Development of a New Fire Services Wool Tunic

Abstract

Commercial exploitation of new technologies in wool has broadened the range of wool materials available for garment design. A three layer firefighter tunic was de veloped, consisting of a thin compact outer shell of wool serge fabric with a thick brushed woollen insulator and a lightweight cotton lining. The laboratory evaluation of the tunic for protection against heat, flame, water, chemical, and water vapor resistance exceeded the minimum requirements, based on the median value labo ratory results of 18 different tunics officially approved and currently used in 10 European countries. The most appropriate garment design features incorporated into the prototype garment are detailed.