The main risks that firefighters face in their duties are burns and heat stress. They rely heavily on fire-resistant clothing thermal protection technology to protect them against these threats. CHARNAUD® has engineered a line of dedicated firefighting clothing, complete with all the properties required to keep firefighters safe. Let’s take a closer look at these protective properties.

The Thermal Protection in Fire Gear

Firstly, let’s consider heat stress. It is a potentially serious health concern. Symptoms include cool, moist skin with goosebumps – even in the heat – as well as sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue and low blood pressure. What is essentially happening during such an episode is that the body is overheating. It makes sense that this would happen when a person is exposed to the extreme heat associated with firefighting, but the solution is actually fairly simple.

It all comes down to water. When sweat evaporates off the skin, it takes a lot of heat with it. Water is highly efficient at transferring heat – provided it is allowed to escape. So, effective fire-protective clothing simply needs to allow radiant heat to escape from the body and enable sweat to be carried to the surfaces and evaporated. This allows the body’s natural cooling mechanisms to work unhindered, prevents overheating, and stops heat stress from happening.

Thus, fire-protective clothing must be breathable and moisture-wicking, but it must also be robust enough to provide protection against burns. This means that the clothing must be made from fire-retardant (FR) materials, such as Raftex or Meta-Para-Aramid.

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How FIRE-SAFE® Protects Firefighters

With these factors in mind, CHARNAUD® has developed FIRE-SAFE®, a complete range of firefighting PPE designed to protect firefighters from head to toe. Let’s look at our FIRE-SAFE® bunker suit for example. It features lightweight construction, breathable waterproof moisture barrier, super light-weight thermal liner with anti-wicking. All of the components, including the outer shell and the Velcro fasteners, are fire resistant. The outer shell is made from a blend of Raftex and Meta-Para-Aramid, while the liner is constructed with a Lenzing FR/ Aramid blend. It is super light-weight so wearers are free to move with lightness and agility. It is highly breathable, which reduces heat stress, and features an extended back section for extra protection.

Get in Touch with CHARNAUD® Today

CHARNAUD® is a supplier of quality PPE for a variety of professions. We can help workers of all occupations to protect themselves against the hazards of their daily tasks. Contact us for advice and quotations on PPE for your business.

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