Dupont Personal Protection - Experts & Thought Leaders

Each year, MSA Safety and DuPont Personal Protection partner with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to provide Globe turnout gear and MSA fire helmets to volunteer fire departments in need. In 2024, 13 volunteer fire departments across the U.S. and Canada each received four new sets of turnout jackets, turnout pants, and helmets to help increase the safety of their responders. MSA also provided the first 500 applicants with an NVFC membership. Compliant with safety standards The donations have made a notable impact in enabling units to better protect their responders Since the program began in 2012, a total of 767 sets of gear and 312 helmets have been donated to 173 departments, totaling more than 2 million dollars in life-saving gear. Receiving departments faced limited budgets and resources, which prevented them from securing the sufficient quantity of gear they needed and/or left them using gear that was out of date and not compliant with safety standards. The donations have made a significant impact in enabling departments to better protect their responders. Enhance the safety of ground firefighters “Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of their communities, answering the call whenever their neighbors have an emergency,” said NVFC Chair, Steve Hirsch. He adds, “And yet many departments lack the funding to be able to provide state-of-the-art, up-to-date personal protective equipment for their responders. We are proud to partner with MSA and DuPont each year to help meet this need and enhance the safety of our boots on the ground firefighters.” Improve safety for firefighters “DuPont is honored to continue supporting the Globe Gear Giveaway program, which plays a crucial role in providing essential safety equipment to volunteer firefighters across the United States and Canada. We strongly believe that those who protect their communities deserve the very best protection,” said Stephanie Vrakas, NA Marketing Manager, DuPont Personal Protection. “At MSA, our mission is helping to keep people safe at work, including firefighters who are helping to keep their communities safe,” said Ben Mauti, Director of Americas Segment Marketing at MSA Safety, adding “We’re proud to be supporting this program and helping to improve safety for firefighters at fire departments that are most in need, so these firefighters have the protective equipment they need when their community calls on them for help.” Recipients of the 2024 MSA The recipients of the 2024 MSA and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway are as follows: Cornettsville (KY) Fire Department Hessmer (LA) Fire Department East Galesburg (IL) Volunteer Fire Department East Glacier Park (MT) Volunteer Fire Department Elmore Fire Department (Lake Elmore, VT) Gander Bay Fire Department (Wing’s Point, NL, Canada) Hasbrouck Heights (NJ) Fire Department Keating Rural Fire Protection District (Baker City, OR) Prater Fire and Rescue (Grundy, VA) Samburg-Reelfoot Volunteer Fire Department (Hornbeak, TN) Tanner Volunteer Fire Department (Athens, AL) Taylorstown (PA) Volunteer Fire Department Terre Du Lac Fire Department (Bonne Terre, MO). DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway To be eligible to apply for the giveaway, departments must be over 50 percent volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be located in the U.S. or Canada and legally organized under state/province law, demonstrate a significant need for new gear, and the person applying or the department chief must be a member of the NVFC. MSA provides NVFC memberships to the first 500 applicants to help departments meet the membership requirement. The application period for 2025 MSA and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway will open in February 2025. A total of 52 sets of turnout gear and helmets will be awarded to increase firefighter safety. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site, Dispatch newsletter, and Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages, as well as the Globe Facebook page, for details.

MSA Safety, DuPont Personal Protection, and the NVFC annually team up to provide volunteer fire departments in need with state-of-the-art turnout gear and helmets. In 2024, a total of 52 sets of gear and helmets will be awarded to 13 departments. To be eligible, the department must be over 50% volunteer, serve a population of 25,000 or less, be legally organized in the U.S. or Canada, and the person applying or department chief must be an NVFC member. Apply by June 1, 2024.

