PPE_-_Specifications_For_External_Use.pdf

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EDINBURG, TX

COAT AND PANT

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SPECIFICATION

NFPA 1971, 2013 EDITION

SCOPE: The purpose of the clothing is to provide protection during structural fire fighting operations where there is a threat of fire or when certain physical hazards are likely to be encountered, such as during non-fire-related rescue operations, emergency medical operations, and victim extrication.

_____COMPLIANT _____EXCEPTION

STANDARDS: All garments produced shall meet or exceed the criteria set forth in the current edition of NFPA

1971 STANDARD ON PROTECTIVE ENSEMBLES FOR STRUCTURAL FIRE FIGHTING AND

PROXIMITY FIRE FIGHTING, FED-OSHA CFR 1910, Subpart L, OHSA 29 CFR Part 1910.1030 and/or the requirements of CAL-OSHA title 8, Article 10.1, Para. 3406.

All components and composites used in the construction of garments shall be third party tested, certified and listed for compliance to NFPA 1971. The label of the third party certification organization shall denote certification.

The manufacturer shall be registered to the ISO Standard 9001 to assure a satisfactory level of quality.

COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE: The garment composite, consisting of the outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner, shall provide a Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) of not less than 43 when tested in accordance with NFPA 1971 standard.

The garment composite, consisting of the outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner, shall provide a Total Heat Loss (THL) of not less than 270 when tested in accordance with NFPA 1971 standard.

The Heat Transfer Index rating shall be a minimum of 25 seconds for the shoulder when measured at 2 psi (pounds per square inch) and a minimum of 25 seconds for the knee when measured at 8 psi.

OUTER SHELL MATERIAL: +/- 7.0 oz./sq. yd. 70% "PBI Dominant" PBI®/KEVLAR® spun yarns/30% 600 denier KEVLAR® filament in a twill weave with extremely durable FPE water resistant Teflon® FPE alloy finish. Color shall be natural (gold).

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MOISTURE BARRIER MATERIAL: CROSSTECH® 3-Layer membrane laminated between a NOMEX® pajama check and a NOMEX® woven fabric; weighing 7.0 oz./sq. yd.

THERMAL LINER MATERIAL: The thermal liner shall be comprised of Glide™ high-lubricity, stress reducing, filament/spun face cloth weighing 3.6 oz/sq/yd. The Kevlar filament yarns shall represent no less than 60% of the face cloth’s composition and shall be positioned in the warp direction of the weave in order to optimize their slippery characteristics on the face. Nomex spun yarns, with superior wicking characteristics, shall be used to promote moisture management within the garment. The Glide™ face cloth shall be quilted to one layer spunlace aramid (85%NOMEX®/15% KEVLAR®) weighing approximately 2.3 oz./sq. yd. and one layer of apertured (11- 13 apertures/sq. inch) spunlace aramid (85% NOMEX®/15% KEVLAR®) weighing approximately 1.5 oz./sq. yd.

both layers shall be treated with a Teflon® finish to promote minimal moisture storage in the garment as well as promote rapid drying (Total weight +/- 7.3 oz./sq. yd.).

STRESS POINTS: All outer shell stress points, including top and bottom pocket corners, pocket flap corners, top and bottom of storm flap/fly shall be reinforced using a 42 stitch minimum bar tack.

REFLECTIVE TRIM: All trim shall be sewn with four rows lockstitch 301, minimum six stitches/inch for most secure trim attachment. Trim shall be 3" Scotchlite II (triple trim) of lime/yellow, perforated with 0.08 mm holes (114 per square inch) to provide a conduit for the release of vapor that can occur when moisture is heated and the trim compressed.

Coat trim shall be applied as follows: Viz-a-V Pattern: One 3" strip shall be set full circumference at the bottom sweep of the outer shell; one 3" strip shall be set around each sleeve approximately 2" above the cuff; one 3" strip shall be set around each sleeve just above the elbow; one 3" strip shall be set full circumference at the chest; two 3" V shaped vertical strips shall be set at an angle from hem trim to back chest trim of the coat; one strip set vertical down flap of fallen man harness.

Pant trim shall be applied as follows: One strip set full circumference around the bottom of the cuff 2"/3" from the bottom cuff; one strip extending from top of knee centered at outseam position to top of cuff trim.

SIZES: Coats shall be made available in even chest sizes with corresponding sleeve lengths available in short, regular, and long. Pant sizes shall be made available in even waist sizes with inseam lengths available in extra short, short, regular, and long. Male and female sizing is available.

