TenCate Millenia fabrics will be used for the lightweight outer shell, the protective thermal liner and reinforcement parts. The first 285 suits are expected to be delivered in July.

Multifunctional clothing

Firefighter suits from four suppliers were tested, with different types of fabrics and different garment constructions. The fire brigade will use garment made of the same protective fabrics as used since 2012 by the fire brigade of Amsterdam-Amstelland.

Karin Klein Hesselink, End-use Market Manager at TenCate Protective Fabrics, commented: "The Zaanstreek-Waterland fire brigade subjected the suits to various stringent tests. Physical tests were performed by firefighters under cold and hot conditions, to determine fitness and freedom of movement, as well as moisture and heat regulation performance.”

“In addition to fighting fires, firefighters also turn out to a wide variety of other emergencies, including road traffic accidents and other rescue operations. These various situations require multifunctional clothing that is lightweight, comfortable, strong and protective. The TenCate Millenia fabric is ideal for these purposes".

Inherently flame-resistant fabrics

The outer shell used in these new suits is made from the innovative TenCate Millenia MI9180 fabric, the strongest and lightest outer shell available on the market, according to the manufacturer. Even when this protective fabric is exposed to intense heat and flames, the fabric remains strong and supple, TenCate reports.

This inherently flame-resistant fabric is said to provide firefighters with optimal protection. The suits are also equipped with a TenCate inner layer, the TenCate thermal liner CQ703. This high-end thermal liner has a smooth surface and is lightweight, thus ensuring optimal freedom of movement.

The combination of these TenCate fabrics is said to reduce heat stress, allowing firefighters to work longer hours, and shortens the time required for physical rehabilitation.

TenCate Protective Fabrics

Systems and materials from TenCate come under four areas of application: safety and protection; space and aerospace; infrastructure and the environment; sport and recreation. TenCate occupies leading positions in protective fabrics, composites for space and aerospace, antiballistics, geosynthetics and synthetic turf.

TenCate Protective Fabrics is the leader in the development, production and marketing of protective and safety fabrics for industry, services, fire-fighting and defence. TenCate Protective Fabrics has manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

www.tencate.com