Ballyclare’s new ProTec range brings higher standards of protection

Ballyclare has extended its Category III ‘Life-Saving’ workwear range by launching a new and innovative range of multi-hazard protective workwear designed to meet the needs of wearers in a wide variety of emergency-services applications. The new Ballyclare ProTec range includes a comprehensive selection of arc-protection, flame-retardant garments which offer protection against different hazards such as electrical arc flashes, static discharges, welding sparks, molten metal and many more.

The ProTec range builds on Ballyclare’s enviable reputation as one of Europe’s leading designers and manufacturers of both general workwear and specialist protective clothing. ‘We’ve used our experience and our expertise to create a new solution for anyone who needs multi-hazard, flame-retardant garments that will provide maximum protection at all times,’ says Ballyclare’s Sales & Marketing Director, Roger Foster. ‘With the traditional Ballyclare hallmarks of proven design, high-quality materials and outstanding manufacturing processes the ProTec garments can satisfy that requirement safely and reliably, time after time.’

The garments are designed to combine maximum comfort with outstanding protection and durability for people working in dangerous, flammable or other high-risk environments. This makes them ideally suited to many different industries and working environments such as rail, on-site, utilities and offshore. The ProTec range, which is already being supplied into the rail and utilities sectors, offers trousers, jackets, coveralls, long-sleeve polo shirts, sweatshirts plus bib-and-brace garments. Among the many impressive features found on these garments are funnel-neck collars, chevron reflective strips and YKK zips for maximum protection, elasticated waists and adjustable hook-and-loop cuffs for a perfect fit, plus utility pockets and triple needle stitching for maximum practicality and durability.

‘The various garments are available in hi-vis orange, and a hi-vis yellow/navy combination,’ adds Roger. ‘They satisfy the requirements of many different regulatory standards, so you can be sure they are more than capable of meeting the demands placed on them.’ Male garments are available from stock via the new Ballyclare website, with female-fit items available to order, and the ProTec garments can also be worn with Ballyclare’s flame-retardant base-layer and underwear clothing. This allows customers to source a complete clothing solution from one single, specialist supplier.

Included in the ProTec range are waterproof jackets, trousers and coveralls, made from the technically advanced GORE-TEX PYRAD fabric. These garments combine the same ProTec protection with the added benefit of reliable and breathable waterproofing, plus some of the highest arc-flash ratings available in modern PPE.

When exposed to heat and flame, the laminated construction of the GORE-TEX PYRAD fabric forms a stable and non-flammable char layer which protects the wearer. Its robust nature and excellent insulation properties retain the physical integrity of the laminate and prevent the formation of any holes.

The ProTec GORE-TEX PYRAD garments offer a far more lightweight and comfortable solution than the bulky, traditional waterproof, arc-flash protective clothing. ‘The feel of them is far closer to that of high-end garments made for walking and running, yet they still provide outstanding protection against wet weather and many different types of arc flash hazards,’ adds Roger. ‘The lightweight fabric ensures the wearer can maintain a comfortable body temperature and also provides the freedom of movement they need. This encourages people to wear the garments at all times, and allows them to work for longer in difficult conditions. It also extends the range of working environments and applications where the ProTec range can provide the ultimate workwear solution.’

Designed to be equally comfortable for both male and female wearers, the ProTec GORE-TEX PYRAD garments comply with a wide range of EN standards. They are available from the Ballyclare website in hi-vis orange.

Ballyclare has recently launched a new website – ballyclarelimited.com – which provides full details of the new ProTec range, and the company’s many other ranges of high-quality workwear and protective clothing. This includes both general technical workwear, plus solutions designed for specialist sectors such as fire and emergency services, automotive, offshore, healthcare and rail. Visitors can also find details of Ballyclare’s healthcare PPE items, such as single-use FFP2 masks, non-PPE reusable fabric masks, face shields, hand sanitisers and surface wipes.

The Ballyclare ProTec garments which feature the GORE-TEX PYRAD fabric comply with the following standards:

• EN 20471:2013+A1:2016
• EN 343:2019
• EN 11612:2015
• EN 1149-5:2018
• EN 61482-2:2018
• EN 61482-1-1:2019 (EBT50 = 51 cal, ELIM = 42 cal)
• EN 61482-1-2:2014 (APC = Class 2)

About Ballyclare

Ballyclare is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, functional workwear, protective clothing and specialist PPE. The company has been keeping workers safe and comfortable for well over 100 years – building a reputation as one of Europe’s leading workwear and protective-clothing suppliers. It is also a trusted producer of structural and specialist firefighting kit and protective clothing for the emergency services and armed forces. By working with existing partners across the world Ballyclare is an emerging global workwear brand.

For more information, go to www.ballyclarelimited.com