PPE developments
Published: 01 September, 2006
Extreme solutions to extreme situations with Tesimax.
Liquid chemicals, gases, combustion from sparks, shooting flames, high heat radiation, super heated steam, or super cold substances such as liquefied petroleum gas – these hazards are all dangers for today‘s firefighter. And it is for facing unpredictable scenarios that Tesimax has been developing specialised solutions for nearly 30 years. The company has two new developments – one is a new breathing apparatus system, and the other a revolutionary concept in thermal insulation for interlinings in bunker gear.
Based in Neuhausen-Steinegg, in between Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, Tesimax has been quietly leading in the world of chemical protection for over 25 years. This was one of the first companies – if not the first – to introduce a non-asbestos heat protective suit in the form of the aluminised suit HS10-210 in the early 1980s. Even now, the company still leads in this sector with a single fire/chemical protective suit, with a base layer of Kevlar, the VS 10 Silverflash. A premium piece of kit, the Silverflash was created for the scenario where a chemical spill results in a flashover – not outside the realms of possibilities, considering around 90 per cent of industrial chemicals are explosive.
The latest development is an external respiratory air supply with automatic switch-over between external and compressed air breathing apparatus, for emergency personnel in full protection suits. Managing Director Sven Altinger explained more about a development that took over two years to come to fruition. “When there is a decontamination operation, the firefighter comes out of a hazardous situation and he has to wait to be hosed down by another man. There is a psychological impact because he can’t open his mask until he is fully decontaminated, and he may be worried about how much air he has left. In the past, incidents have occurred where a firefighter had taken off his mask too early. With this system, when the external air is coupled, the firefighter’s compressed air system automatically switches over to the new supply.” Tesimax is now supplying the new system to emergency personnel throughout Holland, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
In the next 12 months Tesimax is introducing a new lining material to the inside layer of its turnout gear. Paralinex responds to hot temperatures, and expands to create air gaps inside the turnout gear. “The stitching actually moves away up to two centimetres away from the body, providing additional thermal insulation protection and adding crucial seconds for the fireman to get away,” explained Sven.
Draeger launch a raft of clever gadgets
Draeger’s reputation as a leader in high-tech firefighting gear will no doubt be enhanced by the three latest additions to its stable of life-saving apparatus.
First off is an electronic monitoring unit designed for use with Draeger’s range of CABA (Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus), the Bodyguard II. Simple pictograms on an LCD indicate time to whistle, digital pressure reading in bar, a simulated analogue gauge and temperature indication. It also carries out self-tests upon activation, and an integral motion sensor automatically triggers off an alarm if, after 20 seconds, no wearer movement is detected following repeated low pressure warnings. The Bodyguard offers datalogging for post-incident analysis, as well as telemetry when used with the PSS Merlin Telemetry system. All this in addition to two operating modes – Tally and Automatic, where Tally supports full BA Entry Control consistent with TB1/97 UK Home Office, and Automatic simply requiring the opening of the cylinder valve.
The next launch is a new EN443 firefighting helmet weighing 1300gms, the Draeger HPS6100, designed for use in industrial, chemical and domestic applications. The outer shell incorporates a fibre-glass strengthened plastic outer shell, resistant to heat, chemicals, and UV; and a soft inner shell that is shock, heat and penetration resistant. It also has an Aramid head harness with a three-point chin strap, and a Nomex/Kevlar neck and head protector. An external flared shape has been designed to enable phones and radios to be used under the helmet without diminishing protection levels.
Lastly, is a new concept in hooded emergency escape from hazardous environments – the Saver CF. Draeger says that this emergency escape breathing apparatus features particularly low-cost ownership. The Saver CF has an ozone-resistant neck seal and is housed within a distinct orange carrying bag which incorporates photoluminescent panels. The bag is flame retardant and washable, and allows water to self-drain.
Depending on cylinder size, breathing air can be supplied for 10 or 15 minutes, while the flow rate is kept consistent via a fail-safe reducer system. A streamlined hood also features a wide visor for enhanced peripheral vision, and a warning whistle indicates the end of air supply.
Putting together fashion with PPE – the Carhartt way
In workwear for nearly 120 years, Carhartt is soon to introduce a new range which has found its design inspiration in the fast world of motor sports, as Carhartt’s EMEA marketing manager Lothar Schafer explains. “When I look at our industrial firewear, there are five key points we focus on as a brand: durability, comfort, fit, function, and style. Our new firewear collections have been inspired by the fast world of car and motorcycle racing, because in the firewear market it is all about fast moving, fast thinking, and relying on a team. It’s all about speed of response, ease of movement and enhanced breathability. It is essential to have the right equipment to succeed.”
The new PPE collection will consist of multi-protection bottoms, bibs, coveralls, and jackets, complementing the existing range currently used. “Carhartt was the amongst the first to introduce multi-guard garments into the market, offering waterproof/breathable, high vis, FR, anti-static, chemical protection, etc – basically ensuring that workers don’t have to keep changing their gear according to the environmental risk they are facing.”
Furthermore, Carhartt revealed to Fire & Rescue that in the next few months it is going to be launching its premium EN 469 certified Detroit collection. One style is Carter – in Millenia lightweight outer shell fabric, and another Packard – in Carhartt’s exclusive blend of Nomex/Kevlar Ripstop. “We are planning to start shipping the two ranges in late 2006, and we are fully embracing the market with our proud experience and authority in the firewear market,” added Lothar.
