Navigating fire protective clothing in a changing world with MSA Safety
Iain Hoey
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MSA Safety‘s garment design experts explore tailored protection and the importance of material engineering in fire-protective clothing for diverse emergency scenarios
In the face of increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions, the role of protective clothing in helping protect first responders is an area of particular focus.
For example, climate change is bringing unprecedented challenges to the fire ground that can impact firefighters’ preparedness.
Consider whether firefighters and decision-makers should be selecting their PPE based on anticipating and adapting to evolving hazards, not only adherence to current standards.
MSA Safety’s garment design experts highlight some of the pivotal factors to consider when selecting fire-protective clothing.
These factors help keep first responders on the front lines safe and prepared for the challenges ahead.
Application: Tailored Protection To Varied Scenarios
Consider the diverse types of protective clothing for the varied scenarios to which firefighters respond.
Whether fighting structural fires, navigating urban search and rescue missions, or confronting wildfires, each scenario may demand specialised PPE.
The features designed for one environment may not be suited to a different environment.
Understanding their distinctions should guide the selection process of the most appropriate garments for your team.
Take structural firefighting, for example.
Structural firefighting PPE generally conforms to widely used regional standards, such as EN469:2020, Level 2, AS4967:2019 or NFPA 1971:2018.
These garments provide a multi-layered defence comprising of a flame-resistant outer layer, a moisture barrier, and thermal linings.
A holistic design like this helps shield from both heat and direct flame exposure whilst also mitigating the risks associated with water and chemical penetration.
Meanwhile, PPE designed for technical rescue, also known as Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), is becoming common in confined space operations and road traffic accidents.
USAR uses generally call for specific attention to flexibility and durability.
These garments feature a more versatile two-layer construction, combining a flame-retardant outer layer with a waterproof membrane.
Such a combination helps protect against injuries during deployments in collapsed buildings or damaged vehicles and also helps reduce the risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens during interventions in road accidents.
When it comes to wildland firefighting, however, specialised garments are usually specifically engineered with a single layer of the flame-retardant outer shell to withstand the rigours of prolonged exposure to extreme heat and flames.
This can be especially crucial for firefighters who endure extended shifts in dry and hot weather conditions as wildfires become hotter and more frequent worldwide.
Performance And Material: Engineering Resilience
The foundation for truly effective protective clothing is materials engineered to withstand the rigours of firefighting and rescue operations, and the quality of the gear is directly linked to its construction.
Consider whether the firefighters’ clothing is made of materials and fibres that protect against the hazards you anticipate and that have moisture management properties to reduce the accumulation of sweat and heat exhaustion for that application.
Para-aramid, meta-aramid, and polybenzimidazole fibres each offer fabrics a unique blend of strength, thermal stability, and flame resistance.
Fibres such as these not only provide a robust defence but also incorporate moisture management properties, helping to curb heat exhaustion.
Para-aramids are known for their strength and durability, while meta-aramids are preferred for their thermal stability and high-temperature resistance.
Polybenzimidazole is known for its excellent resistance to flame and heat, making it another excellent choice for fire protective clothing.
Comfort: Balancing Protection With Wearability
Comfort on the fire ground is not a luxury—it can be an essential component of safety and effectiveness.
Consider whether the demands of your fire and rescue work warrant gear that both protects and enhances performance.
Balancing protection with wearability encompasses a range of factors, from sweat management to ergonomic design.
Selecting ill-fitting PPE that’s too small or tight can impede mobility and compromise thermal insulation.
By adopting ergonomic designs and ensuring a correct fit, fire protective clothing can enhance comfort without sacrificing essential protection.
A well-designed garment can also improve comfort and overall effectiveness by reducing heat stress and allowing sweat to dissipate from the body.
Moreover, carrying a full suite of firefighting equipment can be very physically demanding.
Leveraging lightweight, high-quality fabrics can reduce this burden and minimise fatigue, which can help enable first responders to remain focused and alert.
Compatibility: Synergy Across Equipment
Consider whether the protective clothing, from gloves to helmets, can seamlessly integrate with other PPE to help maximise safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Reducing pressure points or optimising mobility, for example, when protective clothing is compatible with ancillary equipment, can help improve operational efficiency.
Elements such as increased padding and various innovative design features can help enable compatible systems to work in concert during an intervention.
Consider, for example, the role of compatible fire protective clothing in reducing pressure points when worn with a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SBCA).
Strategically placed padding on upper garments to correspond to SCBA straps can significantly enhance firefighters’ effectiveness and ability to navigate hazardous situations, which can reduce the risk of injuries.
But compatibility extends beyond individual pieces of PPE—it can create a comprehensive equipment system that offers enhanced protection for the wearer.
By working closely with suppliers, decision makers can select components, from clothing to accessories, that seamlessly integrate into a unified system that enhances safety and performance.
Durability And Ease Of Care: Investing In Long-Term Resilience
The longevity of protective clothing is a testament to its efficiency.
Robust testing protocols help ensure that garments stand the test of time and can endure the rigours of the job.
From tensile, tearing, and seam strength to resistance against abrasion and puncture, the durability of fire protective clothing should be tested to guarantee that the garments can withstand demanding environments.
Ease of care is another key contributor to this longevity, and laundering practices can play an essential role in maintaining performance standards over the long haul.
By considering the laundering method and frequency of washing during the selection process, fire and rescue services can help ensure that their protective clothing remains in peak condition, maximising its lifespan and minimising the long-term cost of ownership.
MSA Safety’s Fully Managed Service
MSA Safety’s Fully Managed Service for the MSA Bristol range has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive care for protective clothing for over two decades.
This service offering encompasses the lifecycle management of MSA Bristol protective clothing, from collection to washing, inventory, inspection, repair, and return.
Emergency services across various sectors, including Fire and Rescue, Airports, Industrial Brigades, Police, and Ambulance Services, have trusted MSA’s Managed Service, compliant with BS EN ISO 9001:2015.
“As leaders in first responder safety solutions, MSA Safety is committed to pioneering advancements that meet and exceed the evolving needs of frontline responders.
Our Fully Managed Service embodies this commitment, providing comprehensive care that ensures the utmost protection and performance of our protective clothing,” said Adele Harris, UK Bristol Service Manager, MSA Safety.
The Integrated Managed Service System includes cleaning, decontamination, inspection, maintenance, garment tracking, collection and delivery, stock support, and monthly performance reports.
Customers can also access dedicated Service Coordinators who are available via a telephone helpline 24/7, as well as access an online helpdesk portal.
Consider whether your fire and rescue protective clothing is reliable and made-for-purpose.
Such protective clothing serves as one of the frontline defences for first responders, helping safeguard them and enable effective responses to escalating hazards.
By prioritising innovation, embracing wearer-centric design, and leveraging comprehensive management solutions like MSA Safety’s Fully Managed Service, organisations across the globe can empower their teams to confront the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and resilience.
