Why Fire Departments Should Consider Particulate Barrier Hoods

As an industry, we have been trained to think that you have to sacrifice thermal protective performance (TPP) in order to achieve maximum total heat loss (THL). Introducing a game changer for the fire industry, TECGEN71.

Fire-Dex’s exclusive outer shell is designed to lessen heat stress by reducing weight and increasing flexibility.

What is TPP and THL?

From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) “measures how well a fabric protects the wearer against second-degree burns in a flash fire. The higher the TPP value, the more thermal protection the fabric provides relative to other fabrics.”

Total Heat Loss (THL) measures breathability, or the ability of the total composite system to allow heat and moisture to evaporate. Breathability is a key factor in reducing heat stress.

The THL average of all the certified composites in the current NFPA 1971 standard is 248.4 with a TPP average of 43.0.

Most turnout gear options focus on TPP or reducing the weight as it is difficult to attain both measurements.

TECGEN71 IS THE ANOMALY.

The lighter weight total composite system allows more breathability and flexibility, yielding a 48% higher THL without sacrificing TPP or durability.

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