Western Australia updates firefighter apparel

Category: GARMENTS

Country: Australia

Written by Chris Remington
Published: 28 November 2022

PERTH – The Government of Western Australia has announced the rollout of next-generation personal protection clothing (PPC) for firefighters across the state.  

The provision of these uniforms was a commitment made by the state’s premier, Mark McGowan, in his election campaign, and is one he’s now keen to fulfil in order to protect front line responders.  

McGowan said: “While our firefighters protect our community, it's important we're protecting them as best we can by ensuring they're kept safe and fitted out in the latest high-tech suits.” 

Fires are a prominent threat throughout Australia in residential homes and office buildings. 

As such, the latest garments have been optimised to protect people in structure fires and HAZMAT incidents. 

To develop the new PPE, authorities say they adopted “advanced materials” sourced “from as far as the USA”. 

“Designed in consultation with experienced Western Australia firefighters, the multi-layered garments are lighter, more comfortable and flexible to offer greater mobility in challenging environments,” a statement said. 

“A new protective hood provides a much higher level of protection and safety, manufactured with a 99.9 per cent particulate barrier.” 

The uniforms meet strict Australian safety standards and have had their performance attributes verified by a third-party.

“This is another example of our government meeting an important election commitment in providing our firefighters - both career and volunteers - with cutting-edge PPC so they can safely respond to structure fires and HAZMAT incidents,” noted emergency services minister Stephen Dawson.

“This is incredibly important in the modern world of structural firefighting, where products like lithium-ion batteries are starting house fires which can be extremely challenging to control and extinguish.”

McGowan added: “This PPC replacement programme was an election commitment of our government, and I'm pleased to be able to deliver on this for both our career and volunteer firefighters.”

Courtesy: https://www.tevonews.com/functional-apparel-news/3308-western-australia-updates-firefighter-apparel?utm_source=newsletter_378&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=t-evo-newsletter-29-11-2022&acm=5045_378