. Unfortunately, the industry has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to order lead times that meet customer expectations. Far from the next day delivery we’re used to in our personal lives, the industry standard for delivery of firefighting kit is still 12-18 weeks. That’s a long time to be waiting on life-preserving kit!

 

At FlamePro, we manufacture in Europe and keep items in stock. If you’re ordering standard items, you can expect to receive them in just a few days. Made to order items are guaranteed within 6-8 weeks, halving the industry standard and making sure you have what you need when you need it.

 

Balancing comfort and effectiveness

 

If your crew are spending several hours working hard in all weathers, comfort will be key, but knowing the situations firefighters face, there can be no compromise on safety. When specifying kit, it’s essential that your crew member can say it feels good on their back. This is where looking at user trials rather than just test results can give you the best kind of information.

 

Structural suits are heavy. And with 31 per cent of call outs being non-fire related incidents, over specifying on heat resistance can mean kit is heavier to wear than necessary, making it hotter and subjecting firefighters to unnecessary heat stress.

 

The right kit for the task

 

While state crews are fighting fires on 28% of calls, private crews – at airports and petrochemical sites, for example – spend the majority of their time rescuing people from heights and other non-fire call outs.

 

It’s important, therefore, to consider what your firefighters need. While a full structural kit will always be an essential for those call outs that do involve fire, the second kit could be a lightweight kit that provides protection against the elements, but is easier and more comfortable to wear when not working in intense heat.

 

When specifying your kit, consider what your crew does the most and what they need to keep them safe and comfortable when they’re doing it. Do you only need one type of turnout kit, or would a couple of versions give your crews the flexibility they need?

 

There is a lot to consider when choosing the right suit for your firefighters. Like, whether or not there is enough heat resistance, or whether you want a more breathable option. Using our performance grading scales you’ll be able to easily find the suit for you. You can learn about the fabrics which make up each suit too. We know it’s important that you make the right choice.

 

If you would like any further advice on what to look for when specifying your new firefighting kit don’t hesitate to get in touch or call one of our experts on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

How often should you replace your firefighting kit?

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Firefighting kit has a number of functions; it protects crew members in a wide range of situations and makes them instantly recognisable in an emergency. Replacing your kit at the right time keeps you safe and comfortable, no matter what the shout is for.

 

According to the UK Home Office, in the last year, 28 per cent of call-outs involved responding to fires, 42 per cent were fire false alarms and 31 per cent were non-fire incidents. Non-fire incidents have increased from 23 per cent of call outs ten years ago.

 

The five largest categories of non-fire incidents in the last year were road traffic collisions, effecting entry/exit, assisting other agencies, medical incidents, and flooding incidents. This demonstrates the breadth of tasks a firefighter might be expected to complete when wearing their kit. In a nutshell, you need to be ready for anything!

 

Making your firefighting kit last

 

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves by focusing only on replacement; there are ways of making your firefighting kit last. Inspecting it after every shout and regular cleaning and maintenance will make your kit last as long as possible.

 

We’ve written useful blog posts on how to inspect your kit and how to maintain your kit to help fire and rescue services to get the most out of your most important investment.

 

When does turnout kit expire?

 

Technically there’s not a blanket expiry date for firefighting kit, though manufacturers might specify the lifespan of individual garments. The new British Standard for the inspection, testing, cleaning, decontamination, drying, repairs, replacement and retirement/ disposal of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) is BS8617. Published in 2019, it recommends that firefighting kit should be replaced at least every 10 years.

 

So the answer to the question: how often should I replace my firefighting kit? is at least every 10 years, according to the British Standard, but there are reasons for not waiting that long.

 

Should I replace my firefighting kit sooner?

 

While private fire and rescue services might not face too many call outs, state operated fire and rescue services in England responded to 557,299 incidents in the last year. Of these, 153,957 were fires.

 

With so much opportunity for wear and tear, it’s inevitable that firefighting kit will reach the point of needing to be replaced.

 

In some instances, it might simply make economic sense. If a new jacket costs upwards of £200, for example, and has already had £150 invested in repairs, it might be more cost effective to replace the jacket the next time it is damaged instead of paying for another repair. Professional care and maintenance companies will inspect kit every time it goes for cleaning and should provide advice about when kit should be condemned as it’s unsafe to wear, or when it makes more economic sense to replace it.

