In a further extension of its own-manufacture product strategy, Bristol has designed a range of three structural firefighting gloves to meet EN659:2008 and which have focused on providing class leading protection and manual dexterity.
The new gloves, which have been designed by Bristol’s in-house design team as part of Bristol’s New Product Development Programme (BNPDP), have been fully tested by UK firefighters before going into production and will be available in three different fabric combinations. A robust development programme included extensive trials on alternative material combinations as well as the cut, finger shaping and overall dexterity of the fire gloves.
The first product will be available from the autumn of 2014, which is an all-black, soft, flexible leather design incorporating a Gore CROSSTECH® membrane with a Kevlar lining. Special features include silicone finger and palm grips and a knitted Nomex® cuff.
Independent testing has shown the glove to score exceptionally well in cut and tear resistance:
| Test Type | EN standard | Score |
| Cut resistance | EN388 | 5 |
| Abrasion resistance | EN388 | 3 |
| Puncture resistance | EN388 | 3 |
| Tear resistance | EN388 | 4 |
| Dexterity | EN420 | 4 |
Two other gloves in the range, which will be available in 2015, will incorporate Hainsworth TITAN® fabrics – the former using TITAN® PBI 1260 and the latter a TITAN® 1220 in red. In common with the leather glove, these both include a Gore CROSSTECH® membrane with a Kevlar lining. Identifying features include silicone palms, reflective piping, knuckle protectors and knitted NOMEX® cuffs. With similar overall rating scores, the individual standard test scores are:
| Test Type | EN standard | Score |
| Cut resistance | EN388 | 4 |
| Abrasion resistance | EN388 | 4 |
| Puncture resistance | EN388 | 3 |
| Tear resistance | EN388 | 4 |
| Dexterity | EN420 | 4 |
All three gloves in the range will be available in a wide range of sizes from
6-12 and XXS-XXL.
Commenting on the planned autumn launch, Roger Startin, Bristol’s joint managing director said, “This new fire glove range is further evidence of our long term plan to use our in-house design experience and capability to bring more own-manufactured firefighter PPE products to market beyond our traditional ranges of specialist coats and trousers. Previously the BNPDP has seen the introduction of fire hoods and a firefighter motorcycle suit in 2012 followed by our new EN469:2005 Level 1 firefighter motorcycle suit earlier this year. We’re looking forward to showing our new gloves at the Emergency Services Show in September”.
For more information, go to www.bristoluniforms.com
