What firefighters wear, whether in the station or out in the field, serve two purposes: for protective clothing and a symbol of honor. They are required to look professional, and they need to carry themselves like one, too. But more importantly, they must always be ready for emergencies, which greatly involves being prepared with the proper gear.
While there are no official statistics regarding the actual number of people who die in fire accidents, the National Fire Protection Association estimates that there are many lives lost every year because of inappropriate protective gear.
In this article, we’ll focus on discussing the standard firefighter station wear— the basic uniform worn by officers, with or without a fire emergency.
The Firefighter Station Wear
When it comes to wearing the proper station uniform, firefighters are bound to follow certain work specifications.
Firefighter station wear refers to the official uniform worn by firefighters when they are working in the station. The station wear apparel must be designed with protective materials, preferably following the NFPA 1975 scope of standards. It commonly consists of three essential uniform parts: pants, a shirt, and steel-toed boots.
The station wear is usually worn as an inner layer of the personal protective equipment (PPE), also called the bunker gear for fire emergencies.
The color of the firefighter station wear uniform may differ from every local or state department.
Check out our selection of NFPA 1975 certified station wear pants and shirts!
Important Considerations For The Proper Firefighter Station Uniform
When examining the many factors to consider for the standard firefighter station uniforms, a few things stand out as extremely important. First, you must have an understanding of the particular type of firefighter apparel required and what they offer in terms of protection. Some of these include:
Firefighters must protect themselves and those around them from the various hazards that can arise in their job. With that said, they must wear regulated station wear gear, made from lightweight, breathable, and flame-retardant or heat and flame-resistant fabrics. It shall effectively serve as an extra layer of defense underneath the PPE, to keep firefighters completely protected even during the most extreme fire emergencies. The station wear comes in various colors and designs and is also made to be extremely durable. The fire department should choose one that matches the officers’ necessities and is durable enough to withstand wear and tear in the line of duty.
Firefighters must wear uniforms that are following current fire protection standards. This will help ensure that they do not run afoul of any regulations and safety rules and procedures. It is recommended that fire departments look for a supplier with experience and expertise in supplying these items, and ensure that the fire station work apparel meets all necessary requirements and guidelines. So it is vital that they work with a manufacturer that can meet your fire protection requirements for the standard uniform designed with ultimate endurance.
Fire station uniforms are not only designed to protect firefighters, but they are also a representation of the department. When wearing a uniform, it sends a message of professionalism and respect for the fire service that they work for. This can serve to benefit the department’s image and build up trust.
What Type of Uniform Does NFPA 1975 Describe?
According to the NFPA 1975 Standard on Emergency Services Work Apparel Scope, it shall “specify requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of nonprimary protective work apparel and the individual garments comprising work apparel.”
Let’s focus on the applicable guidelines for the standard firefighter uniform. It is stated on A.1.1.2 that the “work apparel is made from thermally stable materials. Garments such as fitness clothing and underclothing might not be made from thermally stable materials and should not be worn while on duty. Such non-thermally stable garments are made from fibers with relatively low melting points and can contribute to burning injury. These types of performance fitness clothing should also not be worn as undergarments beneath work apparel.”
Moreover, in 1.1.3 it states that “this standard shall also specify requirements for the thermal stability of textiles used in the construction of work apparel.” 1.1.4 “This standard shall also specify optional requirements for flame resistance, odor resistance, water resistance, and insect repellency, where such options are specified or claimed to be used in the construction of work apparel.”
Nomex Fabric For Firefighter Station Wear & PPE
Firefighters have been injured on the job in some cases, and some have died due to their injury. There have been several fire fatalities occurring in schools and public places due to the lack of protective gear.
Nomex is a well-known fabric material for making heat and flame-resistant safety gear. The protective apparel is created specifically for workers regularly exposed to electric and fire hazards.
Many fire departments have already started using Nomex fabric for firefighters. While some firefighters have already embraced the full use of this fabric, there are some who still do not know about the benefits of this material and how it can provide much-needed protection for them.
Nomex fabric is made from a special kind of material made of a particular type of nylon, contributing to its heat and flame-resistant and highly durable fabric features. It is also comfortable for firefighters to wear even when working in scorching hot conditions.
The material is also exceptionally comfortable. The nylon fibers are designed to withstand heat without absorbing it. They are also highly breathable, which makes it easy for firefighters to breathe and cool down quickly.
In addition to being highly effective, Nomex is also lightweight. Because of this light feature, it is easier for firefighters to carry the fabric while they are on the job. Also, it is much more stable so that it will not become caught on any fire hazards that are in place.
In fact, many fire departments have been trusting Nomex for years now and have never had any problems with firefighters getting caught up in fire hazards. It is also easier for firefighters to remove their protective gear, such as jackets and gloves, to access areas where they need to do their job.
Because of all the fantastic features that Nomex offers, many fire departments across the country are turning to Nomex for their station wear and personal protective equipment and apparel. This fabric is not only cost-effective but also has many other benefits that make it an excellent choice for our brave firefighters.
Visit our website to learn more about our Nomex Station Wear & PPE products!
