Firefighters around the world continue to benefit from the trusted protection of GORE-TEX products 30 years after Gore introduced the first durably waterproof, breathable moisture barrier into firefighting PPE.
GORE-TEX fabrics have led the innovation of groundbreaking moisture barrier technology ever since. They are the first choice of fire and rescue services around the world, thanks to a focus on three key factors that are crucial to maintaining consistently high standards throughout the operational lifetime of a garment: Performance, Protection and Durability.
Performance
The moisture barrier plays a critical role in firefighter PPE, keeping the garment waterproof from the outside while allowing sweat to evaporate through the layers so that the wearer is dry from inside as well. All GORE-TEX moisture barriers are developed under the principle of ‘Fitness for Use’ to ensure lifetime performance.
Using the ISO 13506 mannequin heat and flame test, GORE-TEX moisture barriers always remain intact, minimising heat transfer through the garment. There is no shrinkage or functional damage that would allow flame into the garment, unlike other solutions.
In rain room tests of eight-year-old garments, GORE-TEX products remained fully waterproof while garments with other moisture barriers showed water entry and leakage.
GORE-TEX products have earned their reputation as ‘best in class’ because of their consistently high levels of performance, which exceed the AS 4967 standard.
Protection
By keeping the wearer dry from inside and out, GORE-TEX fabrics protect from the risks associated with steam and compression burns that come from the build-up of moisture inside a garment. The high levels of breathability significantly reduce the risk of heat stress.
Gore has continued to develop protection beyond heat and flame as understanding of firefighting risks has evolved over the years, enhancing the technical performance of its fabrics to meet the challenges of modern firefighting.
All GORE-TEX moisture barriers for structural firefighting PPC incorporate CROSSTECH product technology that protects firefighters from blood-borne pathogens, common chemicals and particulates tested to ISO 16604
Durability
Firefighters need the confidence that their protective clothing will maintain the same level of performance throughout its life as it did on the first day of issue. The average operational lifetime of firefighting PPE is eight years. In that time the gear will be exposed to intense heat and flame, work-related chemicals, body fluids, particulates, as well as abrasion against rough and sharp surfaces. New approaches to safety require increased decontamination and washing. Unlike some products, which see a reduction in breathability after multiple washes, GORE-TEX moisture barriers maintain consistent levels of breathability over many years of washing. GORE-TEX moisture barriers are proven to deliver lifetime performance, with examples of gear that continues to meet standards several years beyond the contractual period.
Gore’s commitment to Performance, Protection and Durability across all GORE-TEX moisture barriers and the GORE PARALLON System ensure that firefighters have absolute confidence in the integrity of the garment and that it is completely fit for purpose.
All Gore technical fire fabrics comfortably exceed International PPC performance standards including ASNZ4967, EN469, NFPA 1951, 1999 and 1971 and the OEKO-TEX Standard 100. They maintain that level of performance thanks to outstanding resistance to wear and abrasion and the ability to consistently retain high breathability and waterproofness after exposure to extreme cold and heat. They are also renowned for their consistently reliable thermal stability.
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For further information contact Australian-based Gore Associate, Gordon Burns: gburns@wlgore.com
For more information, go to www.wlgore.com
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