UP CLOSE Protective Apparel I Gore Chempak CBRN Apparel
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 beneficial for safe escape from a contaminated envi- ronment, receiving ambulatory victims of terrorism, operations at a decontamination line, perimeter security, protection and re- lated 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 chemi- cal permeation criteria of the NFPA 1994, Class 3 standard. In addition, suit inspection and wearer feedback both indicated the suit was more durable and comfortable than a traditional HazMat protective suit. Many first responders fear that a pro- tective suit will lose its protective capability after extended use, but the study involved an eight-hour field 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. Regu- lar 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 single- 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 chemi- cal permeation tests included a blister agent, a nerve agent, and a toxic industrial chemical. The XRT has no fire 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 fits 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 rec- ommended storage and care instructions are heeded, but 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 certified to the NFPA 1994 standard for Class 2 protection and NFPA 1992 for protection against chemical warfare agents and toxic indus- trial chemicals at or above IDLH when worn with approved SCBA systems.
It protects from liquid, vapor and particulate forms of CBRN
S THE BLAUER “HOMELAND DEFENDER” LINE IS GEARED FOR CBRN AND HAZMAT SCENARIOS.
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 and burning if exposed to high heat and flame. But there is no insu- lating layer so the wearer is not protected from sustained expo- sure to high temperatures.
This suit is actually designed to be washed and dried mul- tiple times for reuse, if it has not been contaminated. But the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed to be sure
60 Tactical Response Winter 2015
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