Bristol’s structural PPE achieves new NFPA standard
Bristol Uniforms’ XFlex and Ergotech Action structural firefighting ranges have achieved accreditation for the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard for firefighting PPE.
The NFPA is a major standard-setting body on the world stage, covering the USA, South America, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region. It oversees nearly 300 safety standards on a range of subjects including fire safety.
The standard, originally created in 1971 for Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting, establishes minimum levels of protection from thermal, physical, environmental, and bloodborne hazards. It has recently undergone a revision to become NFPA 1971-2018. As such, new and updated safety measures have been put in place, with requirements applying to the design, performance and testing of structural firefighting PPE.
XFlex is Bristol’s flagship range in structural firefighting PPE. The trouser and coat combination is ergonomically designed, with distinctive sports styling, enabling excellent range of movement and flexibility which helps firefighters carry out their physical roles more effectively. Its combination of protective and breathable light-weight materials offers maximum comfort and guard against heat stress.
Ergotech Action is an alternative design also popular with firefighters across the world. Like XFlex, it is lightweight and ergonomic, featuring special shoulder shaping, which provides greater comfort when wearing breathing apparatus, plus large underarm gussets for greater reach manoeuvrability.
Both XFlex and Ergotech Action ranges are available to firefighters across the world, having also achieved accreditations from the European Standard of Certification (CEN) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO).
Paul Gibson, International Sales Manager at Bristol Uniforms, commented, “At Bristol, we believe international standards provide an essential safeguard, enabling firefighting services across the world to confidently purchase kit of good quality that has been through rigorous testing and is fit for purpose.
“Our structural PPE ranges passed the new NFPA certification with flying colours, and very few adaptations. Both styles are popular in every region of the world, favoured for their light weight and comfortable fit.”
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