GORE-TEX® Professional has led the development of high-performance protective fabrics for firefighters ever since it pioneered the introduction of the first durably waterproof, breathable moisture barrier in structural firefighting gear.
In the 30 years since then, firefighting has seen massive changes in the profiles of operational response and the strategies employed to tackle a wide range of very different incidents. The team at GORE-TEX® Professional works closely with fire and rescue services to understand their changing operational needs and continue to innovate new product solutions to meet those changing requirements.
The process of change is relentless, and each GORE-TEX® product is designed to meet the specific demands of different operational requirements, consistently delivering the highest standards of performance, protection and durability.
All Gore structural firefighting fabrics comfortably exceed International PPE performance standards including EN 469, AS 4967 and the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, as well as NFPA 1951, 1999 and 1971. 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.
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.
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.
All GORE-TEX® moisture barriers for structural firefighting PPE incorporate CROSSTECH Product Technology that protects firefighters from blood-borne pathogens, common chemicals and particulates.
Fire services around the world continue to choose the original GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH moisture barrier to protect their firefighters from the many hazards of structural firefighting. It is designed to protect from heat and flame, blood and body fluids, particulates and common chemicals
The GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH Fireblocker laminate combines flexibility and outstanding protection with excellent value. Lightweight thermal protection can be adjusted to meet the needs of the wearer without changing any of the other garment components.
The unique GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH PARALLON System incorporates two membranes to enhance the breathability of the garment without compromising on protection, even in wet conditions. It incorporates a highly breathable Gore thermal barrier with a GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH moisture barrier in a combination that ensures consistent thermal protection and enhanced comfort for the wearer during structural firefighting activities. It is quick drying to optimise redeployment of firefighting teams at prolonged incidents.
GORE-TEX® CROSSTECH AIRLOCK product technology gives fire and rescue services another protective option that is designed to reduce the weight of the garment and improve freedom of movement. The technology uses thermally stable silicone spacers of a consistent size and height to create an insulating air cushion between the layers of the garment.
All GORE-TEX® fabrics are designed to maintain their performance standards throughout the lifetime of their operational use. Their performance does not reduce over time or with the increased washing required to meet modern decontamination standards.
Gore’s stringent process for quality assurance ensure that buyers who specify GORE-TEX® moisture barriers do so with absolute confidence in the garment’s integrity and that it is completely fit for purpose.
For more information contact local Gore Associate, Gordon Burns. gburns@wlgore.com or visit goretexprofessional.com
