When designing PPE for firefighters, providing protection against the dangers of fire is of course paramount. Thanks to the work of leading international fibre and fabric manufacturers, there are now several highly specialised materials available on the market offering a…
Bristol Uniforms is selected for UK-wide collaborative PPE framework
Bristol Uniforms has been awarded the contract to supply firefighting PPE for a new Collaborative Procurement Framework, accessible to all Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) across the UK. The new Framework has been created by a dedicated project…
Protecting our firefighters 30 years after King’s Cross
This year is the 30th anniversary of the King’s Cross disaster, an event which was instrumental in prompting research and development into the safety of firefighters and the PPE they wear. The events of November 18th 1987, in which 31…
The importance of PPE in a water rescue situation
A drysuit can essentially save your life while you are working in cold water. During a water rescue situation, a rescuer can find themselves in the water for a prolonged period of time. Should you come into direct contact with…
Using innovation and experience to improve the safety of firefighters
UK firefighter and International Search and rescue expert Matt Keogh introduces the WASP, the Warning Alarm for Stability Protection and modern day solution to a 200 year old problem of protecting firefighters from the dangers of scene stability. It is…
NFPA issues safety bulletin on firefighter protective hoods
It is well-documented that firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is exposed to a wide range of toxins, pathogens and other hazardous substances. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and…
Armadillo Merino – The most effective base layer system for optimal wearer performance
First responders experience many stresses, strains and challenges when performing front line duties whilst wearing PPE. PPE is an essential component of front line clothing and is designed to save lives and reduce injuries. Extensive research has been conducted looking…
Can lightweight PPE be truly safe?
The international PPE industry is changing, with lightweight garments increasingly coming to the fore. But, is it possible that textile innovations can improve physiological conditions for fire fighters, whilst still ensuring adequate protection? What advances are taking place in the…
Hainsworth Technology
Hainsworth Technology are passionate about protecting the individuals who face hazardous situations as part of their profession and commit to ensuring that the kit firefighters wear meets the very highest level of performance, giving them the confidence they will return…
Bristol Uniforms
Bristol Uniforms is a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of protective clothing, meeting the diverse needs of emergency services personnel in the UK and around the world. Working with leading international fibre and fabric manufacturers including WL Gore, PBI Performance…
Latest glove technology and what’s important in gloves
Gone are the days when OSH is accompanied by monstrously bulky clothing and severely restricted movement. An example of this are protective gloves, which not only offer high standards of protection, but have also reached new levels in terms of…
New Firefighting Kit for Cambridgeshire
Bristol Uniforms has designed and supplied brand new PPE for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, which was rolled out in April. The distinctive new protective kit in dark navy and orange, consists of over 6,500 items, to be worn by…
Integrated In-House Capability
Throughout its 50 year involvement in the design and manufacture of world class firefighter PPE, Bristol has always retained full control over its design and production which is all undertaken in its own research and manufacturing facilities across Europe. Adopting…
Ergonomic personal protective equipment design saves lives
From turnout gear, helmet, gloves and boots, to self-contained breathing apparatus, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to protect firefighters from the multiple hazards they face. In such a physical profession, where firefighters must work in bursts of intensive physical…
Extrication – the importance of correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
So as the ‘shout’ comes in and you get dressed in the appliance bay ready to attend an incident or you are in ‘isolation’ before your run at a RTC Challenge you will all be wearing PPE of one form…
Firefighter PPE procurement – the essentials
As high performance technical garments, firefighter protective clothing is required to deliver levels of protection and wearer safety which not only need to satisfy national and international performance standards but also trust in its integrity by those whose health, safety,…
Birmingham Airport Firefighters Praise ‘Faultless’ PPE
It is just over a year since firefighters at Birmingham Airport moved over to new, industry-leading protective clothing. This followed the decision to award a five-year contract to Bristol Uniforms to provide the fire service with its XFlex structural fire…
Round-the-Clock Managed Services Help Desk
Round-the-clock support for Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) taking advantage of Bristol’s managed services has been a central feature of this in-house service provision for some 15 years, and makes it the most comprehensive and accessible service of its type…
Head-to-TOE Marine Firefighters PPE
Bristol’s marine firefighter PPE, its Fleet Suit, has been expanded with the addition of compatible helmets, boots and gloves providing a comprehensive head-to-toe personal protection solution of marine firefighters. All garments in the range are certified to MarED standards. Operating…
Firefighter PPE gets personal
Having joined Bristol Uniforms over 30 years ago, I have been closely involved with the many changes that have taken place in firefighting both in the UK and around the world. Back in 1981, modern professional firefighter clothing was emerging…