There is no question that firefighters are better protected than ever before thanks to the advances made in the development of specialist high performance fabrics over recent years.
Gore Moisture Barriers have played a crucial role in setting new protection standards around the world since their introduction into structural firefighting gear over 30 years ago revolutionised protective garments with the very first waterproof breathable GORE-TEX membrane.
Gore continues to create a range of market leading moisture barriers that have evolved to provide head to toe protection for firefighters in different operational situations, from the intensity of structural fires to extrication, rescue, and wildland firefighting.
Each product is designed to meet the specific demands of the operational environment, protecting against the risk of heat stress giving firefighters the confidence to focus on the task at hand.
Gore technical fire fabrics are certified to EN469, AS/NZS 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. Gore products are renowned for their consistently reliable thermal stability.
The company’s most recent innovation in structural firefighting – GORE-TEX Moisture Barrier with GORE® CROSSTECH® Product Technology – combines the durable waterproofness and breathability of GORE-TEX products with the blood borne pathogen and particulate protection previously only available in GORE® CROSSTECH® Products. It is part of a range of products that have been developed to needs the different situational needs of firefighters.
Gore works closely with glove and boot manufacturers to develop specialist protective solutions for hands and feet available in a range of different products for gloves and boots that incorporate GORE-TEX and GORE® CROSSTECH® laminates.
The unique GORE-TEX Moisture Barrier with GORE® CROSSTECH® Product Technology GORE® PARALLON® System, reduces the risk of burn injuries and heat stress in both wet and dry conditions. It incorporates a highly breathable Gore thermal barrier combined with a GORE-TEX or CROSSTECH® Moisture barrier. This combination ensures a consistent level of thermal protection and enhanced comfort for the wearer during structural firefighting activities.
GORE-TEX PYRAD® Product Technology is a lightweight anti-static fabric that is durably windproof, waterproof and breathable with flame protection and designed to replace structural gear for technical rescue work. It protects firefighters, allowing them to work in confined spaces for longer, reducing the risk of heat stress.
The fabric is considerably more breathable than structural fire gear. This results in a much higher degree of comfort as sweat passes through the fabric, keeping the wearer drier from the inside and waterproof and windproof from the outside.
Gore only partners with garment suppliers who can guarantee a total quality approach throughout the manufacturing process. Companies that make Gore products must comply with Gore Manufacturing Standards. These standards require the manufacturer to adhere to specific quality levels for machinery used in the manufacturing process. Gore specialists provide recommendations to production sites to ensure that manufacturing standards are met and implemented, at which point the manufacturing plant receives a Gore license. Certification is audited and reviewed on an annual basis.
Manufacturers that are licensed by Gore can rely on the company’s ongoing support. Gore specialists advise and train management and staff at the manufacturing site on the use of Gore machinery and assist in the optimisation of the manufacturing process. Regular site tests ensure that the manufacturer is achieving consistent high quality and samples are regularly taken from the production line for comparison against the original prototype garments. This is to ensure stability and performance throughout the lifetime of the garment.
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, go to www.gore-workwear.co.uk
