Is firefighter PPE keeping pace?
Iain Hoey
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Simon Ash, UK and Ireland Sales Manager at HAIX, outlines key design challenges in firefighter PPE and how technology is enabling lighter, more versatile equipment
Fire risks in the UK are changing fast, driven by new technologies, lifestyle shifts and climate change.
Lithium-ion batteries and vapes, for example, have caused a sharp rise in fires, where vape-related incidents alone have increased by 348% since 2020.
These fires often burn hotter and spread faster, posing new dangers for firefighters.
At the same time, wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, with more UK land burned this year than in any year over the past decade.
Firefighters now face a heightened dual challenge of responding to both urban and wildfire incidents.
This evolving landscape raises a crucial question: are current PPE solutions, especially footwear, keeping pace with these changing demands? And how can manufacturers ensure firefighters are properly protected?
The PPE challenges facing modern firefighters
Many of the risks and challenges for firefighters are well known.
However, firefighters also face hidden foot health risks, contending with varied terrains across urban and wildfire settings, wet floors and spillages, all creating slip hazards.
This requires well-fitting PPE footwear that have high levels of grip and stability to reduce risk of slips, trips and falls.
Another challenge for firefighter rarely taken into consideration is comfort.
Wearing heavy fire boots for extended periods can cause muscle fatigue, extreme discomfort and lead to loss of toenails and other damage to the foot.
All of which hinders performance and distracts firefighters.
It is not only the on-the-job risks that firefighters face, there are many ergonomic risks which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Globally, firefighters are classified as the most vulnerable group to developing MSDs, with a 47% prevalence among this group.
Long-term health impacts, including reduced healthy working life expectancy, future healthcare costs and the economic cost of lost working days, are all hidden risks for firefighters.
Subsequently, PPE not only protects firefighters now but supports their long-term health and wellbeing
Innovating PPE: what do firefighters need?
The firefighter boot has a fascinating history, influenced by military kits and originally starting as a knee-high leather boot with the main function of keeping feet dry.
Designed to withstand harsh conditions and offer protection, these boots were heavy and unflexible.
Whilst some of these factors haven’t changed, the advancement of materials, technology and manufacturing has allowed the boot to develop and innovate in line with the firefighting profession.
Versatility has transformed the performance of fire boots.
Firefighters need boots that can adapt to various environments without switching gears.
Therefore, factors such as flexibility, durability and weight are crucial.
Wildfire firefighting highlights the need for versatile PPE.
Traditionally, firefighters used structural or Wellington boots, but neither is ideal for the comfort, flexibility and protection required for long periods across varied terrains.
Manufacturers are moving to address this with innovative boots like the HAIX Fire Eagle 2.0, offering a lightweight, flexible, fully certified structural boot that also excels in wildfire and technical rescue scenarios.
Comfort, as outlined above, is a more difficult challenge to navigate.
There has always been a trade-off between comfort and protection with every piece of vital PPE adding weight for firefighters to carry.
Therefore, any innovation that can make gear lighter, without compromising protection, will have a positive effect in reducing the strain on firefighters while on the frontline.
Technological advancements in materials have proven successful.
Deploying innovative new materials like the GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® EXTRAGUARD technology into firefighter PPE is expected to be a gamechanger in the field.
Such materials are lighter than leather and maintains its light weight even when wet.
HAIX has integrated this innovative material in its latest model, FIRE EAGLE 2.0 EXG.
The combination of light weight material that is quick to dry and requires no break in period demonstrates the forward thinking that puts both firefighters’ safety and comfort front of mind.
What else can the industry do?
The industry has a responsibility to meet the needs of those on the frontline, particularly as they are constantly evolving.
This requires manufacturers to speak to firefighters on their experiences and address key concerns around PPE performance and requirements.
Wearer trials and prototype testing is a good approach to getting this feedback.
Events and trade shows further provide a great opportunity to gather this information firsthand and exchange knowledge and expertise across the sector, which can then be incorporated into better, more responsive boot designs.
Staying on the front foot to protect the front line
In an industry where every second counts, PPE manufacturers must prioritise continuous innovation to ensure products can effectively respond to new and existing challenges.
New innovations and technological advancements hold the key in revolutionising PPE footwear.
By creating more versatile offerings, firefighters will no longer have to choose between protection and comfort and enjoy the longer-term health benefits of improved foot health.
As times continue to change at a rapid pace, there is no doubt that manufacturing and technological innovation will continue to play a key role for years to come.