Proper personal protective equipment is critical to the safety, health, and effectiveness of firefighters, yet many volunteer fire departments struggle to find the budget to provide their firefighters with adequate, up-to-date turnout gear. MSA Safety, DuPont Personal Protection, and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) team up each year to help volunteer departments meet this need through MSA and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway. NVFC membership MSA will provide the first 500 applicants with a complimentary NVFC membership Eligible volunteer fire departments in the U.S. and Canada can apply to receive four sets of turnout gear and helmets in 2024. Now in its 13th year, MSA and DuPont’s Globe Gear Giveaway will award a total of 52 jackets, 52 pants, and 52 helmets to 13 departments to help keep their members safe. In addition, MSA will provide the first 500 applicants with a complimentary NVFC membership. Safety of volunteer firefighters - NVFC's top priority “The safety of volunteer firefighters is a top priority of the NVFC,” said NVFC Chair - Steve Hirsch, adding “We’re fortunate and grateful to have like-minded partners such as MSA and DuPont that want to go that extra mile to protect our nation’s first responders.” “This program allows us to support our valuable volunteer firefighters so they can help keep their communities safe and be there when their neighbors are in need," said Bob Apel, MSA Safety’s Executive Director of Global Fire Service and Digital Experience, adding "At MSA, our mission is to help keep people safe at work, and these types of partnerships are an important part of helping us fulfill our mission." “We are honored to give back in thanks to those that selflessly serve others and leverage our over 60 years of science and commitment to the fire service community in bringing trusted solutions to departments with limited resources,” said Stephanie Vrakas, NA Emergency Response Segment Leader at DuPont. Eligibility criteria The application period is now open. To be eligible to apply, departments must: Be over 50% volunteer Serve a population of 25,000 or less Be located in the U.S. or Canada Be a member of the NVFC (MSA will provide complimentary memberships for the first 500 applicants) Demonstrate a need for the gear

Among the ways, garments protect firefighters is by reducing the heat stress and discomfort created by the need to carry heavy gear. Making the garments more comfortable to wear means less physical stress. Garments also help to protect firefighters from the toxic elements in the fire environment. The extent to which plastic materials can generate toxic smoke when they burn has previously been ignored but is now better understood. Concerted effort to understand end user As a manufacturer of fibers used in firefighting garments, DuPont makes a concerted effort to understand the end user of their products; that is, the firefighter. They seek to keep the firefighter safer and to extend the time available to do his or her job safely. DuPont works with fabric and garment manufacturers to focus on minimizing the impact of the toxic environment. Firefighter’s awareness Multiple initiatives seek to make firefighters more aware of potential dangers and best practices Awareness by firefighters of the negative impact of toxic materials has increased substantially. Multiple initiatives seek to make firefighters more aware of potential dangers and best practices to avoid exposure to contamination. Organizations promoting greater awareness include firefighters’ unions, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Fallen Firefighters Association. Toxic smoke For example, testing confirms that toxic smoke often affects firefighters in the neck and jaw area, where sweat promotes absorption of smoke particles. A woven hood or baklava avoids the absorption, reflected in the NFPA Standard 1971, which makes particulate protection hoods mandatory. The Nomex Nano Flex hood increases the comfort of the gear. Avoiding toxic materials also includes no inclusion of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in garment materials themselves. Standards and Specifications Testing is an area of focus for DuPont, which has the capabilities to test the layered structures firefighters are wearing. One tool is the Thermo-Man, a fully instrumented mannequin that tests the likely burn injuries of flash-over fires. DuPont works with the NFPA, ISO, EN, and other standards committees to develop testing and certified standards to ensure the performance of firefighter garments. Fire gear is specified in each region according to a standard (minimum) performance. In many cases, garments out-perform the requirements. Other variables Other variables of firefighting garments include the fitting and weight Other variables of firefighting garments include the fitting and weight. A less expensive approach might yield a garment that sacrifices comfort. Geographic and climate differences matter, too. A firefighter in the North would prefer a different garment than in the South. Garments should be comfortable, lighter, and warmer in cold environments. On the topic of gender, garment makers