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Lakeland Industries’ Acquires Pacific Helmets

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Lakeland Industries, a provider in protective clothing for various industries, announced the strategic acquisition of Pacific Helmets NZ Limited, a New Zealand-based innovator in safety helmet design and manufacturing. This all-cash transaction, valued at approximately $8.5 million, marks a significant expansion of Lakeland’s fire services portfolio, integrating Pacific’s advanced helmet technologies and broad product range into its offerings​​​​. About the Acquisition Strategic Expansion: The acquisition signifies a major milestone in Lakeland’s global fire services expansion, enhancing its product range with Pacific’s leading safety helmets for structural and wildland firefighting, as well as rescue operations​​. Complementary Fit: Pacific’s diverse product line and established market presence make it a highly complementary addition to Lakeland’s existing fire service business. This move not only broadens Lakeland’s product offerings but also extends its geographical reach, particularly in Australia and New Zealand​​. Business Synergies: The integration of Pacific’s innovative products is expected to generate significant cross-selling opportunities across Lakeland’s global sales and distribution channels, leveraging both companies’ strengths​​. About Pacific Helmets Industry Leadership: With over 40 years in the industry, Pacific Helmets stands as a leader in designing and manufacturing a wide array of safety helmets. Employing 70 people, the company operates from its headquarters in Whanganui, New Zealand​​. Innovative Range: Pacific boasts the largest range of helmet models and styles internationally, known for their proprietary fiberglass-based shell construction, which differs from competitors’ injection molding methods​​. To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Framexpress success at London Build Expo

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Framexpress, reports impressive levels of interest for its range of fire doors at this year’s London Build Expo, after exhibiting at the show for the very first time. Following the launch of its Fire Door by Framexpress range, the Telford-based fabricator travelled to the Olympia with the aim of talking to installers, passive fire companies, contractors, social landlords, developers, specifiers and those alike to discuss how its third-party certified composite fire doors can help them level up on protection. Jonny Green, Principal Product Manager at Framexpress, reflects on the company’s first exhibition, saying: “We had a brilliant couple of days down south for the London Build Expo. This year’s show had a large focus on fire safety, so it was great to have so many installers, specifiers and other visitors interested in fire safety come to our stand to discuss their needs, and how we could help deliver a solution for them.” “The show’s emphasis on fire safety really attracted us to exhibiting, as it was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our offering, while communicating our capabilities to meet the demand for fire safety products.” Fully tested and compliant with BM Trada Q Mark Third Party Accreditation Schemes for Fire, Smoke and Security, the Fire Doors by Framexpress 30-minute Composite Doorset is also fire tested to EN1634-1:2014 & A1:2018, and tested to EN1634-3:2004 for fire resistance and smoke control and PAS 24: 2016 for security. The doorset also benefits from a purpose-developed GRP with fire resistant additives, which works in conjunction with an AV2 autolocking system which was proven to limit door leaf distortion during fire testing, to provide 30 minutes of fire protection. Framexpress’ investment in achieving the accreditation to manufacture and supply fire doors is part of its ongoing plan to offer the best high-specification product range to support the growth of CLUB Framexpress customers. To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Pierce Volterra Electric Fire Truck Headlines 5-Year Supply Contract

