T
he unique circumstances of chemical or
biological hazards mean fi rst-responder team members must be protected from contaminants that could en- danger life or health. Gore® Chempak® fabrics used in chemical/biological hazard suits protect from exposure to such contaminants and allow longer on-scene engage- ment in hazardous situations.
For hazards posed by dangerous industrial chemicals and ma- terials, there must be readiness for accidents during the manufac- ture, storage or transport of such substances. But there are also dangers posed by acts of crime or of terrorism in which chemicals or materials pose a danger to fi rst responders and the public. Gore Chempak “Ultra-Barrier” fabric is impermeable and ap- propriate for environments where chemical, biological, radio- logical or nuclear (CBRN) agents are at or above “Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health” (IDLH) levels when worn with ap- proved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems. The Gore Chempak “Selectively Permeable” fabric is breathable and gives protection against CBRN agents in concentrations below IDLH, when worn with approved respirators. Currently, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-rated HAZMAT suits are designed for such tasks as cleanup or decontamination operations, but the suits tend to be cumbersome to movement and can lack good durability. The Gore Chempak fabrics are engineered to provide both durabil- ity and comfort for wearers engaged in operations. Gore Chempak fabric is made with high-strength fl uoropoly- mer barrier fi lms that have been laminated to various inner or outer shell fabrics. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has set standards that are based on the concentration of a contaminant above or below a particular level that makes the contaminant immediately dangerous to life or health. Gore Chempak fabrics are engineered to meet a variety of situ- ations, such as working within the area where contaminant con- centrations are at or above the IDLH, or where they are below that level. Because the work involves just that—work—the clothing system or suit must be one in which the wearer can move freely, but with the assurance that the clothing is protecting and not tear- ing at the seams. Also, the suit must be lightweight enough to pre- vent heat stress, and fl exible enough to allow ease of movement. An appropriate undergarment can help perspiration vapor escape, thus minimizing thermal impact. When compared to tra- ditional carbon suits, undergarments made with Gore Chempak fabric give over 20 percent more heat wicking and loss. The un-
The Blauer Multi-Threat uses Gore Chempak ultra-barrier fabrics.
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