The flame retardant reflective clothing according to EN 469 and HUPF part 1 and 4 serves the firefighters firefighting and protects the wearer from exposure to flames during his work. The construction of the fire protective clothing is a decisive factor for the safety of the wearer. What materials the Outerwear is exactly depends, among other economic factors and the question of the desired degree of protection against flame and resistance to chemicals. The structure of the clothing always consists of min. 3 layers (upper material, intermediate layer and inner lining), but may also consist of other materials.
The object of the fabric is to protect the wearer from flames, water and mechanical and chemical influences. The liner is to realize a thermal insulation against a hot environment. With high quality and expensive cladding insulation is installed directly into this position a membrane for breathability, while an air cushion by small dimpled “spacer” -to outer fabric layer departures generated. The lining has finally purpose, remove the sweat from the body. Along with 3-layer structure, there is also the possibility of the same basic principle of a 4 (or more) to achieve ply construction. Here are membranes and the thermal insulation separated. This reduces production costs and the costs considerably, but results in a higher weight, poorer mobility and often worse breathability of safety clothing, since the steam must penetrate more layers of clothing (higher resistance). Owns the more layers, the structure, the more negative this affects on the water absorption behavior of clothing and a longer drying time back.
In flame and temperatures just above 800 ° c the polyaramid hardens and discolored yellow / brown. The hardening of the material also is very fragile and crumbles / breaks as a very thin layer of ice at the slightest mechanical stress. High-quality protective clothing recurring thermal stresses or suddenly occurring high temperature has to withstand, so as PBI is prepared. This prevents the need to replace the clothing after each flame application. In addition, the material is retained even after exposure to fire permanently elastic and has a high resistance to acids and alkalis.
In protective clothing is used by HUPF part 1 and 4 of the Viking and Watex companies mainly. Usually this takes the art fiber are used. All garments are antistatic and can also in EX-zones (hazardous areas) are used. In addition to an outer jacket includes a diaper cover and for firefighters, a two-ply head guard and appropriate gloves to equip the personnel employed.
For the better visibility both day and night, the clothing is usually equipped with reflective material in yellow / silver / yellow and pure silver. If the complete set worn, eliminates the reflective vest obligation for the firefighter. These reflective stripes are particularly noticeable by their very noticeable yellowing and their reflective property. Simultaneously, the layer structure of the test Jacket is designed differently than the jackets regularly employed.