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Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced Canada-based dealer Commercial Emergency Equipment Co. has secured a 5-year supply contract with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES). The initial two orders comprise nine apparatus, headlined by a Pierce® Volterra™ electric pumper intended for MFES’s new net-zero fire station. Other fire apparatus in the first two orders include a Pierce Enforcer™ heavy-duty rescue pumper, four Enforcer pumpers, a Saber® tanker, an Enforcer HAZMAT truck, and an Ascendant 107’ heavy-duty aerial ladder on an Enforcer chassis. “We are thrilled to include a Pierce Volterra electric fire truck as an integral part of the plan for Station 125 — Mississauga’s first net-zero energy fire hall and an all-electric facility,” said Mississauga Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi. “As Mississauga’s 22nd fire hall, currently under construction and scheduled to open next summer, Station 125 embodies environmental stewardship with its 10,000 sq. ft. design featuring sustainable materials, high-speed bi-fold doors, and onsite renewable energy generation, including 238 solar panels to power the hall’s operations and charging for the electric apparatus.” MFES, a full-time career department operating across four platoons, manages approximately 30,000 emergency calls annually with a team of close to 800 fire service professionals — IAFF Local 1212. With over 31 front-line apparatus in their fleet, including 24 from Pierce either in service or on order, the department will enhance its operational readiness with the new fire apparatus additions. MFES oversees soon-to-be 22 stations serving nearly 700,000 residents across 111 square miles adjacent to Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario. “Our longstanding partnership with the City of Mississauga and Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services shows their trust not only in Commercial but also in Pierce Manufacturing as true partners for the supply and support of their emergency apparatus,” said Carey Feduniw, General Manager, Emergency Equipment, Commercial Emergency Equipment Co. “Yet another major Canadian municipality committing to a large multi-year deal with Pierce and Commercial is an indicator we’re leading the market, and we’re grateful for our partnership as we continue to expand our reach throughout Canada.” MFES’s five-year contract with Commercial Emergency Equipment Co. includes a broad range of Pierce apparatus. Included within the contract are the provisions for MFES to select from a portfolio of aerials, rescues, pumpers, squads, quints, HAZMATs, and tankers. Chief Rizzi added, “One of our municipality’s critical priorities is to support the needs and safety of our community’s first responders. Our continued partnership with Commercial Truck Equipment and Pierce Manufacturing will allow us to provide the necessary apparatus, which not only enhances our capabilities but also supports the City of Mississauga’s Climate Change Action Plan, which has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050.” To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Sherwin-Williams Fireproofing at AMFC Conference

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Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, a pioneer in shop-applied epoxy intumescent fireproofing for gigafactories and semiconductor production plants, will share its expertise at the Advanced Manufacturing Facility Construction conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The company’s Construction Solutions team is delivering a keynote presentation emphasizing the advantages of applying fire protective coatings in a controlled shop environment, as it allows for safer, faster and simpler facility construction. “Speed to operations is a major shared objective for mega project construction,” said Joseph Windover, Construction Solutions Project Development Manager, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings. “Early integration of off-site fire protection in the design process is key to advancing lean construction and ensuring project speed and predictability. General contractors and their clients, aiming for efficiency and reliability in next-gen EV gigafactories, are finding shop-applied intumescent coatings essential for faster builds, cost savings and smoother site operations.” Sherwin-Williams is the specified provider of fire protective coatings on multiple high-profile EV battery and semiconductor projects. The company’s FIRETEX 9502® epoxy fireproofing, often referred to as “blue steel,” can deliver up to three hours of fire protection on a wide range of steel beams and columns. The product delivers robust chemical resistance and superior impact and abrasion resistance. FIRETEX 9502 offers high film build per coat properties, which allows applicators to achieve substantial coating thickness (200 mils) in a single layer. In contrast, solvent-based coatings require multiple coats to achieve a similar thickness and depend on long cure times in between coats. This, combined with the weather and environmental impacts of field application, can significantly delay a project and disrupt the schedules of other trades. Ideally coated with fire protection off-site by a trusted applicator, structural steel arrives to the job site ready for erection with minimal labor and less risk associated with traditional field-applied, sprayed fire-resistive materials. “FIRETEX 9502 is a best-in-class advanced coating tailored for performance in EV battery and semiconductor facilities,” said Jacob Allard, Construction Solutions Project Development Manager, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings. “We are industry leaders combining construction know-how with proven material science to deliver state-of-the-art plants in the race to electrification and decarbonization.” Taking place November 28-30, 2023, in Nashville, the Advanced Manufacturing Facility Construction conference is focused on helping attending contractors and designers become partners of choice on the world’s most complex manufacturing projects through transformative design and delivery. Windover and Allard’s presentation, titled “A Lean Construction Model: Reducing Waste and Increasing Productivity Through Shop-Applied Fireproofed Steel,” will take place the morning of November 29. To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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ROCKWOOL launches whitepaper for multifunctional roofs