LABELING: Each garment shall have a garment label(s) permanently and conspicuously attached stating at least the following language, as well as detailed warning instructions provided by the manufacturer

Do Not Remove This Label

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THIS STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING PROTECTIVE GARMENT MEETS THE GARMENT

REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 1971, 2013 EDITION

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

TRACKING LABEL SYSTEM: There shall be a PDF417, two dimensional bar code label permanently affixed to each garment for tracking purposes. The bar code shall contain a minimum of the following information:

a. unique serial number

b. item description (brand, model, material color)

c. lot information (date of mfg., size, etc.)

d. material description

e. the standard to which the garment is compliant

The bar code shall be able to withstand customary wash and wear cycles. The PDF417 bar code must incorporate a minimum of a 30% “error correction” capability.

PACKAGING: Each Coat and Pant shall be packaged in a dark plastic bag in order to provide protection during shipping and prior to first use.

USER INFORMATION GUIDE: Each garment shall include a User Information Guide with information required by NFPA 1971. This guide shall include:

(a) Pre-use information:

• Safety considerations.

• Limitations of use.

• Garment marking recommendations and restrictions.

• A statement that most performance properties of the garment cannot be tested by the user in the field.

• Warranty information.

(b) Preparation for use:

• Sizing/adjustment.

• Recommended storage practices

(c) Inspection:

• Inspection frequency and details.

(d) Don/Doff:

• Donning and doffing procedures.

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• Sizing and adjustment procedures.

• Interface issues.

(e) Use:

• Proper use consistent with NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department, Occupational Safety and Health

Program, and 29 CFR 1910, 132.

(f) Maintenance and Cleaning:

• Cleaning instructions and precautions with a statement advising users not to use garments that are not thoroughly cleaned and dried.

• Inspection details.

• Maintenance criteria and methods of repair where applicable.

• Decontamination procedures for both chemical and biological contamination.

(g) Retirement and disposal:

• Retirement and disposal criteria and considerations.

(h) Drag Rescue Device (DRD)

• Use, inspection, maintenance, cleaning and retirement of the DRD.

WARRANTY: Each garment shall have a limited lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: The Garments shall be manufactured in the United States.

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V-FORCE™ BI-SWING COAT

COAT CONSTRUCTION: The coat is designed of a 3-panel construction in all layers of our innovative V-fit design. For optimum comfort and mobility an inverted pleat on each side where back front and back body panel pieces meet shall be incorporated. Each pleat shall begin at the back of each shoulder and shall extend vertically down the side of the coat. A combination moisture barrier/thermal liner shall include a corresponding 1" inward dynamic fold approximately 1.5" from each sleeve seam at the shoulder. This fold shall provide for coat expansion when extending arms forward and shall interface with the inverted pleats of the outer shell to maximize mobility and function of the outer shell and thermal liner. Sleeves shall be of raglan design in the front and set in design in back. When measured at the center of the back from the collar seam to the hem bottom, the coat shall measure – 29, 30.5” 32", 33.5” or 35” long. (29" or 32" female).

MOISTURE BARRIER/THERMAL LINER CONSTRUCTION: Design shall be compatible with the outer shell so that the liner does not buckle, pull, or otherwise restrict body motion. The left and right fronts of the moisture barrier/thermal liner shall be attached to the facings at the front closure of the outer shell. The moisture barrier/thermal liner shall be secured to the outer shell collar such that when donning the coat an arm may not be accidentally caught between the outer shell and its inner linings.

The liner shall have one 8.5” x 8.5” internal pocket which shall be made of black outer shell material. The liner pocket shall be located on the left side of coat liner.

The two-piece moisture barrier shall be completely sewn to the thermal liner at its perimeter with the breathable membrane oriented inward toward the thermal liner and away from the outer shell. All moisture barrier seams shall be sealed as required by NFPA 1971. The moisture barrier/thermal liner shall finish no more than 1" from the cuffs and 2" from the hem.

The VENTED moisture barrier features a circumferential opening at the torso mid section with a two-inch overlap and bartack reinforcement. Venting the moisture barrier allows increased heatloss performance while maintaining protection.

MOISTURE BARRIER/THERMAL LINER ATTACHMENT: The moisture barrier/thermal liner shall be completely detachable from the outer shell for ease of cleaning by the use of hook and loop, zippers, and snaps.

There shall be a thermoplastic zipper and two snaps down each front facing, hook and loop shall also be located around the entire neck opening. In addition, there will be a snap for alignment along the bottom of the liner, and one snap and hook and loop at each sleeve end.

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COAT LINER INSPECTION SYSTEM: There shall be a 10" opening located on the coat liner system at the center right front of the liner. This opening will provide the ability to completely invert the coat liner to properly view the integrity of the entire liner system. There shall be one piece 1” x 4” Loop sewn to the back side of the liner system with a piece of 1.5” x 3” Hook sewn to the inside of the outer shell to ensure proper alignment when installing the liner system into the outer shell. This Liner Inspection System is completely hidden when the liner is properly installed into the outer shell.