 

Fit is essential. When the London Fire Brigade replaced its firefighting kit in 2018, Deputy Commissioner Tom George acknowledged that they needed a kit that could support and protect crews in a range of incidents whether fighting fires, freeing people trapped in crashed cars or complex rescues from collapsed buildings.

 

Firefighting kit must also be retired if it has been contaminated by chemical, biological, radioactive or nuclear agents.

 

Now you know how to identify when your firefighting kit is past it’s best and how often you should be replacing your kit, 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.

Floods and High Volume Pumping

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

High volume pumping is often an unappreciated aspect of a fire and rescue service’s capabilities.

 

That is, until we experience the extreme weather and subsequent flooding like we saw in the north of England this month (Nov 2019). During these difficult times firefighters are tasked with removing water from at risk areas and moving it to somewhere a bit more secure. To do this they often use hoses hundreds of metres long and very powerful pumps.

 

Flooding can be devastating to communities. Firefighters are often tasked with redirecting the huge volumes of water; to do that, they have to get wet. Our 402/403 HVP suit is specially designed for exactly these times. Waterproof, lightweight, brightly coloured and keeps the expensive structural suit safe in the station.

 

We know it’s important that you make the right choice. If you would like any further advice on what to look for when specifying your new firefighting kit don’t hesitate to get in touch or call one of our experts on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

BS 8617:2019 is here, are you ready?

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Everything you need to know about the new firefighter PPE cleaning, maintenance and repair standard.

 

It has been a long time coming but it’s finally here. As you know, the fear of contaminants has been a hot topic for a while now. This new standard aims to give guidance for cleaning, maintenance and repair of firefighters’ PPE. It covers a lot: inspection, testing, cleaning, decontamination, drying, repairs, replacement, and retirement/disposal. It even covers recording, storage and transportation.

 

BS 8617:2019 is applicable to garments, helmets, gloves, footwear and firehoods worn by anyone involved in firefighting and associated activities. If you’re responsible for cleaning, maintaining or repairing firefighter PPE, then listen up.

 

Remember, the standard doesn’t specifically explain how to undertake procedures, it simply states what those procedures should be.

 

Let’s start with inspection:

 

There are two types of inspection indicated in BS 8617:2019: routine and advanced. I’ll only talk about the routine inspection here because that is what will apply to most of you and will be conducted far more often. In fact, you’ll be doing a routine inspection every time you get a new piece of kit, at the start of every shift, after you use the kit and any other time you deem an inspection to be required. So, quite regularly, indeed.

 

You’ll need to inspect each piece of your kit (Garments, Helmets, Gloves, footwear and firehoods) for the following:

 

1. Soiling

2. Contamination

3. Physical damage

4. Missing pieces

5. Damaged reflection strips

6. Kit specific damage (like checking the soles of boots)

 

There is a lot of detail for each piece of kit. We’ll be creating “how-tos” which will show how to inspect each piece of kit in accordance with BS 8617:2019, starting with the Jacket, in a few weeks.

 

If anything fails the routine inspection, then it’s time to submit that piece of fire kit for advanced inspection. It’s important to have procedures set up to implement this.

 

Testing

 

You can rest assured that if you buy kit from FlamePro, tests have been done to ensure it is fit for purpose. However, each garment goes on a different journey once we hand it over to you. BS 8617:2019 recommends that further testing may be required after the kit has exceeded its expected lifecycle or after a particularly intense event where performance may have been compromised. We’d be happy to organise testing by an independent and specialised organisation if you have any concerns.

 

Cleaning and decontamination

 

This is a very important section of the new standard. This section details how to keep kit clean, on a daily basis by firefighters, and how to avoid cross contamination. There are two types of PPE (soft and hard) and two levels of cleaning (routine and advanced).

 

Routine cleaning would ideally take place (or at least begin) at the emergency scene. If that’s not possible there should be a designated area at the station to complete the process.

 

Routine cleaning is very simple (and applies to soft and hard PPE):

 

• A gentle brush or wipe off

• Rinse with water

• Dry (air dry only)

 

Please be aware that heavy scrubbing, high pressure water jets and force drying are not to be used.