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The role of the roof in modern building design has expanded significantly in recent years. Now ROCKWOOL has published a whitepaper aimed at helping specifiers and roof contractors to consider and plan for possible fire risks arising from flat roofs being used as multifunctional spaces for a variety of social and practical applications, highlighting, for example, the increasing number of solar energy installations. The Flat roofs: The functional fifth façade paper explores the fire safety implications of modern multifunctional roofs and discusses best practices for identifying and mitigating the risks. It also explains the role of the guidance provided in approved documents, including Approved Document B (ADB) for fire safety, and examines potential limitations of such advice for non-standard flat roof circumstances and scenarios. “While the use of flat roofs as functional spaces is not a new concept, the practice has become more and more popular in recent years, especially in increasingly crowded urban areas,” explains Lisa Stephens, Product Manager – Building Envelope, ROCKWOOL UK. “Now, flat roofs don’t just house plant and building services but energy efficiency infrastructure and social spaces too.” With the increasing complexity of the flat roof space in mind, this whitepaper addresses the risks associated with social and commercial uses of flat roofs, considering implications such as greater footfall and the impact of penetrations from building services and cabling on compartmentation and fire resistance. With the market for solar energy growing rapidly in the UK and Europe, Flat roofs: The functional fifth façade also places a specific focus on the lack of dedicated guidance for solar panels despite evidence that their presence may increase fire risk. “The information in the whitepaper will help those involved in the design and installation of flat roofs to make responsible choices when selecting materials to enable a modern flat roof to be multifunctional, safe and long-lasting,” says Lisa Stephens. “It offers practical advice to simplify specification whilst going above and beyond legislative requirements.” To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Mosmart UK launches biodegradable wetting agent

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Mosmart UK, a fire safety solutions company, is revolutionising Class A firefighting with its innovative mineral-based wetting agent, Marine3 Fire. This product, which is both cost-effective and easy to use, is a saline-based solution devoid of harmful chemicals. It contains a unique blend of biodegradable surfactants that, when added to water, reduce the water’s surface tension. This allows for greater penetration and saturation of combustible materials, enabling Marine3 Fire to extinguish fires up to 80% faster than water alone. Additionally, it reduces smoke and toxic emissions and helps prevent reignition. Marine3 Fire has undergone independent testing and is CE marked for use on all Class A fires. It was recently showcased at the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Fire Summit in Cyprus and has been met with positive reception from industry experts. Sir Ken Knight, former Chief Fire & Rescue Adviser for England, tested the product at the Fire Services College and was so impressed by its performance that he has joined Mosmart UK as an associate adviser. Knight noted Marine3 Fire’s superior effectiveness in extinguishing fires more quickly and with less water compared to conventional methods, as well as its significant reduction in smoke emissions. Knight highlighted the importance of such innovation in the fire industry, especially given the trend towards smaller firefighting vehicles in the UK, which have fewer crew members and less water capacity. Products like Marine3 Fire, which are highly effective and use significantly less water, are crucial for efficient firefighting operations to ensure quick and safe suppression of fires. According to Mosmart UK Director, Fraser Donaldson, whilst Marine3 Fire is suitable for all Class A fires, the industry is showing particular interest in its ability to suppress and prevent wildfires and waste fires: “In the UK and across the world, wildfires are increasing in number and ferocity, and are often difficult to control since they can spread rapidly. The deeper water penetration and faster suppression offered by Marine3 Fire helps to contain wildfires quickly and prevent reignition. It can also be used preventatively to create protective barriers, firebreaks and escape routes. Similarly, Marine3 Fire is particularly effective for fighting and preventing fires at waste and recycling centres, as it can be used to deeply saturate high volumes of combustible materials. We are currently investigating its suitability for use in high-rise fire suppression and sprinkler systems too.” Easy to use, Marine3 Fire can be added directly to the main fire engine water tank or portable pump system and delivered through the hose in the same way as water alone. It is compatible with Fire & Rescue Services’ existing equipment, including in-line inductors, round the pump proportioners and pick-up tubes, so no additional equipment is required. To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Victaulic showcases solutions at VdS-Brandschutztage

