MSA Safety’s advanced ergonomic fire protective clothing with unique safety features

The MSA Bristol X4 line of fire protective clothing builds on how MSA Safety delivers complete safety solutions for their customers.

Introduced in 2022, the Bristol X4 premium structural firefighting garment is designed with a focus on ergonomics for the wearer.

Its style reduces bulk throughout the garment and minimises the weight carried by the firefighter, while incorporating unique safety features such as the integrated rescue belt and drag rescue device (DRD) system.

This line integrates Bristol’s high-performance protective clothing with MSA Safety’s market-leading experience in firefighting technologies and connected solutions.

The result is a range of fire protective options that provide enhanced comfort, ergonomics and compatibility with MSA’s suite of state-of-the art firefighter equipment, from helmets and SCBA, to the very latest in monitoring accountability and communication devices.

The X4 features premium materials such as Hainsworth Titan outer fabric with a Gore Parallon moisture barrier for ultimate comfort and breathability, along with reflective taping in specific figurations favored by Civil Service firefighters.

The line meets European CEN standard EN469:2020 Level 2 for firefighter protective clothing, as well as EN1149:2018 for anti-static properties.

It’s available in a wide range of color combinations to suit regional preferences and can be customised

When it comes to fire protective clothing development, MSA Safety and its affiliates, like MSA Bristol, invest heavily in Voice of Customer (VOC) activities during the product development process, and that is critical in firefighter product development.

That is why the X4 line was developed side-by-side with firefighters from across Europe to focus on comfort.

Beyond product development, MSA works closely with customers throughout their selection, evaluation and tender process to ensure what is being put forth is a garment and solution for their needs.

That can include different fabric combinations, designs, trims, pockets, whatever it might be.

Ultimately, it’s about helping firefighters find their best fit and so they can concentrate on safely doing their jobs.

The sophisticated core garment blocks are one example of what sets the MSA Bristol products apart.

Offered in a wide range of sizes, both male and female, for chest and waist widths, along with five different height groups ranging from extra short to extra tall.

All of the styles are available in women’s fit, which is important as the number of women in the fire service continues to grow.

MSA partners with leading fabric producers to help develop and implement the latest fiber and fabric technology in their garments.

MSA is looking to bring fire protective clothing into a more connected ecosystem to help customers be better informed about usage and management of their PPE fleet.

Find out more about the MSA Bristol X4 at: https://nl.msasafety.com/Firefighter-Protective-Clothing/Structural-Firefighting-Garments/MSA-Bristol-X4-Premium/p/msabristolx4

This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.