UP-CLOSE Gore Chempak CBRN Apparel
dergarment is stretchy enough to allow range of motion with a comfortable fi t, while integrating with over-garments that provide greater protection in special operations, CBRN identifi cation or de- tection, counter-terrorism, decontamination, and related activities. When the undergarment is worn under a NOMEX® fl ight suit type of garment, the NFPA 1994, Class 3 Standard on Pro- tective Ensembles is met so there is protection against toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents below levels not immediately dangerous to life and health.
Blauer XRT and Multi-Threat Blauer is the manufacturer of the Extended Response Team or XRT suit, and the Multi-Threat suit. Both are part of the com- pany’s “Homeland Defender®” line of protective ensembles for CBRN and HazMat incidents.
The Extended Response Team (XRT) suit permits longer en- gagement in the mission with less risk of heat stress compared to traditional HAZMAT suits made of plastics due to its construc- tion with Gore’s selectively permeable Chempak fabric. The suit utilizes a one-piece coverall design with integrated gloves and booties for quick donning without the need for taping. A zipper and sealed interfaces secure the garment. The liq- uid- and vapor-resistant fabric is breathable, making the suit especially benefi cial for safe escape from a contaminated en- vironment, receiving ambulatory victims of terrorism, opera- tions at a decontamination line, perimeter security, protection and related tasks. It features a three-layer construction of a non-carbon based laminate for durability and stability. In chemical permeation tests, a study indicated the fabric barrier used in the XRT suit meets the representative chemical permeation criteria of the NFPA 1994, Class 3 standard. In addition, suit inspec- tion and wearer feedback both indicated the suit was more durable and comfortable than a traditional HazMat protective suit. Many fi rst responders fear that a protective suit will lose its protective capability after extended use, but the study involved an eight-hour fi eld trial to evaluate the performance of the suit and its fabric. Of course, even new protective garments, footwear or gloves may not provide absolute protection, and products do degrade or lose effectiveness with wear, abrasion or other damage. Reg- ular inspection, good judgment, and compliance with the manu- facturer’s recommendations for care and storage are necessary. The XRT ensemble used in the eight-hour study was a sin- gle-piece coverall with an attached hood and fully integrated gloves and booties. Participants in the study were also required to wear a full-face air purifying respirator. The participants reported no discomfort from heat stress or perspiration build- up. The chemical permeation tests included a blister agent, a nerve agent, and a toxic industrial chemical. The XRT has no fi re retardant or thermal protection for the wearer. The Multi-Threat Suit offered by Blauer is made from Gore Chempak Ultra-barrier fabrics to protect in tactically demand- ing ‘hot’ or ‘warm’ zone environments. The suit fi ts like con- ventional outerwear and provides ease of movement without compromising its protective capability. It is re-useable if not contaminated. The shelf life of both suits is 10 years if the recommended storage and care instructions are heeded, but
36 LAW and ORDER I January 2016
The Blauer “Homeland Defender” line is geared for CBRN and HazMat scenarios.
actual shelf life will also depend on the extent to which the garment is used, and the way it is stored.
The Multi-Threat Suit is the highest level of protection in the Homeland Defender® line from Blauer and is certifi ed to the NFPA 1994 standard for Class 2 protection and NFPA 1992 for protection against chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals at or above IDLH when worn with ap- proved SCBA systems.
It protects from liquid, vapor and particulate forms of CBRN agents. The non-permeable membrane is laminated to a 4.5- ounce NOMEX IIIA outer shell for static dissipative perfor- mance and limited protection that resists melting, dripping
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