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Victaulic will present its latest advancements in fire protection solutions at VdS-BrandschutzTage 2023, one of the most important industry events for preventive structural, organisational and system fire protection. Taking place on the 6th and 7th of December in Cologne, Germany, attendees are invited to visit Victaulic at Stand D-02 in the Congress-Centrum Ost Koelnmesse to engage directly with Victaulic experts and explore cutting-edge fire protection products from a global leader in mechanical pipe joining solutions. The annual VdS-BrandschutzTage event is a unique opportunity for professionals in the fire protection industry to connect and stay informed about the latest technologies. As part of this event, Victaulic will be showcasing its innovative solutions at Stand D-02. Highlights of the exhibition include demonstrations of Victaulic products which emphasise a commitment to advancing fire protection technology. Among the featured products is the impressive Firelock™ Series 775 – an assembly including a Victaulic butterfly valve that connects from the inside of a building to an external valve handle, allowing for open/close operation from outside of the structure or hazard area. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see the NXT 768 Cutaway Valve up close, gaining valuable insights into its design and functionality. In addition to these key highlights, Victaulic will showcase its expertise in High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) systems, highlighting the advantages of this versatile material in fire protection applications. Victaulic developed the industry’s first ready-to-install coupling for joining HDPE pipes. The stand will also feature VicFlex™, a flexible sprinkler fitting system designed to enhance ease of installation and system flexibility. Fully engineered and manufactured by Victaulic, VicFlex™ offers unparalleled confidence with 100% kink-resistance, unmatched speed – up to 10x faster than threaded black pipe, and industry-leading performance through a 2”| 50mm UL Listed bend radius. The sprinklers and couplings are delivered pre-assembled, eliminating the need for additional preparation during installation. This way labour management and safety are optimised. Victaulic experts will be available at Stand D-02 throughout the event to engage with attendees, answer questions, and provide in-depth insights into the focus areas. Victaulic encourages all visitors to take advantage of this opportunity to connect directly with Victaulic professionals and explore how the featured solutions can meet the specific needs of their projects. “We are thrilled to be part of Vds-BrandschutzTage, showcasing Victaulic’s cutting-edge solutions for fire protection. The opportunity to engage in face-to-face discussions at this event is invaluable, allowing us to share our passion for fire protection and exchange insights with industry professionals. We look forward to connecting, collaborating, and demonstrating how Victaulic is at the forefront of both preventative fire protection and efficiency fire extinguishing solutions,” says Markus Wrba, Fire Protection Regional Sales Manager – Central Europe South at Victaulic. To learn more about Victaulic’s fire protection solutions and talk with Victaulic experts, visit Stand D-02 at VdS-BrandschutzTage 2023 on the 6th and 7th of December. To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Kentec’s Taktis Fire takes centre stage at Intersec