 

Advanced Cleaning is more complicated:

 

Don’t worry too much about how the cleaning is conducted at this level. This cleaning will be completed off site. the important thing for you to understand is how to prepare for this cleaning:

 

After an incident – straight after, before getting in the truck – kit should be presented to trained personnel to determine if level 1 or level 2 cleaning is needed. If it is deemed that level 2 is needed, then the garments must be doffed and double-bagged. If it is soft PPE, then the first bag should be water-soluble. All bagged items should be sent for level 2 cleaning. We offer a fully compliant care and maintenance program; please get in touch to discuss how we can help.

 

This segues nicely into the next section:

 

Repair and Replacement

 

All repairs that we would conduct on your garments are done by trained personnel. We ensure we follow the strict guidelines laid out in this standard and make sure our products continue to live up to your expectations.

 

Retirement and disposal

 

How to know when it’s time to retire firefighters’ PPE? If any of the below are true, it’s time to move on.

 

1.It’s over 10 years since manufacture.

2. It is after the lifespan as determined by the manufacturer.

3. It’s not possible or cost effective to repair damage to the kit.

4. It has been contaminated by CBRN agents.

5. It’s important to have procedures in place to allow for quick replacement of retired PPE.

 

Disposing of firefighters’ retired PPE should be done in such a way that it will not be used in any firefighting or emergency activities, this includes live fire training. It’s also essential that tracking devices and all marks that could identify your organisation, or the wearer, be removed.

 

Recording and traceability

 

BS 8617:2019 makes it very clear that your PPE should be fully traceable. The following records should be kept for each item:

• The person(s) the PPE is issued to

• Date and condition when issues

• Manufacturer and model name/design

• Manufacturer’s identification number

• Month and year of manufacture

• Date(s) and findings of advanced inspection(s)

• Date of level 2 cleaning

• Date(s) of repair(s), who performed the repair(s), brief description of the repair(s) and batch number of repair materials (may be appropriate to take a picture)

• Date of retirement

• Date and method of disposal

 

Storage

 

Don’t store your PPE with sharp objects or anything else that could damage the kit.

 

PPE should not be stored in direct sunlight, in airtight containers, vacuum packed, at extreme temperatures (below -32 or above 82) or in contact with contaminates. This is all assuming that the PPE has been cleaned before storage (which it should be if there is intent to reuse). Soiled PPE should be stored in such a way that it cannot cause cross-contamination. Contain this kit as if before laundry (double bagged). Do not store in living quarters or with personal belongings.

 

Transportation

 

When transporting soiled PPE try to avoid doing so in private cars or public transport. Remember, the main aim here is to avoid contaminants to every care must be taken to avoid cross-contamination.

 

We know it’s important that you make the right choice. If you would like any further advice on what to look for when specifying your new firefighting kit don’t hesitate to get in touch or call one of our experts on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

5 things FlamePro takes care of so you don’t have to

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Purchasing the firefighter PPE for your team is a huge responsibility.

 

You’re choosing the garments which protect them in life or death situations, no small decision. The gravity of your choice doesn’t stop the process from being a long, drawn-out, monotonous bore. FlamePro is here to help. Obviously, the safety of your team is our number one priority, but we have put in place ways to save you time and effort too.

 

1. Going to Tender.

 

Tenders are a long process. First you must research the market, then you have to research the companies, then you have to design and spec, then you have to come up with a way to score the process, and then a million more steps. You’ll probably finally get your firefighter PPE 18 months after you started, and it may not even be what you really wanted.

Enter the professional buying organisation! Let me tell you about ESPO. ESPO is a professional buying organisation which provides goods to the public sector. Owned by the public sector, it is a one-stop shop of over 25,000 products, 120 frameworks and bespoke procurement services. ESPO provide free support and advice from teams of experts. And here’s the good news! As of September 2019, FlamePro is a supplier to ESPO. That means that you can you can make buying decisions more confidently and with ease. ESPO has done all the hard work for you, so you can trust that what you buy is fully compliant. Buying FlamePro gear has never been easier. There’s no longer any need for drawn out tenders because ESPO has fully approved our firefighter PPE for you.

 

2. Dealing with multiple companies.

 

So, you talk to one company for your gloves, another company for your boots and one more for every other piece of kit. You compare product, discuss pricing and organise delivery ten times!

