W. L. Gore & Associates’ Protective Fabrics Division has expanded its line of certified products for emergency responders with the addition of the Ruggedized Class 3 suit made of GORE^® CHEMPAK^® selectively permeable fabric. Manufactured and distributed by Blauer^® Manufacturing Company, Inc., the Ruggedized Class 3 suit is certified to NFPA1994, Class 3R and NFPA 1992 Standards (2018 Edition). The suit’s ruggedized construction makes it ideal for extended CBRN responses that include tactical entry or search & rescue missions for several reasons.

First, the GORE^® CHEMPAK^® selective permeable fabric is engineered to deliver extremely durable protection against potential exposure to liquid and vapor chemicals, biological, and radiological particulates, blood and body fluids, and emerging pharmaceuticals such as fentanyl — even after exposure to field contaminants such as seawater, sweat, and hydraulic fluid.

Second, the form-fitting garment, with reinforced padding at critical stress points for a greater level of cut and puncture resistance, is designed to enable the responder to move more easily and effectively throughout hazardous surroundings, confined spaces, and rubble piles.

Third, the highly breathable GORE^® CHEMPAK^® selectively permeable fabric enables the responder to stay actively involved in the mission significantly longer than an impermeable suit does. While maintaining a minimum of four hours of permeation protection, Gore’s barrier enables sweat vapor to escape through the suit, which helps reduce heat stress.

And finally, the NFPA certifications and AEL/SEL qualifications of the Ruggedized Class 3 suit make it eligible for grant funding.

According to Jason Horowitz, Gore’s North American Chem-Bio product manager, their team works closely with end users to identify their needs when developing a new product. CBRN responders had described the challenges of needing protection in harsh surroundings combined with the capability of operating in temperature and humidity extremes. He explained, “The new garment needed to be durable enough to withstand rigorous use associated with tactical entry or search and rescue operations, providing a greater level of cut and puncture resistance than the current Class 3 ensembles. It also needed to provide increased visibility, range of motion, and dexterity, while optimizing the integration of helmets and ballistic vests. We’re really excited about offering this new level of durability in a certified Class 3R garment.”  

For more information, visit GoreChempak.com.

RELATED

GORE® Particulate Hood Achieves NFPA Compliance

Gore Supports Fire Industry as Co-Sponsor of IAFF Cancer Summit

FDIC International 2018 Video: 360° Protection from Gore

 

A memorial ribbon ceremony will be held Friday for Yakima fire Capt. Bob Burton, who died on Christmas day. Burton, who served with the department for 25 years, died of job-related cancer, according to the Fire Department. The 20-minute event will begin at 2 p.m. at Fire Station 91, 401 N. Front St.
- PUB DATE: 5/31/2018 5:27:18 AM - SOURCE: Yakima Herald-Republic

It was the single biggest loss of life in the history of the Houston Fire Department. Five years ago, the Southwest Inn fire ultimately claimed the lives of five firefighters. The four firefighters who died on the scene were Robert Bebee, Robert Garner, Mathew Renaud, and Anne Sullivan. In March 2017, Captain Bill Dowling, who lost both of his legs in the fire, died of complications from the injuries sustained in the line of duty.
- PUB DATE: 5/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KTRK-TV ABC 13 Houston

The 600-member Buffalo Fire Department has been operating without a commissioner or deputy commissioner since the beginning of May, part of a pattern of continuing turnover in the department’s top positions since Mayor Byron W. Brown took office in 2006. The leadership void is “devastating,” said a source within the department.
- PUB DATE: 5/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Buffalo News

A fire captain is set to receive a $450,000 settlement after suing the city and a former fire chief for discrimination. City Attorney Barbara Parker is recommending City Council approve the sum at its June 5 meeting, according to city documents. Capt. Joseph Torres filed suit in November 2015, alleging Chief Teresa Deloach Reed refused to promote him to battalion chief, even though he qualified for the rank.
- PUB DATE: 5/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: East Bay Times