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Kentec Electronics, a manufacturer of life-critical control systems, will showcase its range of extinguishant release panels and its depth of fire detection, alarm and control portfolio at Intersec 2024; demonstrating how the future of the industry lies within open-protocol technology. The award-winning Taktis® Fire, will take centre stage, with the UL and EN variant exhibiting a new era of integration with fire safety systems being connected with building infrastructure and intelligence; and across a number of global regions and compliance regulations. Enhanced by powerful cause and effect technology, and a system of failsafe redundancy features, Kentec’s premium panel, Taktis® Fire, is suitable for the most complex of sites; configurable for up to 40,000 inputs or outputs across an entire connected network; across up to 144 zone indications; and networking up to 127* panels. This power is further realised through its open-protocol makeup, providing installers and customers with flexibility in system design, site customisation and in the third-party devices that they use, with the added benefit of interchangeable component parts. Building upon the global success of the market-leading Sigma XT, Kentec will also be showcasing the Sigma ZXT extinguishant release and control system. The ZXT can be configured to release targeted extinguishant upon alarm across a single or combination of up to three conventional detection zones, limiting property damage and reducing costs in the event of fire or false alarm. Kentec’s K-Mesh wireless detection system will also be featured, showing how its patented self-healing and configuring MESH technology delivers optimum levels of reliability in wireless applications. Configurable from two to 2,000 devices across a communication range of up to 1,200m, and enhanced by a market-leading 10-year battery life, K-Mesh allows multiple avenues of wireless communication to be relayed between field devices, wireless translators and their associated fire control panels. And rounding off its display, Kentec’s Elite RS analogue addressable fire control panel will also feature at Intersec. Suitable for small and medium sites that require advanced fire sensing and evacuation options, the Elite RS control panel can be expanded to become part of a much larger system, with microprocessor-based electronics providing a flexible system with a high degree of reliability and integrity. With its large graphical display and ergonomic button and indicator layout, and the added benefit of UL and FM approvals, the Elite RS is simple and straightforward to understand for installers, commissioning engineers and end-users alike. Derrick Hall, Director of Sales at Kentec, says Intersec provides an opportunity to highlight the broad scope of Kentec’s expertise: “We look forward to showing Kentec’s life-critical technologies, and how integration is not just a buzzword, but a priority for a modern manufacturer like us,” he explains. “The ability to combine a host of life-saving technologies into building infrastructure, and network systems with one another, regardless of what is already installed, is exciting, and means our products can be utilised in several different scenarios and projects. The technology on show at Intersec reflects our commitment to making life easier for installers and enhancing operation and lifecycle performance for end users, specifiers and decision makers alike.” “Plus, we will be demonstrating some recent updates to our premium product – Taktis Fire , for powerful  cause and effect features making it suitable for smoke and fire damper controls and the most demanding and complex building applications    – so be sure to come by and visit.” Intersec Dubai will take place between the 16th and 18th of January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. Kentec’s Stand Number is 3-E22. To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Who’s Who – MEIKO

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Supporting and prioritising the health of emergency workers for over a decade, MEIKO provides cleaning and disinfection solutions for respiratory equipment  For more than 10 years, MEIKO has been committed to the health of emergency workers. So that they can protect themselves in the best possible way from carcinogenic burn-off residues, MEIKO is at their side with premium equipment for reprocessing their respiratory protection equipment.  The company develops solutions for material-friendly cleaning and disinfection with firefighters for firefighters. MEIKO is an expert in planning respiratory protection workshops. Every fire brigade works differently, so all planning projects are also individual and unique. Yet, one thing is always the same: the safety of the breathing apparatus attendants always has the highest priority. Because they are exposed to the carcinogenic residues on the personal protective equipment (PPE) during reprocessing.  For a decade, TopClean M by MEIKO has been a real help for every respiratory protection attendant: with up to 65% less time required compared to manual procedures, the device protects the material of respiratory masks, regulators, and self-contained breathing apparatus during reprocessing. It also scores with less consumption of chemicals, water, and energy.  The new MEIKO Protect product portfolio considers the multi-stage process in the respiratory protection workshop and maps it completely mechanically.   With TopClean D, machine pre-cleaning of masks, self-contained breathing apparatus, cylinders and pneumatics is now possible. Patented mask heads in the unit prevent soot from getting into the inside of the mask during pre-cleaning.   With mechanical pre-cleaning, disinfection can be carried out in the shortest programme (approximately six minutes) of the TopClean H. The unit cleans and disinfects respirators in a safe process with a significant increase in efficiency and performance. In addition, the TopClean H enables very gentle, lift-free – ergonomic – loading and, in terms of planning, offers the outstanding possibility of black/white separation by the unit itself.  Thanks to the completely device-supported workflows, MEIKO reduces the risk of breathing apparatus attendants encountering harmful residues during their work.  From the planning of a respiratory protection workshop to service, advice on chemistry and validation, and training in the company’s own academy, fire brigades have a competent partner at their side in MEIKO Protect. They benefit from the know-how of the long-established company, which consistently considers the aspects of ergonomics, occupational safety, economy, and sustainability in its solutions – for the benefit of the respirator wearers and the equipment attendants. With one goal in mind: to protect lives.  All employees at MEIKO are united by one spirit: the strive for quality – recognisable by the durability of the products and the high level of customer satisfaction. The round M stands for “Made by MEIKO” and is a symbol of the high-quality standard. It is the guarantee for clean solutions. Every time. All over the world. MEIKO is a company that always keeps an eye on the big picture, constantly striving to meet the needs of people, nature, and the environment.  Englerstr. 3, D-77652 Offenburg, Germany  +49 781 203-0   info@meiko-global.com   linkedin.com/company/meiko-group/   www.meiko-global.com/en/     To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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Firefighters wearing nanofiber-based hoods 99% protected

