Balancing suit-capability with suit-weight
Firefighting is a physically demanding job at the best of times, add to that a heavy protective suit and things get even harder.
Firefighting PPE is specially designed to protect from flames, heat, harmful chemicals and rough or sharp terrain. Finding a way to balance suit-capability with suit-weight has long been a challenge for garment manufactures and it’s easy to see why it’s such a challenge:
Want to increase heat resistance? Increase the thermal insulation – increases weight.
Want to increase strength? Make the outer layer thicker – increases weight.
At FlamePro we work very hard to reduce the weight of our suits without sacrificing important protection. PBO is the strongest and lightest outer shell material on the market today so FlamePro use and promote PBO at every opportunity. We also look at heat protection from an analytical point of view. All too often heat protection has been given too much weight (pardon the pun) in the suit designing process. We make sure there is plenty of heat resistance but make sure that we track the overall weight and breathability as important aspect too. After all, someone needs to carry that suit around with them while saving lives, better to take some weight off their shoulders.
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.