offer female designs that are cut and shaped differently. Garment makers evaluate the weight of the assembly, how well it protects against the heat, and the comfort. DuPont works with garment makers to test various materials and how they perform in fire garments. The company works with firefighter consultants in the U.S. and Europe who help them understand the language of firefighters. Addressing Dangers of Toxic Materials Cleaning fire gear of toxic materials is a challenge related to garments. Toxic materials on fire gear returned to the fire station can also expose the station environment to danger. Changing logistics and processes are driving how gear is handled in the fire station environments. Some stations are designating black zones, gray zones, and white zones, depending on the level of contamination of the gear in those areas. Washing and drying More frequent washing of bulky, heavy gear helps to circumvent the impact of toxic materials, but repeated washing and drying can cause mechanical stress and resulting damage to a garment. DuPont collaborates with weaving mills and garment makers to develop fabrics and garments that stand up well to frequent washing.Toxic smoke particles and mandatory use of hoods on firefighters is translating into more washing. As time goes on, the washing and decontamination process will likely become more professionalized with laundry companies stepping in to wash and handle the garments. Fire stations are not well suited to cleaning these garments. Nomex Nano fiber Nomex Nano Flex is a non-woven material that retains toxic and cancer-causing particles Developed to address the growing problem of heat stress, DuPont’s Nomex Nano fiber is engineered to be thinner than other advanced flame-resistant materials. Nomex Nano Flex was developed to help make products like firefighter hoods more protective against particles without compromising comfort. Nomex Nano Flex is a non-woven material that retains toxic and cancer-causing particles, and creates a particulate barrier. It also protects the firefighter from outside heat while cooling the firefighter by evacuating body heat. Higher evaporation rate Nomex Nano Flex has a higher evaporation rate. For the same thermal protection performance (TPP), it also has higher total heat loss (THL). Combining protection, thermal performance and toughness, Nomex Xtreme Performance is the highest performance category of solutions for flame-resistant personal protective apparel. Feedback from Firefighters “If we have a new innovation, or want to share our developments, we go proactively to fire departments to ask: Will this help you or not?” says Alfons N. Held, Global Market Leader, Emergency Response, DuPont Personal Protection. There is a difference between lab testing and what firefighters experience in the real world. Alfons N. Held adds, “We seek to understand what they need, and approach ‘lighthouse’ fire departments for guidance.” In any country or jurisdiction, there are fire departments – ‘lighthouse’ departments – that set the trends and work to evaluate the gear. If someone in Florida is using certain gear, it might also work in Texas or Arizona. The protection level Areas of continuing research in terms of firefighter garments include making them more wash-durable The question is: What protection level do we need? Given that level, departments seek to balance comfort with performance. Ironically, of the firefighters who die every year, some two-thirds of the deaths are attributable to overexertion, while less than 10% is linked to the fire/heat. Areas of continuing research in terms of firefighter garments include making them more wash-durable, more comfortable (with higher evaporation) and more lightweight. Complex systems Garments can be complex systems; heavy turnout gear is a five-layer garment with each layer contributing to performance – the outer shell, the inner liner, a moisture membrane, and one or two thermal liners. Sometimes attention is more focused on the outer layer of the gear with less awareness of the other layers and how the entire system works together. Importance of station wear In fact, protection of the firefighter starts at the skin, so station wear is important. “In our view, looking at all the layers on the skin and outwards is important,” says Alfons N. Held, adding “Firefighters wear various materials that are not always optimal.” For example, a cotton undergarment might get wet from sweat, stay wet and not evaporate. Environmental impact is another concern among garment-makers. Can the materials be reused or recycled? Some countries in Europe ask that manufacturers take back garments after they are used.     New Garments, New Needs A special need is development of new garments that can perform at the wildland urban interface (WUI), where catastrophic wildland fires encroach on residential areas. Design of gear for wildland firefighting has been lighter and does not include breathing systems. When fires reach residential areas, gear needs change. Wildland firefighters are not equipped to enter a structure fire and do not have adequate protection against carcinogens. New gear designs are needed that address both environments.

