Enables Kovenex to Safeguard First Responders, Industrial Workers from Head to Toe
RICHMOND, Va. – Waubridge Specialty Fabrics, LLC (Waubridge) announced it has received four Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certifications of its patented Kovenex fabric, including certification for protective garments and hoods for structural firefighting; protective ensembles for proximity firefighting; protective helmet components for structural firefighting; and protective glove components for structural firefighting. Each UL certification is in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971-2007 standards and will allow Kovenex to be used in a virtually limitless capacity of safety applications, including turnout and extrication gear, hoods, ear covers, gloves and more.
Kovenex has been used by firefighters and other first responders for years in a number of products, including the Kovenex Rapid Response Blanket, and in the Dragon Fire Alpha structural firefighting, extrication and mechanics gloves by Fireman’s Shield, wherein Kovenex serves as a cut-, tear- and flame-resistant, heat-blocking thermal barrier. In addition, Waubridge recently unveiled the Kovenex Occupational Safety Blanket, designed specifically for use in industrial workplaces such as plants, foundries, mills and other facilities in which fire-related incidents could occur.
“While Kovenex has helped first responders and workers in other industries for some time now, our goal always has been to maximize the number of applications in which Kovenex can be used to give those individuals the optimal amount of safety and protection they need and deserve,” said Matt Smith, director of business development for Waubridge. “We are excited about these UL certifications not only for our company, but for the individuals who trust and depend on Kovenex in their daily lives. We are proud to know that we now are able to partner with other manufacturers to make products that will safeguard these men and women literally from head to toe.”
According to Smith, there are many qualities that make Kovenex unique, including properties that enable the fabric to block extreme heat and resist flames, cuts and tears. Kovenex’s performance relies on inherent traits of its patented fiber blends, as opposed to chemical treatments or fiberglass, which makes Kovenex safe for contact with skin and more effective in preventing burns. In addition, the lack of chemical treatment means it has an infinite shelf life, so Kovenex itself can be washed and reused without compromising performance.
About Kovenex
Kovenex, manufactured and marketed by Chester, Va.-based Waubridge Specialty Fabrics, LLC, is a high-performance engineered fabric blend with inherent flame-, heat- and tear-resistant properties. For more information please visit www.kovenex.com or call 866.861.7976.