COLLAR: The 3" split collar shall consist of two piece construction shaped for comfort. The collar shall be configured such that when the collar is raised it shall remain standing while providing continuous thermal and moisture protection around the neck and face. To ensure this protection, the two layers of outer shell collar shall be fully lined with a layer of CROSSTECH® Black. The shell collar shall provide proper interface with the liner to insure no moisture penetration through the collar seam to the inside of coat. The shell collar shall have multiple pieces ¾” hook along top edge, and EXTRA HIDDEN SNAPS for liner attachment.

The liner collar shall be a layer of self material and a layer of CROSSTECH® Black. The design shall be compatible with the outer shell so that the liner does not buckle, pull, or otherwise restrict body motion. The left and right fronts of the liner collar shall be attached to the facings at the front closure of the outer shell. The neck of the liner collar shall be secured to the neck of the outer shell collar such that when donning the coat an arm may not be accidentally caught between the outer shell and its inner linings. A 4" wide CROSSTECH® Black and 1.5” self-material extension shall be sewn the full length of the neck with two pieces of 1” loop for attachment to shell collar. The self material extension shall overlap the shell collar to prevent exposure of the hook and loop. Collar closure shall be provided by Hook and loop 1.5” x 4”, with hook portion sewn on right side of collar, and loop portion sewn on left, set horizontal. The collar shall be attached to the liner facing using 3/4" hook. Collar shall be of such design so as not to interfere with SCBA face masks, or helmet.

DRAG RESCUE DEVICE (DRD): The Fire Fighter Recovery Harness™ shall be constructed of a one and one-half inch wide KEVLAR® strap that shall be installed between the outer shell and the thermal liner. This harness shall have a hand loop (16” in circumference) that exits the outer shell through a 2” polymer coated aramid reinforced slot on the back of the coat just below the collar and is held in place by means of a piece of 1.5” x 2” loop on the strap and a piece of 1” x 3.5” loop attached to the outer shell. This strap is then secured under a 2.5” x 4.25” flap that is sewn in at the neck /collar area. One piece of 1” x 3.5” hook shall be set horizontally on shell to align with one piece of 1” x 3.5” loop set horizontally to the underside of the flap. The harness is also held in proper alignment by means of a piece of 2” x 2” loop placed on the inside of the outer shell underneath the chest trim that corresponds to a piece of 1.5”x 2” hook located on the harness. Two 1” x 3.5” self-fabric straps with 1” x 2” hook on one end and 1” x 2” loop on other end shall be set inside the coat in the shoulder cap area to keep straps in proper position for use.

Fire Fighter Recovery Harness™ provides mechanical leverage for dragging a downed and incapacitated structural firefighter from a life-threatening environment. The design of the harness enables the rescuer to drag the downed firefighter in line with the axis of the firefighter's skeletal frame, in order to decrease the risk of further injury.

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HANGER LOOP: An external hanger loop constructed of a double layer of outer shell material and reinforced with two 42-stitch bartacks shall be provided on the outside of the coat at the collar seam. It shall be designed to provide long service and shall not tear or separate from the coat when the coat is hung by the hanger loop, loaded evenly with a weight of 80 lbs. and allowed to hang for one minute.

THERMAL REINFORCED YOKE: A layer of Semper Dri™ (3.0 oz./sq. yd. Teflon® treated Chambray (NOMEX® spun) face cloth quilted to (total weight +/- 6.0-6.8 oz./sq. yd)) shall be positioned between the moisture barrier and thermal liner for extra thermal protection in a high heat and compression area of the coat.

It shall be sewn to the inside of the upper back portion and raglan sleeve of the thermal liner across the upper back and shoulder approximately 7".

SHOULDER CAPS: A 4" wide area at the top of the shoulders extending 6" from the collar seam shall be capped with outer shell material for abrasion resistance and thermal protection.

V-FIT™ ELBOW: The sleeve shall have an insert throughout all layers that shall provide a natural bend in the sleeve. This elbow shall include cut outs, shaped pieces, and darts to create free movement with few restrictions.

The insert shall consist of black polymer coated aramid for abrasion resistance and thermal protection. In addition to reinforcement, elbows shall be padded using one layer of uninterrupted 1/8" thick, fire retardant closed-cell foam. The reinforcement material shall be oriented between the outer shell and elbow insert reinforcement.

SLEEVE WELL: A combination Semper Dri™ (3.0 oz./sq. yd. Teflon® treated Chambray (NOMEX® spun) face cloth quilted to two layers of NOMEX®/Kevlar® spunlace (Total weight +/- 6.0-6.8 oz./sq. yd)) and three layer CROSSTECH® moisture barrier leader shall be sewn no more than 1" back from the combination liner sleeve end. This leader shall be approximately 4" in length and end with a gathering of 1" elastic. This sleeve well shall prevent water and hazardous materials from entering the sleeve when arms are in a raised position.

