fire gear
fire protection clothing
LION Brand
LION gear
LION turnout gear
proper fitting turnout gear
turnout gear
Why Quality and Fit Matter When Selecting Fire Gear
The safety of firefighting gear has come a long way. Gear standards set by the National Fire Protection Association, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, and NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program mostly address heat-resistance and protection from toxins. Following complaints about comfort, the National Fire Protection Association updated standards for emergency services work apparel (NFPA 1975) that establish flame-resistant clothing that “won’t cause or exacerbate burn injury” and, while still mandating a baseline heat-resistance threshold, included uniforms that could be either 100% cotton or wool and flame-resistant uniforms.
Fire-End prides itself on the quality of turnout gear we sell. Our Fire-End sales representatives make it a priority to go to our customers and get proper size measurements. They make sure customers are satisfied with the fit of fire department turnout gear before any sale is final. Fire-End understands the importance of the fit and physiology variables that come into play with fire protection gear.
Proper Fit of Turnout Gear
Turnout gear that fits properly while providing comfort and dexterity is crucial to firefighter safety and when your department invests in making sure your staff and volunteers have PPE that fits well, you affirm that you care about their safety.The Physiology of Performance
Following is an example of suggested testing for gear fit (without wearing an SCBA device)- A. NFPA 1500 Standard Position A (Fig. 4A). While standing, reach overhead as high as possible with your hands together. There should be no less than two inches of overlap from the lower edge of the inner liner of the coat to the top of the pants.
- B. NFPA 1500 Position B (Fig. 4B): While standing with your hands together and reaching overhead as far as possible, bend forward, then to the left, then to the right and then backward as much as possible. There should be no less than two inches of overlap from the lower edge of the inner liner of the coat to the top of the pants in any of these positions.
- C. Make sure the lower edge of your pants overlaps the top of your boots by four to six inches. Make sure your gloves and wristlets overlap each other by several inches, leaving no gaps where wrists might be exposed.
Fire Gear Safety and Performance
Ill-fitting gear is a risk and a nuisance, especially for female firefighters. To that end, many LION products are offered in sizes that fit a broader range of body types to eliminate the need for females to alter their gear on their own to “just make it work.” Annually, The Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge serves as a proving ground for protective clothing and participants routinely commend LION gear for being light, fast, and comfortable.