ALMELO, the Netherlands — March 6, 2012 — 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. This seven-year contract employs a new lightweight system, the TenCate
Tecasystem™ Millenia 450, in the construction for more than 1200 fire service outfits. The first
300 outfits are expected to be handed over in June 2012.
The fire brigade in Shropshire, England, has been looking for new developments in the market
in order to improve the current personal protection systems. The specification required a durable
fire fighting suit with less 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. Heat stress can cause fire fighters to lose consciousness or even
worse, suffer a heart attack.
Lightweight protection
Producer FlamePro has developed a new FlamePro® fire fighting suit based on advanced TenCate
materials. TenCate Tecasystem™ Millenia 450 is 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,
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 this English 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. 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 demonstrated
that, compared with the existing garments, the new fire suit requires 25 per cent less body energy,
offers good protection against the danger of heat, and offers greater comfort and freedom of
movement.
Posted on March 16, 2012
Source: TenCate Protective Fabrics EMEA