Trends in garments and protective gear for firefighters are evolving to address the changing needs of the fire service. Garments worn by firefighters must be comfortable and allow an adequate range of motion. They must protect first responders from hazards such as heat and exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Fire service clothing must be durable to withstand long-term usage in hostile environments. “It’s personal for everyone in the industry,” says Oliver Spoecker, Director, Workwear & Protective Wear and Global Commercial Director for Lenzing. “Firefighters have to be kept safe by the best all-around protective fabrics.” He says fibers must be comfortable, breathable and safe.” Fire-Resistant qualities Flame resistance is a fundamental property for fibers in the fire service. Lenzing FR (Flame Resistant) Fibers are sustainably produced on three continents by the multi-billion-dollar company. The cellulosic fibers come from wood and then are made inherently flame retardant by introducing a pigment into the carbon matrix that provides fire-resistant qualities. Another concern in the fire service is stress from excess body heat caused by exertion The flame resistance is an integral part of the fiber and therefore cannot be washed out or worn out over time; the fire resistance endures as long as the garment. Another concern in the fire service is stress from excess body heat caused by exertion, and FR fibers are breathable to address the issue. Because the fiber comes from natural substances, there are no dangers of exposure to skin. Fire service market Lenzing fibers are familiar to ex-soldiers who later become firefighters. The uniforms of U.S. soldiers in Iran and Afghanistan contained Lenzing fibers. In fact, the breakthrough in military applications gave the company a push to enter the fire service market in 2007. DuPont produces Nomex Xtreme Performance fibers that provide protection, thermal performance and toughness for firefighters. They contain the heat and flame protection of DuPont Nomex with the lightweight strength of DuPont Kevlar, and the thermal damage tolerance and durability of high-performance materials such as PBO, Nomex Nano, and Nomex Nano Flex. Nomex fibers are incorporated into garments by manufacturers such as Fire-Dex, Globe Manufacturing, Lion, Veridian, and Viking. Comfort and flexibility are guiding the development of newer garments. Lighter-Weight jackets A triple-certified garment addresses the budget restraints of many departments For example, 5.11 Tactical has introduced lighter-weight jackets, outerwear, and a duty uniform that combine an ‘old-school’ aesthetic with better comfort and a better range of motion. Flexible fabrics, including a polyester-cotton blend, and adjusted fit are elements in the new line. Viking has introduced the new Viking Shield clothing line that meets the requirements of three different applications: technical rescue and extrication (NFPA 1951), emergency medical services (NFPA 1999), and wildland firefighting (NFPA 1977). A triple-certified garment addresses the budget restraints of many departments. The approach is cost-effective and cost-efficient, says Grant Grinstead, Viking’s Fire Segment Sales Manager for North America. Providing structural protection A surprising element is how lightweight the garment is. “A lot of firefighters are shocked because they didn’t know there was a product like this,” says Grinstead. “The big thing is the light weight and the feel of it, and it is made in tailored sizes.” Viking has provided structural protection (turnout gear) to firefighters for two decades. Introduction of the new Shield product can help reserve a company’s turnout gear for the 30 to 40% of calls that require it. For the other 60 to 70% of calls, the new multi-use, lightweight garments can provide more comfort for firefighters.

Last year was the largest wildfire season recorded in California in modern history, with six of the top 20 largest wildfires in the state, according to the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). In 2020, firefighters faced a total of 9,917 wildfires that consumed a record 6,653 square miles. These fires took the lives of 33 people and damaged or destroyed 10,488 structures. Ahead of the 2022 wildland fire season, climatologists are predicting another record-shattering year of frequent and intense wildfires across the United States. This reflects a continuing trend of more wildfires and more acres burned, with seasons that are more severe and last longer. Growing concern for WUI firefighters DuPont believes these dedicated men and women deserve the best protection Concern is growing for wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighters as fires today frequently intersect with residential areas, in and around wildland fields. WUI firefighters are fighting both wildfires and urban fires. This comes with combined hazards and the clear need for their gear to work harder than ever before. DuPont believes these dedicated men and women deserve the best protection and the best gear to match their unwavering commitment to keeping everyone safe. At DuPont, we look at singular and multiple threats simultaneously. Our decades of experience, wide portfolio of solutions and unique partnerships with firehouses around the world, allow us to continue to innovate our next-generation gear to face emerging threats. Uncompromised Protection The DuPont Nomex brand has been trusted for over 50 years. WUI firefighters can