India Set to Launch Indigenous Firefighting Suit Utilizing Aluminised Coated Glass Fabrics
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Synopsis
India's National Technical Textile Mission is innovating firefighting suits from aluminised glass fabrics, aiming to meet domestic demand and reduce imports. The suits prioritize safety and comfort for various sectors, with manufacturing soon to commence.
Key Takeaways
- NTTM is spearheading suit development.
- Designed for various emergency services.
- Current reliance on European, US, and Chinese imports.
- Safety and comfort are top priorities.
- Manufacturing to begin post fire manikin tests.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) The National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM), a project initiated by the Ministry of Textiles, is working on an advanced firefighting suit crafted from aluminised coated glass fabrics, as announced by the ministry on Wednesday.
These native firefighting suits will be employed by personnel in areas such as firefighting and emergency services, defence forces, the oil and gas sector, aerospace, aviation, power generation, and the thermal industry.
At present, India relies on imports for its most specialized firefighting suits (often referred to as fire entry suits) from regions like Europe, the United States, and China, as domestic production is still developing.
“Current annual demand is estimated at around 1,000 sets by various users in India. However, with the launch of an Indian-certified aluminised suit, consumption is likely to soar,” the ministry stated.
The NTTM initiative is being executed by the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA), in partnership with System 5S.
This suit is constructed using aluminised coated glass fabrics, OPAN (Oxidised Polyacrylonitrile) Nonwoven battings, and FR (Flame Resistant) viscose fabric, with all internal layers quilted together.
The new suit “focuses on safety, comfort, and ease of wearing and removing for firefighters,” the ministry noted.
Furthermore, System 5S's firefighting suit is designed to comply with both European and Indian standards.
In accordance with European Standards, protective attire for specialized firefighting must shield the entire body, including the head, hands, and feet, from radiant heat and flame exposure.
This protective equipment comprises a garment, a hood (either integrated or separate), gloves, and over-boots. Moreover, the design is intended for use with respiratory gear, with variations depending on whether the breathing apparatus is worn inside or outside the protective clothing.
Meanwhile, the industrial partner has already commenced the manufacturing of these new suits for testing purposes, as stated by the ministry.
Commercial production will begin once the fire manikin test is successfully completed to ensure that the suit fulfills all essential performance criteria.
System 5S will “have a yearly production capability of 1,000 suits following this commercialization,” the ministry concluded.
