Prototype incorporates chemical and biological resistance
PITTSFIELD, N.H. – Globe Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of firefighter suits, is displaying the next generation of firefighter turnout gear at the FDIC exhibit in Indianapolis April 14 – 16, 2005. This prototype has all the functionality of traditional turnout gear, but adds special features to provide limited-duration protection in the event of a chemical or biological incident, allowing firefighters time to rescue ambulatory victims and get themselves out safely. The project was awarded to North Carolina State University, DuPont Personal Protection, and Globe Manufacturing Company by the Department of Homeland Security and the Technical Support Working Group.
“Firefighters told us that they needed limited protection in the event of a chemical or biological incident, which their current turnout gear doesn’t adequately provide,” said Mark Mordecai, Director of Business Development for Globe Manufacturing Company. “But they didn’t want to tradeoff this additional protection for ease of use in their everyday calls. So this new design had to allow them to deploy added protection without assistance when needed, but disappear when they didn’t need it.”
The CB.Ready™ design incorporates user-deployable closures at the waist of both the jacket and pants, cinches at the wrist and ankles, and a special hood built into the collar that can seal around the SCBA mask to protect the face, neck, and head. There are also ergonomically advanced features, such as how the suit moves with the wearer, including an entirely new sleeve, shoulder, and armhole design.
Creating a new fire resistant permeable membrane that will also provide resistance to chemical and biological agents was a research and development challenge undertaken by DuPont. Their approach was to engineer a selectively permeable membrane that allows sweat evaporation and body heat to escape while blocking harmful agents from entering the suit.
The thermal liner incorporated into the CB.Ready™ suit is being developed by NC State. It utilizes a new non-woven thermal system that incorporates new fiber technology, offering better protection from heat with less weight. NC State also tested the materials and garment to ensure that they meet all the required standards for protection and ergonomics including the level of harmful vapor infiltration.
Globe was founded in 1887 and is still owned and managed by the fourth generation of the Freese family. “As we proudly point out, my great-grandfather invented the waterproof firefighter suit over one hundred years ago,” said Rob Freese, VP Sales and Marketing. “And no matter what challenges tomorrow’s firefighters face, Globe will continue to be there to protect them.”
For more information, contact John Therrien, Marketing Services Manager, 800-232-8323 or jtherrien@globefiresuits.com.