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Hoods made using DuPont™ Nomex Nano Flex deliver optimal filtration efficiency and comfort to improve protection against toxic particles New research from DuPont Personal Protection found that nanofiber-based nonwoven hoods give firefighters near-total protection against toxic smoke particulates. Hoods made using Nomex® Nano Flex displayed over 99% particulate filtration efficiency while achieving optimal breathability and thermal insulation. Firefighters’ risk of exposure to harmful substances has increased in recent years. In June 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) officially classified firefighters’ occupational exposure as carcinogenic (Group 1). Toxic substances include gas, liquid, and smoke particulates that can penetrate personal protective equipment (PPE). A conventional hood made of two layers of loose knits isn’t an effective barrier against these particulates. A recent study suggests that the neck skin is the most exposed part of a firefighter’s body, absorbing combustion products. The penetration rate can even be several times greater when temperature and humidity are extremely high as experienced during firefighting. Two barrier types can block smoke particulates from entering a firefighter hood which is typically made with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane or with a nanofiber-based nonwoven like Nomex® Nano Flex. Both are flame-resistant and stable at high temperatures. The PTFE membrane is a microporous film that blocks particulate ingress by making pores significantly smaller than the size of particles. By contrast, a nanofiber-based particulate barrier is a nonwoven consisting of a network of continuous nanofiber filaments that entrap smoke particles in its tortuous maze. Tests conducted by DuPont found that hoods made using a Nomex® Nano Flex nanofiber particulate barrier had over 99% particulate filtration efficiency, including at the seam, even after 250 washes. The same hoods were then subjected to a smoke simulation test in a room filled with fluorescent aerosols. The hood made with Nomex® Nano Flex showed no signs of submicron particle penetration, while the hood made without a nanofiber-based nonwoven displayed significant penetration. In addition, DuPont compared a PTFE membrane and a nanofiber-based barrier for breathability and comfort. In the fire service, comfort is typically measured by air permeability and resistance to evaporative heat transfer (RET).  A material having higher air permeability and high total heat loss (THL) indicates comfort and breathability. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, DuPont found that hoods made with Nomex® Nano Flex had significantly higher air permeability and THL than PTFE hoods. Placing a nanofiber nonwoven between two layers of a knit firefighter hood may also improve thermal insulation by 10% to 20%. All these findings confirm that firefighter hoods made with Nomex® Nano Flex exceed the requirements set by the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971-2018 standard. According to the standard, a hood (seam included) shall meet not only the minimal 90% filtration efficiency but also THL ≥325 W/m2 and thermal protection performance (TPP) ≥20 cal/cm2. DuPont’s findings corroborate a 2021 study of firefighting hoods. The study concluded that soot contamination levels measured from neck skin were lower when firefighters wore laundered particulate-blocking hoods compared to when they wore new knit hoods. “Firefighting will always be a dangerous profession; however, important advancements in PPE such as nanofiber-based hoods can make a difference.” Comments Jian Xiang, Global Technology Leader for Emergency Response at DuPont Personal Protection. “Nanofiber-based hoods have been proven in the lab and, more importantly, in real-world firefighting conditions. They provide superior protection against particulate penetration and are much more comfortable to wear.” To read more articles, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: International Fire Buyer @Firebuyer Fire Buyer Media Contact Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@firebuyer.com

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