depend on apparel made with Nomex and Nomex Nano to offer higher fire resistance along with over 99% particulate protection in lighter weight options. Nomex Nano was developed to address the growing problem of heat stress. It is engineered to be thinner than other advanced flame-resistant (FR) materials used for thermal liners and features a higher limiting oxygen index (LOI) than traditional Nomex and DuPont Kevlar. Nomex Nano We have seen Nomex Nano provide up to 40% reduction in thermal liner thickness, when compared to other advanced liners available in the market, while providing similar thermal protection performance. By reducing the weight and bulk of current turnout gear (TOG) systems, liners made with Nomex Nano can help give firefighters increased mobility and a better range of motion, thereby helping to reduce fatigue, disorientation and heat exhaustion. Reduced heat stress and enhanced moisture management Nomex Nano also helps reduce heat stress due to its enhanced moisture management Nomex Nano also helps reduce heat stress due to its enhanced moisture management, which includes a high absorption rate to remove sweat quickly and a high evaporation rate to drive water out of a firefighter’s skin and the thermal liner system. Kelly Whitt, Business Development Manager at DuPont said, “Our existing products have been proven with years in the structural firefighting arena. Today, we’re looking at ways to bridge the gap and give WUI firefighters the same level of protection from harmful smoke particulates that can be found in structural fire turnout gear.” Field test of new laminated composite fabric technology Kelly Whitt adds, “We are field testing a new laminated composite fabric technology – utilizing Nomex® Nano – that will provide superior particulate protection for both wildland-urban interface and brush fire firefighting.” DuPont understands that collaborating with a variety of stakeholders is the key to taking the technology to the next level and providing WUI firefighters with a better level of protection, than what they have previously experienced with traditional wildland gear. Game-changing barrier protection Scientists are just starting to learn more about what firefighters are exposed to, when they are battling a wildland blaze. They know that a variety of airborne pathogens get kicked up in a fire. They have tracked countless living microbes and airborne pathogens that could seep into the skin, enter lungs and cling to clothing. But the long-term effects of wildfire smoke aren’t really known, as fires haven’t burned for this long until recent years. At this point, experts don’t have a good understanding of the many trillions of microbes that survive and proliferate in wildfires. “The diversity of microbes that we've found are really mind-bending,” said Leda Kobziar, the University of Idaho’s Wildland Fire Science Director.  The addition of Nomex Nano Flex to a firefighter hood composite structure Enhanced protection against particulates As we look to the next generation of gear, we want to focus on increasing protection against particulates. We know that when added to a firefighter hood composite structure, hoods made with Nomex Nano Flex provide higher than 99% particulate, bacterial and viral filtration efficiency, without compromising on comfort. The addition of Nomex Nano Flex to a firefighter hood composite structure provides improved particle barrier protection in the neckline and upper jaw. These are areas that are known to be the most vulnerable and least protected. In fact, it results in up to a 4x increase in particle barrier efficiency. And comfort doesn’t take a back seat. Better situational awareness and high breathability “I speak with firefighters daily, and they tell me hoods with Nomex Nano Flex have exceptional durability,” said Chris Nowacki, Regional Sales Manager – Emergency Response and Utility/Arc at DuPont, adding “In addition, fire departments specify Nomex Nano Flex over other particulate-blocking materials for enhanced safety, better situational awareness, high breathability, low shrinkage and enhanced performance, when soaked with perspiration.” Protection That Lasts Tests show that hoods and composites made with Nomex Nano Flex offer 99% particulate-blocking efficiency Tests show that hoods and composites made with Nomex Nano Flex offer 99% particulate-blocking efficiency, which is four times better than conventional hoods, even after 150 washes. To further validate the durability of the hoods, a test was performed at two local fire stations using hoods from three different manufacturers with different designs, including quilted and non-quilted options. Nomex Nano particulate-blocking gear Each trial consisted of 250 cycles of donning and doffing, followed by one NFPA 1851 recommended washing and drying for 10 cycles. Despite these aggressive trials, the hoods maintained their protective performance. Nomex Nano particulate-blocking gear helps prevent crews from being exposed to particulates and aerosolized microbes. At DuPont, we are committed to continuing our work with our industry partners to leverage our proven technologies and push the boundaries of science so that the next generation of WUI firefighting gear offers the highest level of protection possible. We are the innovation partner and ingredient. We stay with partners throughout the entire process of adoption and make sure the end user also has what they need to be safe and successful in their jobs. Our heroes deserve it.