Bristol Uniforms is a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of protective clothing for firefighters, and has been producing high quality PPE for customers around the world for more than 60 years.
The company prides itself on providing customers with a bespoke choice in styles, sizes, colours and accessories so that each fire service can select the right features to suit their activities, equipment and crew.
However, in recent years the company has noticed an additional growing demand for high quality ‘off the peg’ PPE that is immediately available, suitable for structural firefighting operations and offers a more cost-effective solution than bespoke alternatives.
As a result, Bristol has launched its first ever selection of stock styles for structural firefighting. Three stock options have been specifically designed, featuring the most popular elements of the company’s existing top-quality ranges.
It is of course essential that all firefighter PPE can be personalised so that crew members and their Fire Service are easily identifiable. Although Bristol’s stock styles are ready made, once an order is placed, the company is able to add personalised heat-sealed patches to the back of each coat, as well as name to the front, and a name to each trouser.
XFlex
The XFlex stock design is based on Bristol’s flagship XFlex structural firefighting range, which enables excellent range of movement, superior breathability and features distinctive sports styling. Certified to the European CEN standard EN469 Level 2, the design features elbow reinforcements and ergonomic 3D knee pads with reinforcement to make kneeling more comfortable. It also has an adjustable waist band, a removable braces system and a knife pouch in the trouser. The fabric layers are made up of a gold PBI Max outer layer, Gore Crosstech Airlock moisture barrier and an aramid viscose inner lining.
Ergotech Action CEN
Ergotech Action is another popular structural firefighting range from Bristol Uniforms, and has been adapted into two distinct stock styles to suit specific criteria from different international standards certifying bodies.
The stock Ergotech Action for the European CEN standard EN469 Level 2, features a navy Hainsworth TITAN1220 outer layer, a Gore Crosstech Fireblocker moisture barrier and a quilted aramid felt and viscose inner lining. The design includes anti-wicking barriers on the cuffs and hems, underarm gussets and a pleated back panel for improved ergonomics, additional knee reinforcement, and numerous pockets, loops, and rings for carrying various equipment.
Ergotech Action NFPA
The latest Ergotech Action stock design conforms to NFPA 1971:2018 for Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting. This design will be on display for the first time at the Intersec trade exhibition in Dubai in January. Similar in style to the CEN certified Ergotech Action version, it features a Gore Crosstech moisture barrier and Hainsworth TITAN outer layer, but in a Desert Tan colour. There are also distinguishable lined box bellow pockets on both the coat and trouser, and thumb holes on the cuff to prevent exposure around the wrists.
Sizing
Correct sizing for each and every firefighter is essential to offer optimal protective performance. Bristol’s stock kit is available in more than 10 different sizes, with specialist guidance provided on measuring up for the perfect fit.
Industry feedback
According to International Sales Manager, Paul Gibson, the new offering of stock styles has been well-received in the industry, already generating interest and a number of sales. He comments:
“We make a point of listening to feedback from customers and others in the industry to make sure we are servicing the PPE needs of firefighting organisations across the globe. Whilst many of our customers have specific requirements and value our bespoke manufacturing service, we identified a growing interest in sourcing top quality styles off-the-peg. Although this interest has come from a variety of customers around the world, we’ve found the stock styles are particularly popular amongst smaller crews ordering fewer sets of kit.
“These new styles provide our customers with the option to purchase kit that is cost-effective and immediately available without compromising on quality.”
For more information, go to www.bristoluniforms.com
