Next generation of Ballyclare Xenon rescue jackets

A major new order has shone the spotlight on the latest evolution of Ballyclare’s Xenon firefighter rescue jackets. The order has been awarded by three fire and rescue services in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and covers the rescue jacket requirements of some 3,200 firefighters.

“PPE rescue jackets are subject to constantly evolving customer demands because of the ever-widening range of duties which fire and rescue crews face, many of which are not fire-related,” explained Ballyclare’s Business Development Manager, Andrew Buckley. “This exerted a strong influence on the design and manufacture of our new jackets and will allow them to bring a number of benefits to firefighters in the South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Humberside regions.”

The new Xenon garments have been produced in a new orange/red colour that makes them suitable for use in both fire-related and rail applications. The colour meets the requirements of RIS-3279 -TOM – a high visibility standard which applies to the UK rail industry, and ensures rail workers on or near the trackside are sufficiently visible to trains or any other approaching traffic.

“We could have achieved the technical and colour requirements using fabrics with polyester fibres, but we knew there were potential questions about the long-term reliability of these fabrics,” added Buckley. “We worked closely with the customer and our fabric suppliers to identify a suitable non-polyester fabric alternative. This is inherently flame retardant, and unlike fabrics which simply have a flame-retardant surface covering, it won’t degrade over time or be affected by repeated washing cycles. This maintains a high level of protection for the wearer and extends the operating life of the jackets considerably. The jackets also satisfy other customer specifications, meeting the relevant rescue and wild land standards, but also offer maximum comfort and freedom of movement to the wearer.”

The new jackets share the same advanced design and material solutions as Ballyclare’s highly successful XENON multi-functional structural firefighting garments. Manufactured to exacting national and international safety, performance and quality standards, they incorporate such features as additional reinforcement on the collar, cuff and arm areas, to provide cut-and-puncture protection.

A key consideration for the new jackets was the choice of moisture barrier for the internal drop liner, as this material would play a critical role in the comfort and breathability of the garments. Ballyclare identified a GORE-TEX moisture barrier with CROSSTECH Product Technology as the best and most advanced option available for this application. The fabric itself provides durable, breathable waterproof protection from blood pathogens, chemicals and particulates, enhanced by the use of fully-proprietary seam sealing technology in the construction of the jackets.

The jackets also feature the world’s first fire-retardant and fully-launderable phosphorescent tape. After just a few minutes exposure to ultraviolet light this tape increases safety levels for the wearer by emitting an intense glow for up to 8 hours, allowing the jackets to be seen more easily in dark or poorly-illuminated conditions.

 

To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global fire market please register to receive our newsletter here.

Media contact

Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Fire Buyer

Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]

About Fire Buyer

International Fire Buyer is the leading authority in global passive and active fire content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the fire sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Chris Lingham image - Fire Buyer

Chris Lingham

Group Sales Manager

Afua Akoto picture - Fire Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Picture of Ballyclare team - Photo by Ballyclare - Fire Buyer

Ballyclare Announces Raft of Key Appointments

Ballyclare has announced a raft of strategic appointments as it focuses on further expansion in the UK market
firemiks

Intersec Profile: Firemiks AB

Firemiks AB, pump proportioners provider, presents the superior technology of the proportioners showcased at Intersec 2024…
Munro

Munro unveils all-electric MK_1 Truck at ESS

Munro Vehicles (Munro), a manufacturer of all-electric 4x4s, and Scotland’s only volume production car company has revealed…
HAIX

HAIX to Showcase Footwear Range at ESS

Global manufacturer of specialist footwear, HAIX, will be returning to The Emergency Services Show 2023, September 19 –20
Greek wildfire

Water Bombers Join Greek Wildfires

Greek wildfires, sparked by soaring temperatures and parching winds, have blazed for a third day, pulling international
Pacific

Pacific Helmets: Product Showcase

Welcome to Pacific Helmets product demonstration, the leading manufacturer of premium safety helmets for a wide range of industries
MSA

MSA Safety’s ‘World Capital of Fire Helmets’

Helmets are an important safety product used by people around the globe, ranging from the cyclists in the Tour de France
FDIC

What to expect at FDIC – Part 2

FDIC International offers thousands of Fire & Rescue professionals from around the world. Our attendees visit the exhibition
firefighter

Forgotten firefighter remembered with plaque

A plaque has been unveiled in memory of a fallen firefighter, after a fellow firefighter uncovered details of his life and passing
flamepro

Are our heroes at risk?

Are our heroes at risk? New research project launches to uncover the real issues our firefighters face when protecting the nation
Scroll to Top