Rescuers, who literally go through the fire, are in flood operations, or go out to a traffic accident in the rescue service – all depend on their personal protective equipment (PPE), to offer them the greatest possible safety and the best protection.
From June 20 to June 25, 2022, in Hanover, Germany, the exhibitors at INTERSCHUTZ 2022 will be presenting a wide range of current possibilities in the large personal protective equipment - PPE subject area up, with regards to the aspects of cleaning, decontamination, reusability, and disposal.
INTERSCHUTZ 2022
All market-renowned companies are on board and will present their products and solutions, mainly in Halls, 12 and 14 to 16, at the INTERSCHUTZ 2022 exhibition.
“Today, the range of personal protective equipment is greater than ever,” says Heinz-Peter Brandenberg, the District Fire Chief from Cologne, Germany, adding “When you think about the past, you can only be astonished. When we were alerted, we moved out in cotton clothes and rubber boots.”
A glimpse into the past
Furthermore, the handling of contaminated protective equipment is different today
Heinz-Peter Brandenberg recalls his first fire brigade operations. That was just about 40 years ago. His memories make the expert pensive, because not only tactics and technology have changed, but also the further development of operational clothing today follows the latest scientific findings - professional boots instead of rubber boots, robust, heat-resistant protective suits instead of cotton clothing, high-quality helmets and respiratory protection.
Furthermore, the handling of contaminated protective equipment is different today. For example, the operational clothing is decontaminated within professional processes, and no longer merely cleaned in the home washing machine, as it used to be.
Modern PPE offers superior protection and comfort
INTERSCHUTZ offers a complete overview of the extensive range of modern PPE. Visitors can get individual advice at the manufacturers' booths.
“We are convinced that our 'Active Light' clothing concept offers absolute added value,” emphasizes Martin Rost from Ziegler Textil GmbH (hall 15/A12). The aim is to make everyone who wearing our clothes visible and to protect them from accidents.
Advanced work protective clothing
A completely newly developed clothing brand called Z-Protect, by Ziegler Textil, sets new standards in the field of work protective clothing. The combination of high-visibility weather protection clothing with active lighting is a worldwide innovation.
The Austrian company - Texport also sees the best possible protection of the emergency services, as its mission and presents an extensive repertoire of protective clothing for a wide variety of requirements. An example is the protective suit ‘Fire Survivor’, which is equipped with an integrated rescue system and meets optimal heat protection, with easy handling. The trust of firefighters around the globe is achieved through the consistent use of extremely high-quality materials, in combination with the best possible workmanship, Texport emphasizes.
New personal protective equipment – PPE on exhibit
HAIX, one of the world’s renowned manufacturers of functional shoes for fire brigades, police, and task forces, is also coming up with interesting news at the INTERSCHUTZ 2022 event. Details may not be revealed in advance. They are supposed to be surprises for visitors (hall 15, H47, and outdoor area R98).
Dräger (hall 27/G46) presents its new portfolio for the fire brigade with numerous highlights
Dräger (hall 27/G46) presents its new portfolio for the fire brigade with numerous highlights. According to the company, these include the Dräger compressed air breather, Dräger HPS SafeGuard firefighter helmet, which is particularly light with only 1.25 kilos, and the Dräger UCF FireVista thermal imaging camera.
“At the end of March, we recently launched the Dräger BG ProAir, a new circulatory respirator with overpressure, which was specially developed for longer uses,” said a company spokeswoman.
New standards for firefighter helmets
MSA Technologies (hall 14/H20) promises new standards for firefighter helmets with the ‘Gallet F1XF’ model, developed by taking key inputs from firefighters from all over the world. The company states that the Gallet F1XF model opens up a new dimension of protection, multi-functionality, and comfort.
Thanks to its configurable design, the Gallet F1XF is perfectly suited for several types of operations, including interior firefighting, outdoor fires, technical operations, and rescue operations. In addition to its vehicles, extinguishing technology, equipment, and telematics solutions, Rosenbauer (hall27/B58) will also be presenting state-of-the-art personal protective equipment for the toughest applications.
Health protection does not end when the fire is out
Together with the quality of personal protective equipment (PPE), topics such as operational hygiene, disinfection, and decontamination have also become increasingly important in recent years.
“The manufacturers of personal protective equipment have recognized this,” assures Marcus Bätge. He is the Managing Director of the non-profit association - FireCancer (hall 12/B46), which has set itself the task of promoting and sustainably improving the general health and working conditions of the approximately 1.2 million firefighters throughout Germany. This also includes the recognition that the protection of health does not end when the fire is out.
PPE decontamination and disinfection solutions
Every fireman and rescuer is worth it to get the best possible equipment"
Marcus Bätge appeals to the decision-makers in the municipalities, who are responsible for the fire brigades, stating “Every fireman and rescuer is worth it to get the best possible equipment. The exhibitors at INTERSCHUTZ can provide good decision-making aids.”
Numerous companies offering solutions for the decontamination and disinfection of protective clothing are, therefore, also represented, such as Decontex Holding (hall 14/J20) or Deconta (hall 14/J38). Miele (Hall 14/L27) will also be showcasing high-quality equipment for the professional cleaning of operational clothing and respirators.
Minimizing health risks for first responders
International studies show that the dangers to which emergency services are exposed on a daily basis pose a potential health risk. The hygiene industry meeting point at the stand of the United Services Trade Union (German: ver.di) (Hall 12/B78) takes up this topic and provides information on prevention measures, the latest cleaning processes, and innovative products and solutions from Tuesday to Friday, June 21 to June 24, 2022.
In addition, experts report on special topics, such as the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) on the disposal of biological impurities. Detailed information on the program will be available online from mid-May 2022.