Turnout Gear – The First Line of Defence
Firefighters have a heavy load to bear — and their turnout gear shouldn’t add to it. So DuPont fibres help manufacturers create fire-resistant liners, outer shells and accessories that not only stand up to the thermal hazards they may face, but also help wearers get the job done without restricting the wearers mobility.
We do this with science-based innovations such as Nomex® brand fibres, and constantly research unique ways they can be used to help improve protection. Unlike other materials and fibres available, turnout gear and accessories made of Nomex® fibre are inherently flame-resistant and won’t melt, drip, or support combustion in the air. What’s more, the thermal protection offered by Nomex® is permanent — its superior flame resistance cannot be washed out or worn away.
Depending on norm requirements, user specifications and the hazard involved, woven, knitted or non-woven fabrics are used in various compositions and structures – either in single or multilayer garments. Below are some typical fabric types used in order to increase the protection of the firefighter – whether in underwear, polo shirts, forest fire garments, station uniforms or turnout gear:
The Outer Shell
Outer shells constructed with Nomex® fibre are engineered to form materials that stand up to heat, stay strong, and protect the inner components – and the wearer. Durable water-repellent treatments help keep gear lighter and prevent water from compromising the valuable air layers that provide the bulk of the garments' thermal insulation.
The Moisture Barrier
Fabrics made of Nomex® non-wovens help the most trusted and reliable moisture barrier manufacturers to provide strong flame-resistant substrates for their liquid-impermeable films. The moisture barrier helps protect against the intrusion of water, chemicals, and viral agents. Since these barriers are also breathable, they allow metabolic heat to escape, thereby reducing overall heat stress during strenuous activities.
The Thermal Barrier and Inner Liner
Thermal barriers and inner liners made of Nomex® fibre help provide durable, flexible, heat-insulating components. Water-wicking or water-repellent finishes on individual layers improve moisture management, and reduce garment-drying time.
DUPONT PRODUCTS & SERVICES
DUPONT BRAND OFFERINGS
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Nomex® Brand
Whenever thermal protection is needed, only one fiber comes to mind — Nomex®. For over 40 years, workers across industries have relied on the inherently flame-resistant properties of Nomex® to help keep them safe from the hazards they face on the job.
Videos
CASE STUDIES
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Nomex® Protects Derbyshire firefighters
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service chooses firefighting kit made of TITAN® fabric incorporating DuPont™ Nomex® fibres for each of its 826 firefighters.
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London Fire Brigade Outfits 6,000 with TITAN®
London Fire Brigade is taking advantage of the latest technology from DuPont and Hainsworth in its selection of a new firefighting kit made of TITAN® fabric incorporating DuPont™ Nomex® and DuPont™ Kevlar® fibres.
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Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Kits
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service becomes the first in the UK to use the latest technology from DuPont and Hainsworth for its new fire fighting kit, made of TITAN® fabric which incorporates the renowned fibers DuPont™ Nomex® and DuPont™ Kevlar®.
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West Midlands Fire Service
The West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has taken delivery of the latest heat and flame protection technology in its selection of a new firefighting turnout gear made of Hainsworth® TITAN fabric that incorporates DuPont™, Nomex® and DuPont™ Kevlar® fibres.
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Heraeus Quarzglas Training Workshop
At Heraeus Quarzglas safety at work is a top priority. In addition to safe procedures and protective clothing made of Nomex® fibre, the firm relies on the fact that its employees are trained to be extremely aware of the importance of safe working practices.
INFORMATION & IDEAS
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Time is of the Essence
Time plays a crucial role in the protection cycle of PPE and so it is important that firefighters consider how their garments behave and interact with the wearer during and after these events to ensure they take the correct course of action and are properly protected.
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Nomex® & the Thermo-Man® Test
DuPont™ Thermo-Man® is a life-size mannequin equipped with 122 heat sensors dressed in test garments and exposed to a flash fire with temperatures rising up to 1,000°C.
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Nomex® for Heat Stress Protection
Heat stress is a dangerous condition in any situation, but for firefighters it can be especially life threatening. In fact, heat stress is the number-one cause of casualties among firefighters. Nomex® fibre helps reduce heat stress due to its higher air permeability.
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Nomex® for Lower Wear-Life Cost
Today’s firefighters need to be able to optimise budget vs. performance, without compromising on safety. For decades DuPont™ Nomex® fibre has demonstrated lasting protective performance, while helping to minimise repair and maintenance costs.
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Nomex® for Performance Durability
Garments made of Nomex® fibre have helped protect firefighters for decades. Continuous exhaustive testing proves that they excel in the long-term retention of their heat and flame protective qualities.
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Nomex® for Extra Seconds of Safety
Extensive testing shows that Nomex® fibre has remarkably low heat transfer. Under flash fire conditions, it helps provide firefighters valuable extra seconds of safety when they’re needed most.
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DuPont™ Nomex® Partner Program
The DuPont™ Nomex® Partner Program is the answer to those in Europe who seek innovative protective solutions from a trusted value chain. DuPont™ Nomex® Partners, identified with the Nomex® Partner seal, are carefully selected for their commitment to ethical principles, strong quality and innovation orientation, and detailed knowledge of end user needs.
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Para-Aramid Fiber & Firefighting Gear
A DuPont quality assessment project tests how the content of para-aramid fibres in a flame and heat-resistant fabric may impact the fabric’s performance.
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Fireman Equipment Q&A
View questions and answers DuPont receives about fireman equipment.
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DuPont Round Table at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue HQ – Part 2
DuPont hosted a round table debate at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue headquarters to encourage a discussion about topical issues regarding PPE in the Fire and Rescue sector. Part 2 of the debate focuses on breakopen and cost vs. wearlife.
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PPE Round Table Debate on Heat Stress
DuPont hosted a Round Table Debate at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue headquarters to encourage a discussion about topical issues regarding PPE in the Fire and Rescue sector. Part 1 of the debate focuses on heat stress.
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Nomex® Label Program
The DuPont™ Nomex® Label Program assists European customers in identification and providing a quality mark from reputable suppliers they can trust to offer products with Nomex®.