Roger Startin of MSA Bristol looks at the importance of high-quality, well-fitting PPE and how to achieve the correct size and fit. When it comes to good-quality PPE, the key elements for keeping firefighters safe are fabric, design and fit.…
How to choose structural firefighting gear that reduces the impact of heat stress
A firefighter needs to evaporate about 1 litre of sweat per hour to be able to regulate their body temperature when being exposed to extreme heat.* The human body is designed to function within a very specific temperature range –…
MSA Safety acquires U.K. firefighter turnout gear manufacturer Bristol Uniforms
Acquisition strengthens MSA’s position as a global market leader in fire service personal protective equipment (PPE) products, which include breathing apparatus, firefighter helmets, thermal imaging cameras and firefighter protective apparel Transaction is valued at approximately $60 million, or about 1.5…
FlamePro: how often should you replace your fire kit?
Firefighting kit has a number of functions; it protects crew members in a wide range of situations and makes them instantly recognisable in an emergency. Replacing your kit at the right time keeps you safe and comfortable, no matter what…
Nomex Nano Flex laminates: dedicated to high-performance protective gear
Alpex Protection is a medium-sized manufacturing company located in Saint-Chamond, in the Loire Department, south-east France. Alpex is a specialist in technical textiles, with a dedicated range of waterproof and breathable fabrics for protective gear. It currently employs 45 people…
Firefighter PPE manufacturer celebrates business growth with string of new appointments
FlamePro, a British manufacturer of life-saving garments for firefighters, is celebrating a string of recent appointments within the firm, following recent business success. The specialist FR PPE provider has recently welcomed four new recruits over recent months: Vicki Jackson has…
Five ways to protect firefighters from harmful particulates
Firefighters know that there are many more risks to their health than fire and heat exhaustion; the dangers of cancer-causing particulates have never been in sharper focus in firefighting than they are today. Indeed, as a sector we are becoming…
5 ways to protect firefighters from harmful particulates
The dangers of cancer-causing particulates have never been in sharper focus in firefighting than they are today. Indeed, firefighters are becoming more aware of the risks associated with their job and exposure to carcinogens. But are all firefighters aware of…
The evolution of PPE for the world’s female firefighters
Roger Startin, Joint Managing Director of Bristol Uniforms, looks back on the history of female firefighters across the globe and how PPE has evolved to protect them. There are many examples of heroic female firefighters throughout history, coming from all…
In safe hands
Regulations and standards keep firefighters safe and provide reassurance that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is of good quality, fit for purpose and adequately protective. Richard Ballheimer, Compliance Manager at Bristol Uniforms looks at new European PPE regulation, what it means…
First shipment of urgent aid for UK’s healthcare sector arrives in London from China under directives of Mohammed bin Rashid
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the first aircraft carrying urgent aid for the United Kingdom’s healthcare sector has arrived in London from China. The aid,…
Keeping it clean
The provision of cleaning and maintenance services for firefighter PPE varies greatly around the world. Cleaning is a high priority in the USA and parts of Europe, where the majority of Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) will expect a managed…
Bristol Uniforms Launches Stock Styles
Bristol Uniforms, a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply ofprotective clothing for the emergency services has launched its first-everselection of stock styles for structural firefighting. Immediately available, the stock styles offer a more cost-effective solution than bespoke alternatives.…
Protection by design
Bristol Uniforms has been at the forefront of firefighter PPE design for more than 60 years. Working closely with the world’s leading fabric and fibre manufacturers, such as WL Gore, Hainsworth and PBI, we bring a wealth of knowledge and…
Bristol in Europe
Richard Cranham, International Sales Manager at Bristol Uniforms, looks back on 40 years of supplying firefighting PPE across Europe, and the strong relationships it has formed with its European distributors. Bristol Uniforms is a company with a rich history, dating…
New ‘Gold standard’ firefighter kit for London crews and fire dogs
Today (Wednesday 31st October) London’s firefighters and their furry colleagues will be wearing new, gold coloured fire tunics and leggings as modernised personal protective equipment (PPE) is rolled out across the Brigade. It’s the biggest kit update for eight years.…
3M Donates Safety Equipment To Moorland Firefighters
Fire crews battling moorland blazes in Lancashire and Manchester have received a donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) from 3M. The science-based technology company gave a total of 150 reusable respirators and 200 flame-retardant bump caps to Lancashire Fire and…
DuPont refreshes its PPE branding for easier specification and compliance with new EU regulation
DuPont Personal Protection has successfully completed a rebranding and recertification of its extensive range of PPE garments to make it easier for customers to specify the correct level of protection for their application and comply with the latest regulations. The global rebranding includes the ProShield®, Tyvek® and Tychem® brands and…
Fighting back on heat stress
Heat stress is especially life-threatening for firefighters and remains the number-one cause of firefighter casualties. Thankfully, the industry is fighting back with the development of several new weapons in the battle against this dangerous condition. Heat stress is caused by…
Fire service veteran Richard Gorst joins Hainsworth team
Hainsworth Technology has appointed a former senior fire officer to its Protectives team. Richard Gorst joins Hainsworth as Sales Director for Protective Fabrics with responsibility for the UK, Scandinavia and Canada. Richard brings with him a wealth of knowledge and…
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