A brand new textile structural firefighting glove from Bristol Uniforms is the first to meet criteria set by Standards Australia and New Zealand, it was revealed today.
Bristol’s glove has been specifically designed to meet the standard AS/NZS:2161.6:2014. It is constructed from Hainsworth TITAN® PBI 1260 fabric, with a pathogen resistant Gore CROSSTECH® membrane and a Kevlar lining for breathability and comfort. Extra features include silicone palms, reflective piping, knuckle protectors and knitted NOMEX® cuffs.
Crucially, the glove is anatomically shaped for fit and comfort, allowing good range of motion and manual dexterity, which is essential to enable firefighters to carry out their role safely and effectively.
Until now, Fire and Rescue Services across Australia and New Zealand have been able to order the majority of their PPE such as jackets, trousers and boots to specified AS/NZS standards, but have not had the opportunity to order much sought after textile gloves to this standard.
According to Paul Gibson, International Sales Manager at Bristol Uniforms, the new gloves enable FRSs to strengthen their entire PPE ensemble:
“Gloves, in particular, present a specific design challenge for manufacturers, as they must offer maximum protection and be comfortable to wear, whilst enabling movement and dexterity. They must also fit well with undergarments and jackets to prevent exposure around the wrists.
“By developing a new textile glove that specifically meets the criteria of National Standards Bodies in Australia and New Zealand, we have ensured that choice and performance previously unavailable to firefighters is now available and compatible with other garments designed and manufactured for these markets.
“Bristol has a strong presence in the region and is fully committed to further product innovation in these markets,” Paul Gibson adds.
The breakthrough textile glove will be sold through Bristol Uniforms distributors Pac Fire in Australia and PSL Fire & Safety in New Zealand.
Paul Clark, Business Development Manager at Pac Fire, comments:
“We are thrilled to be able to bring the first AS/NZS certified textile structural firefighting glove to the Australian market. Our firefighting community has long been waiting for something which offers greater dexterity and I feel Bristol have nailed it with this new glove”.
Mark Van Dorsten, National Sales Manager at PSL, comments:
“The New Zealand market has been struggling to find a good quality, high dexterity, firefighting glove, so we welcome this glove as an addition to the Bristol range. Not only does it meet the AS/NZS standard but now New Zealand firefighters can be assured of a glove that provides optimum performance.”
The gloves are available in a wide range of sizes from 6 to 13 and XXS to XXL, ensuring that a good fit is available for every member of the crew.
For more information please visit: www.bristoluniforms.com
