TenCate Protective Fabrics has won an important order from the British producer FlamePro (UK) Ltd, for the delivery of inherently heat and flame resistant materials for the structural fire fighter clothing for Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service in the U.K.

TenCate says the order came after research demonstrated that, compared with the existing garments, a FlamePro fire suit requires 25% less body energy, offers good protection against the danger of heat, and offers greater comfort and freedom of movement.

The seven-year contract employs a new TenCate Tecasystem Millenia 450 lightweight system in the construction for more than 1200 fire service outfits. The first 300 outfits are expected to be delivered in June 2012.

According to TenCate, the fire brigade in Shropshire, England, has been looking for new developments in the market in order to improve its current personal protection systems. The specification required a durable fire fighting suit with lower maintenance costs and better protection against the risk of heat stress.

Heat stress is caused by the body's inability to maintain its average core temperature in arduous and stressful situations and can cause fire fighters to lose consciousness or even worse, suffer a heart attack.

Lightweight protection

Producer FlamePro has developed a new fire fighting suit based on advanced TenCate materials. TenCate Tecasystem Millenia 450 is said to be the lightest, strongest protection system available in the market that meets the strict requirements of the European Norm EN 469/AC: 2005, level 2.

It consists of an outer fabric in combination with a thermal and moisture regulating intermediate layer and a thermal liner. Each layer has been developed with its own functionality. As an integrated system, the layers are fully compatible with each other.

 Comfortable and durable

Kevan Whitehead, end-use market manager of TenCate Protective Fabrics, explains: “Shropshire fire fighters will benefit from a light and comfortable fire fighting suit yet still be protected in the extreme conditions experienced in a raging inferno. In addition to fighting fires, fire fighters also turn out to a wide variety of other emergencies including road traffic collisions, and hazardous materials and terrorist incidents. These various situations require multifunctional clothing that is lightweight, comfortable, strong and protective.”

 The new fire suit has a unique design wherein any damaged parts - such as the fluorescent visibility stripes - can be easily replaced. Conforming to the requirements of Shropshire fire brigade, the concept suits have been subjected to wearability and washing tests.

In addition, some members of the brigade visited TenCate Protective Fabrics in Nijverdal, the Netherlands and in the laboratory they became acquainted with various types of material and their performance, including availability in the market.

They were also shown a comparison between the materials of the current fire suit and the new lightweight protection system from TenCate.

 Subsequently, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service carried out a controlled programme of testing designed to measure the amount of energy expended whilst carrying out a series of tests. These tests were performed using five serving fire fighters (two female and three male) and the tests and analysis of results were carried out by an experienced consultant.

The tests were carried out over two successive days to allow a comparison to be made between the existing fire suit and the new protection system based on TenCate Tecasystem Millenia 450. The research is sad to have demonstrated that, compared with the existing garments, the new fire suit requires 25% less body energy, offers good protection against the danger of heat, and offers greater comfort and freedom of movement.