 

The Solve: Speak to one of the experts here at FlamePro and we’ll help you with everything, from head to toe. Easy!

 

3. Endless Research.

 

Wow, there really are a lot of options out there aren’t there. Does that boot work with these gloves? What about firefighter helmets? It can be very overwhelming trying to ingest all the specifications, standards and data.

 

The Solve: We have specially selected accessories and combined them into useful bundles. Visit our website and find exactly what you’re looking for by filtering our accessory bundles by application or industry. Or give us a call and we’ll give you a recommendation.

 

4. Waiting for your kit.

 

How frustrating is it to order your firefighter PPE only to wait 6 months before it turns up?! It simply isn’t realistic for you to have to plan so far in advance for potentially just one or two kits.

 

The Solve: FlamePro hold stock of much of our range so a 2-day lead isn’t unheard of. For manufactured orders we’ll have it with you in 6-8 weeks. When speed is required, FlamePro have you covered.

 

5. Care and Maintenance.

 

As you know: a firefighter suit is only as strong as its weakest seam. And with this new understanding of the risks of contaminated gear, it’s no surprise that care and maintenance is high on many of your agendas. Ad hoc cleaning is becoming a thing of the past and neglecting the maintenance of your firefighter ppe is simply dangerous. The importance doesn’t stop the process from being frustrating and mundane.

 

The Solve: With a FlamePro care and maintenance package we care for and clean all your garments on a regular basis so you can relax, it’s taken care of.

 

Like I said earlier, our first priority is keeping your team safe. Making your life easier is a great added bonus!

 

We know it’s important that you make the right choice. If you would like any further advice on what to look for when specifying your new firefighting kit don’t hesitate to get in touch or call one of our experts on +44 (0) 1332 341030.

Heat stress: a serious issue facing firefighters

Posted on by Dominic Beasty

Let’s talk heat stress: a serious issue facing firefighters across the globe.

 

 

The first step towards finding a solution to the problem of heat stress is understanding what heat stress is and how it affects firefighters. This problem is much more than the office thermostat being set to the wrong temperature (It’s too hot Karen, turn the thermostat down!). In extreme cases heat stress can be fatal.

 

 

The human body is designed to function within a very specific temperature range, between 36.5 and 37.5 Celsius is ideal, just one degree. Luckily, we have ways to regulate our temperature: if we’re too cold we shiver to heat our muscles, too hot and we sweat. Sweat helps our body cool down by giving the heat a route to escape. Beads of sweat fill with heat energy before turning to vapour and taking the heat with away. For sweat to work most effectively the air around you will be windy, cold and dry. Humidity would mean that there is less room for vapour to leave your body (if you’ve ever been to Florida you’ll understand).

 

 

“What actually is heat stress?” we hear you ask. Well, if your body is no longer able to regulate your core temperature you will begin to overheat which can have catastrophic consequences. Not only does heat stress reduce a person’s ability to concentrate (really important for firefighters in life and death situations!), it can cause fatigue, confusion, convulsions and will eventually mean losing consciousness.

 

As we mentioned, sweating is the best way to get heat out of the body and it works best in dry, cold and windy conditions. So, as you can imagine, an enclosed and insulated suit may not promote the perfect perspiration environment. Insulation is an important part of any fire kit because it keeps all that extreme heat away from the wearer, unfortunately it also keeps all the body heat in. Firefighters work hard, really hard, it’s an extremely physical job which means they create a lot of body heat. The challenge is finding a way to get the heat out of the suit without letting heat from the outside, in. For this we use something called a moisture barrier made by Stedfast. A moisture barrier is a clever bit of material which lets vapour through but not liquid, making the suit breathable and allowing the wearer to sweat away the heat, all without letting water, harmful chemicals or pathogens in!

 

FlamePro want to push boundaries in every layer of a fire kit, that’s why our relationship with Stedfast is so invaluable. Not only do they have brilliant laminating capabilities and fantastic membrane technologies, they always impress with their delivery times. FlamePro still have the best lead times in the industry and companies like Stedfast help us achieve that.

 

We know it’s important that you make the right choice. If you would like any further advice on what to look for when specifying your new firefighting kit don’t hesitate to get in touch or call one of our experts on +44 (0) 1332 341030.