Tencate high-tech fabric to protect firefighters
Dutch Zaanstreek-Waterland fire brigade chooses TenCate Millenia™ fabrics for fire-fighting suits.
The Dutch Zaanstreek-Waterland fire brigade has opted for TenCate high-tech fabrics in their turnout gear: The protective materials from TenCate will be used in 800 new fire-fighting suits for their brigades. The suits will be supplied in partnership with the LHD Group in Germany. TenCate Millenia™ fabrics will be used for the lightweight outer shell, the protective thermal liner and reinforcement parts. The first 285 suits are expected to be delivered in July 2014.
Firefighter suits from four suppliers were tested, with different types of fabrics and different garment constructions. This fire brigade will use garments made of the same protective fabrics as used since 2012 by the fire brigade of Amsterdam-Amstelland.
According to Karin Klein Hesselink, end-use market manager at TenCate Protective Fabrics: “The Zaanstreek-Waterland fire brigade subjected the suits to various stringent tests. Physical tests were performed by firefighters under ’cold’ and ’hot’ conditions, to determine fitness and freedom of movement, as well as moisture and heat regulation performance. In addition to fighting fires, firefighters also turn out to a wide variety of other emergencies, including road traffic accidents and other rescue operations. These various situations require multifunctional clothing that is lightweight, comfortable, strong and protective.”
The outer shell used in these new suits is made from the innovative TenCate Millenia MI9180 fabric, the strongest and lightest outer shell available on the market, according to the manufacturer. Even when exposed to intense heat and flames, the fabric remains strong and supple, providing firefighters with optimal protection. The suits are also equipped with a TenCate inner layer, the TenCate thermal liner CQ703. The high-end thermal liner has a smooth surface and is lightweight, ensuring optimal freedom of movement. The combination of these fabrics reduces heat stress, allowing firefighters to work longer hours, and shortens the time required for physical rehabilitation.
