TURNOUT MATERIAL SELECTION GUIDE

Composite Systems

Traditional turnout gear often relied on bulky, multi-layered fabrics to provide protection. While effective, these systems could be heavy, restrictive, and prone to heat stress for firefighters. Enter composite systems – a modern approach to turnout gear construction that prioritizes lightweight protection and enhanced performance.

Composite systems utilize a combination of advanced materials, strategically layered to provide superior protection against heat, flames, and other hazards. These materials often include:

• Aramid Fibers: Known for their exceptional heat and flame resistance.

• Ceramic Fibers: Provide excellent insulation and heat protection.

• High-Tech Membranes: Offer moisture barrier, breathability, and enhanced comfort.

Why are Composite Systems Important?

1. Enhanced Mobility and Agility: By reducing weight and bulk, composite systems allow firefighters to move more freely and efficiently, improving agility and reducing fatigue.

2. Improved Thermal Protection: Advanced materials and innovative layering techniques offer superior heat and flame resistance, minimizing the risk of burn injuries.

3. Enhanced Comfort and Wearability: Composite systems often feature breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics, improving wearer comfort and reducing heat stress.

4. Improved Durability: Many composite systems are designed to withstand the rigors of the fireground while maintaining their protective properties over time.

5. Reduced Weight: Lighter gear reduces physical strain on firefighters, improving overall safety and well-being.

Composite systems represent a significant advancement in firefighter protection. By combining advanced materials and innovative design, these systems offer enhanced safety, comfort, and performance, allowing firefighters to better protect themselves and their communities.

Outer Shells

The outer shell is the outermost layer of your CrewBoss turnout gear. It's the layer you see and interact with most directly. It's where your patches proudly display your station, where reflective materials enhance your visibility, and where essential pockets keep your tools readily accessible.

Key Functions of the Outer Shell:

• Protection from Flame and Heat: It's the first line of defense against direct flame contact and radiant heat. The outer shell is designed to resist ignition and provide a barrier to prevent heat transfer to the wearer.  

• Resistance to Abrasion and Tears: Firefighters often encounter harsh environments with sharp edges, debris, and rough surfaces. The outer shell must be durable and resistant to abrasion, tears, and punctures to withstand these conditions.  

• Chemical Resistance: The outer shell should provide some level of resistance to common chemicals encountered at fire scenes, such as fuels, cleaning agents, and other hazardous materials.

• Weather Resistance: The outer shell should be able to withstand exposure to rain, snow, and other weather conditions. It should also provide some level of wind resistance.

• Visibility: The outer shell incorporates reflective materials that enhance the firefighter's visibility at night or in low-light conditions, improving safety.  

• Comfort and Mobility: While providing protection, the outer shell should also allow for a degree of flexibility and comfort to enable firefighters to move freely and perform their duties effectively.

• Durability: The outer shell must be able to withstand the rigors of the fireground and maintain its protective properties over time, even with repeated use and cleaning.

Moisture Barriers

The moisture barrier is a critical element within the layered system of modern turnout gear. It plays a crucial role in protecting firefighters from the harmful effects of moisture and heat stress.  

Key Functions of the Moisture Barrier:

• Moisture Repellency: Prevents external moisture (rain, sweat, blood) from penetrating the inner layers of the gear. This helps to maintain insulation and reduce the risk of hypothermia.  

• Breathability: Allows moisture vapor generated by the body to escape, preventing heat buildup and enhancing wearer comfort.  

• Chemical Resistance: Provides a barrier against certain chemicals and contaminants that may be encountered on the fireground.

Thermal Barriers

The thermal barrier is a critical component within the layered system of modern turnout gear. It plays a crucial role in protecting firefighters from the intense heat and flames encountered on the fireground.

• Heat Resistance: The primary function of the thermal barrier is to provide maximum protection against radiant heat, convective heat, and direct flame contact. It acts as a barrier to prevent heat transfer to the wearer.

• Insulation: The thermal barrier helps to insulate the wearer from both extreme heat and cold, maintaining a comfortable body temperature in varying environments.

• Durability: The thermal barrier must be durable and able to withstand the rigors of the fireground, including repeated exposures to high temperatures and mechanical stress.
  
  Additional Thermal barriers available, please ask your regional sales manager for details.