The City of Orlando is taking action to increase the protection of its firefighters by providing new structural fire protective clothing specifically designed to reduce exposure of potentially dangerous particulates into garments worn by members of the Orlando Fire Department (OFD).
After an extensive wear trial process, the Orlando Fire Department (OFD) chose LION’s RedZone turnout gear, part of the Dayton, Ohio-based PPE company’s overall contaminant control effort developed in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Technology Directorate (S&T) and the North Carolina State University Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC).
particulate-blocking hood
This gear provides optimal balance of thermal protection and breathability, and doesn’t add additional heat stress"
“Our firefighters deserve as much protection on the job as we can give them,” said OFD Chief Roderick Williams. “While there will always be occupational dangers and exposure to harmful materials and toxins in this job, there are things we can do to help reduce their risks. We owe it to them to do so.”
The firefighters’ new PPE is also designed to provide the same level of fit, comfort and mobility as LION’s high- performance V-Force turnout gear but offers the added protection from exposure at the interface levels in the core, wrist and lower body areas. LION also offers a particulate-blocking hood as an option for added protection.
protection For first responders
“Thermal protection is extremely important for the firefighter,” said Williams. “This new gear also provides the optimal balance of thermal protection and breathability, and doesn’t add any additional heat stress." The new gear will begin to roll out into the field in early 2019, and every OFD firefighter will receive a set of gear with the added particulate protection.
“We are very proud of our work to address the issue of cancer in the fire service by increasing the protection of first responders against carcinogens and harmful particulates, as well as increasing awareness and advocating for their safety,” said Mark Smith, Senior Vice President of LION Americas. “The City of Orlando and the Orlando Fire Department are doing the right thing for their firefighters, and we are pleased to be their partner in protection.”