PERSONAL PROTECTION
Testing using this advanced life-sized system offered the opportunity to conduct industry standard testing and evaluation under the high temperatures expected in the event of a fire or explosion. As a result, BAE Systems was confident that the solution developed made from TITAN, a Hainsworth® Technology, featured the optimum blend of DuPont™ Nomex® and DuPont™ Kevlar fibres to provide a fabric that is ‘best-in-class’.
BESPOKE SOLUTION For BAE Systems, it was important that any garment solution developed took into account the unique demands and risks associated with its munitions manufacturing processes, whilst remaining flexible and easy to work in. Hainsworth’s TITAN was selected for its mechanical strength, super lightweight and flame resistant properties. However, an off-the-shelf coverall design was not suitable to protect against the potential risks present within this environment.
The final coverall design is tailored to offer head to toe and surface to skin level protection. It has been constructed to be as simple as possible to ensure minimal exposed surface area for explosive substances to settle on. The most prominent feature is a high ‘mandarin-style’ collar that provides an additional level of protection around the neck area, preventing harmful substances from entering the garment from this opening. There are no outside pockets, minimising the risk of explosive powders settling inside garment openings and travelling across the controlled environment with the potential to cause dangerous chemical reactions.
“AS BAE SYSTEMS IS ONE OF ONLY A HANDFUL OF COMPANIES IN THE UK
TO HOLD LICENCES FOR EXPLOSIVES TESTING,
EACH POTENTIAL FABRIC SOLUTION WAS PUT
THROUGH ITS PACES IN RIGOROUS CONDITIONS.”
www.tomorrowshs.com
Zips have also been removed to prevent explosive powders from becoming embedded in their metal teeth. The metal on metal contact that occurs when a zip is opened or closed can create sparks, causing settled powder to combust. Instead, the coverall has been designed with a wrap-over front to prevent particle intrusion and to provide double protection for the wearer at a critical garment opening. Original plastic buttons have also been replaced as these could fall off and react with the substances used in the munitions
manufacturing process. Instead, all buttons have been made from rubber.
Another design feature of the coveralls is the inclusion of knitted Nomex® cuffs on the end of each sleeve. As many of the products that BAE Systems works with are highly gaseous, cuffs were worked into the design to ensure that gases could not travel up the sleeves and reach the body. However, movement is not restricted by the addition of this design element. DuPont and the design team were acutely aware of the need for workers to have full motor control, particularly when working with minute measurements in a controlled environment.
Pleats were added around the garment’s shoulders to enable free movement and bending without compromising the level of protection offered. When teamed with protective undergarments, gloves, boots, visor and balaclava, this bespoke solution provides the complete protection package for munitions employees at BAE Systems.
Selena Burn, SHE Advisor at BAE Systems Glascoed, explained: “We are prepared to do whatever it takes to protect our employees. In an industry where you can’t afford to get it wrong, we have achieved an industry leading solution for our employees, which offers complete protection. The design, development and manufacture of these garments marked the first time that the explosive manufacture industry had looked at a bespoke protection solution rather than off-the-shelf offerings.
“Previous solutions often required a compromise to be made between high levels of heat and flame protection and the comfort and movement of the wearer. With the knowledge and expertise of DuPont and members of the DuPont™ Nomex® Partner Program, we have set a benchmark for the munitions industry as a whole and in particular for those working in potentially high risk explosive environments.”
www.dupont.com
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