Firefighting is one of the most admirable jobs of saving lives and objects. But working as a firefighter requires having proper PPE gear to protect yourself from the fire and other influences that come along. So, aside from the protective goggles, helmets and different equipment, the firemans jackets are the most important PPE gear that will keep you protected from high temperatures and fire damages while navigating through dangerous situations. So, as a firefighter, here’s what you need to know about this valuable piece of clothing:
Firefighting Jackets’ Layers
The fire rescue jackets are far beyond being reflective gear that is easy to spot in the burning flames. In fact, they’re made of many layers, each with a different purpose and unique function.
Outer Layer
The external layer of these jackets is the most durable component which has a function to keep you protected from the heat and the burning flames, different abrasive chemicals, lacerations, cuts and any other influences you’re most likely to get exposed to while being on a rescuing mission. In fact, its performance is determined by its composition, construction and weight. But, it doesn’t mean that the more lightweight the jacket is, the less it protects since nowadays you can easily find a lightweight firefighting jacket without compensating for their purpose of providing physical and thermal protection.
Moisture Layer
This layer provides a moisture barrier with a purpose to protect you from the possible penetrating water, different liquid chemicals, viral agents and bloodborne pathogens. The moisture barrier is also crucial for breathability and insulation, as top factors that determine the protection and the comfort the jacket provides. In fact, this layer can be facing the outer layer of the jacket, which provides better insulation and heat protection or the body which means better breathability and a more comfortable jacket. But regardless of which layer it is facing, the moisture barrier and the outer layer are responsible for around 80% of the protective performance of the jacket.
Thermal Layer
The thermal layer is the last, internal layer of the fireman jacket which creates air cushions and microclimate chambers to minimize the heat stress and provide proper insulation. Aside from this, the thermal layer is also responsible to absorb the sweat to increase the wearer’s comfort, as well as to protect the fragile moisture barrier’s seams from the undergarments and from manoeuvring through difficult situations.
Even though every firemans jacket consists of these 3 crucial layers, it doesn’t mean that there can’t be added more layers to enhance the protection and insulation. For instance, the moisture and the thermal layers can often be detached from each other by adding different insulating components, air gaps or raised structures to ensure better protection.
Firefighting Jackets Materials
Although these jackets consist of many layers, they wouldn’t make any sense if they aren’t of the right materials which ensure proper protection.
For this purpose, know that you won’t go wrong if you choose from the great range of Nomex fire rescue jackets as the most popular option among firefighters. In fact, Nomex is a flame-resistant meta-aramid material that can be found on most firemans jackets since the 1960s due to its strong thermal, chemical and radiation resistance and its ability to withstand temperatures up to 370°C.
On the other hand, Kevlar is also one of the most lightweight, heat-resistant and strong synthetic materials used for producing these jackets to be able to withstand more than 400°C of temperature. But even though Kevlar is considered a strong material, it isn’t enough resistant to squashing and squeezing, and that’s why it’s often combined with Nomex.
The Fit Plays a Great Role
Aside from choosing the material which will protect you from the flames and other influences, the firefighting jackets come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different people. In fact, according to the most experienced firefighters, the jackets should sit and feel comfortable while you’re trying to reach overhead as highest as possible with the body bent forward at a 90-degree angle to both sides and back. But even though according to these recommendations your jacket might feel like it’s the right fit, there’re still some rules for determining the right fire jacket for you.
So first of all, don’t forget to take gender into account, since it determines the jacket shape. For instance, women have different body anatomy than men, requiring jackets that are tighter at the waist area and wider at the hip area. Even though this isn’t a rule to follow blindly, make sure you consider your body shape between choosing the right fit.
It’s also important to consider the jacket’s width and length. Adding a bit of spare space to your chest and shoulders circumference will give you the ability to move with your arms without being restricted or feeling uncomfortable. Also, the jacket’s length plays a great role in protecting you, since getting a too short one means having an overlap with the pants and not being protected properly. On the other hand, a jacket that is too long for you will only get in your way while sitting down or stepping up and furthermore will give you a hard time grabbing anything essential from the pants’ pockets.
Aside from choosing the right shape, width and length, your jacket’s sleeves are also of crucial meaning. So, make sure that the sleeve’s cuff falls exactly at the wrist with you being able to reach the ground without the cuffs dropping too low over your gloves.
Talking about gloves, the sleeves’ armholes should be wide enough to fit a pair of them under without feeling stuffed or tight.
Firefighting Jackets Maintenance
After having a successful rescuing mission, it’s important to keep and maintain your firefighting jacket so it can serve you for many of the upcoming missions. So, before you throw it into the laundry basket and put it on for your next mission, it’s very important to learn how to examine it in details. Even though some damages such as discolouration due to the high temperatures, tips, opened seams and loose trims can be very obvious, it’s important to always know the state of the inner moisture and thermal layers. While these layers’ failures are really hard to spot, it’s always best to take notes of every change you notice and consult with your supervisor about the safety of your gear.
Also, it’s important to keep your jacket pristine clean, since dirty jackets carry less insulation and are more prone to conduct heat and electricity and even get on flame. Even if this wasn’t the case, many of the fireground contaminants your jacket has been in touch with are carcinogens and toxic and can damage your skin permanently. For this purpose, it’s important to apply a routine cleaning right after you finish with your mission. This involves brushing debris, rinsing with water, cleaning some stained areas and inspecting your jacket’s condition.
Besides the routine cleaning, the fireman jackets should be thoroughly cleaned every 6 months, or more frequently if more exposed to fire. This includes washing it on hand or into a machine without overloading it. After you make sure it’s washed properly, it’s not recommended to dry it into a drying machine since it can damage the fabric. Even though these jackets are heavy and bulky and will take some time to dry properly, air drying is always the safest and the most recommended option.
Finally, if your jacket gets in touch with some dangerous chemicals or bloodborne pathogens, make sure you use special cleaning services by a professional, to prevent damaging both your skin and your jacket.