Since its international launch in June, the new GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric for rescue protection has received an enthusiastic response from fire and rescue services around the world.
The teams at the Australasian Rescue Challenge in Tamworth were the first in the region to get a chance to see the new product up close and they were impressed with its high levels of lightweight comfort and protection. This was followed by an incredibly positive response at AFAC.
GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch is a unique waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric that enhances comfort while protecting from blood pathogens and flash fire. It sets a new standard for personal protection for technical rescue, bringing together proven Gore technologies to create a solution that delivers previously unheard-of performance and comfort. The new fabric eliminates the traditional compromise between comfort and protection for rescue work.
Bloodborne and viral pathogen protection
Firefighters need the confidence that their clothing will protect them from all the risks that they face in a rescue incident. GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch product technology combines four of Gore’s proven technologies in technical rescue activities and is designed specifically to protect from pathogens found in blood and body fluid as per ISO 16604, as well as common chemicals such as petrol, battery acid and hydraulic fluid. The fabric is inherently flame retardant, protecting the wearer from incidental flame and flash fire.
Stretch technology
The GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch fabric is incredibly light and stretches four ways to achieve the exceptional freedom of movement required for working in confined spaces and unusual situations. The fabric moves with the wearer like a high-performance sports garment and the elasticity delivers optimum fit, expanding and contracting with any layers worn underneath. The improved fit enhances breathability as sweat evaporates through the garment more efficiently when the fabric is closer to the skin.
Waterproof, windproof and breathable
The new specialised fabric is windproof, waterproof and resistant to water pickup so that it does not become heavy when wet and dries quickly. High breathability ensures that the wearer stays dry and comfortable on the inside in hot weather.
PYRAD® technology confirms flame retardancy
In independent ISO 13506 burn tests on a thermal manikin, a garment with GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® PYRAD® stretch did not melt, drip or break open, with no significant burns recorded – a key element for technical rescue responders who need protection from flash fire.
Garments manufactured with the new laminate are compliant with relevant AS/NZS 4602 and EN ISO 20471 high-visibility requirements for professional use. The unique PYRAD® technology allows for a range of high-visibility colours such as red, orange and yellow as well as a wider range to match specific requirements of Fire and Rescue services.
50+ industrial wash cycles
The new specialised fabric has a longer-than-average lifespan but still copes with the operational rigours and frequent decontamination needs of rescue work, withstanding over 50 industrial washes using ISO 15797 table 1 method. The flame and pathogen protection does not degrade over time, and the seams and fabric will remain intact after washing to ensure performance throughout the lifetime of the garment. The longer operational lifespan reduces the number of garment replacements, which in turn lowers environmental impact.
Because most of the resources and energy are consumed during the production and distribution processes, garments with a longer product life significantly reduce the use of these resources. This improves the sustainability of the product and is in line with the globally standardized (ISO 14040-14044) Life Cycle Assessment approach used to measure and understand the environmental impacts of GORE-TEX products.
For further information on GORE-TEX products for fire and rescue, contact Melbourne-based Gore Associate, Gordon Burns gburns@wlgore.com
For more information, go to www.goretexprofessional.com