The combination liner sleeve ends shall be inserted into the outer shell sleeve ends by means of lining up the snaps then attaching the loop fastener of the combination liner sleeve end with the hook fastener of the outer shell cuff. This method of combination liner attachment shall prevent any gaps from occurring between the combination liner and sleeve well during a full range of motion. The combination liner shall extend to within 1" of the sleeve end.

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WRISTLETS: An internal wristlet shall consist of a 2-ply knit of 48% NOMEX®/48% KEVLAR® and 4% Spandex for superior recovery. Wristlet to be combination of natural and bronze colors producer dyed by DuPont, and with extremely durable Teflon® water resistant alloy not less than 8" extending completely over the palm with a thumbhole preventing the wristlet from sliding back. Wristlets shall be double stitched and bound to the moisture barrier/thermal liner providing extended thermal and slash protection.

CUFFS: The extended cuff of the sleeve shall be reinforced with a binding of black poly-coated aramid material not less than 3" in total width for abrasion resistance and thermal protection. One leather tab with female snap fastener shall be set in the cuff to attach outer shell to liner.

THERMAL FRONT PANEL CONSTRUCTION: There shall be continuous thermal and moisture protection around the entire torso including the storm flap. To ensure this protection, as well as reduce potential for wicking moisture to inside of liner, both right and left inside front facings of the coat outer shell shall incorporate outer shell fabric extending from collar to hem.

COAT FRONT CLOSURE DESIGN: The complete outer shell coat front closure design shall consist of a FRONT CLOSURE SYSTEM completely protected by an OUTSIDE STORM FLAP which shall have its own, independent STORM FLAP CLOSURE SYSTEM.

STORM FLAP: A storm flap measuring not less than 2.5" wide, nor less than 22" in length shall be set on the outside of the right side of the coat opening for maximum thermal protection and clear drainage. The inner lining of the storm flap shall be Gore RT7100™ PTFE moisture barrier meeting all requirements for moisture barriers sandwiched between two layers of outer shell fabric.

FRONT/STORM FLAP CLOSURES: The front closure shall consist of a thermoplastic zipper with a 1 3/4" polymer coated aramid tab added to left bottom for fast closure and exit. There shall be four standard snap hooks, each securely riveted with three leather reinforced rivets to the left front coat, to engage dee rings on the storm flap.

Dee rings shall each be securely riveted with two leather reinforced rivets, along the leading outside edge of the storm flap. The snap hooks and dee rings shall be spaced with the first hook at the top of the coat and the other three snap hooks and dee rings evenly spaced along the front of the coat.

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HANDWARMER POCKETS: Pair 9" x 9" Semi-bellow and handwarmer pocket combination that expands by means of side and bottom gussets to a thickness of 2” in back only and 0" in front. The pockets shall be set at the bottom of the coat hem and reflective trim shall be set on each pocket. There shall be a 6” opening on the rear side of the bellow of the pocket. Semi bellow pocket shall be lined 4.5" up outside pocket with poly coated aramid. Handwarmer pocket shall be lined inside with Semper Dri™ thermal liner material. Pocket and flap shall be set with stitch 301, seam Ssb-2 with each corner of pocket opening and top corners of flap reinforced with bar tacks for additional strength. Drainage of moisture to be provided by brass eyelets. Each pocket flap shall measure 10" wide by 3" high in front and 5" high in rear. Each flap shall incorporate a 1" by 2" polymer coated aramid pull tab for easy opening. The corner under this tab shall be reinforced with two layers of Lite-N- Dri™ for stability. A hook and loop closure system shall be set with two pieces of 1.5" x 3" loop fastener set horizontally on the outside edge of the pocket opening with corresponding 1.5" x 3" hook fastener set vertically on the underside of the flap.

RADIO POCKET: One 3.5" wide x 9" deep full bellows radio pocket that expands by means of side and front gussets to a thickness of 2" in front and back. Pocket and flap shall be set with stitch 301, seam Ssb-2 with the top and bottom pocket corners and top corners of flap reinforced with a minimum 42-stitch bar tack. A brass eyelet shall provide drainage of moisture. Pocket flaps shall be 4.5”x 5”. Pocket shall be fully lined all 3 sides inside pocket with polycotton lining. Pocket flap shall close to the pocket top using 1 piece of 1"x 2" loop on pocket horizontally and 1 piece of 1"x 2" hook on flap vertically. Pocket flap shall include a notch on the flap to accommodate an antenna.

MIC TAB: There shall be a 1" x 3" self-fabric mic tabs with poly-coated aramid inside. Mic tab shall be bartacked to the shell on each end on the left chest above the radio pocket.

FLASHLIGHT HOLDER: There shall be a 1.25"x 8.5" self fabric flashlight holder x-stitched to the outer shell of coat on the right chest. Strap shall have 1"x 2" hook applied to one end of the strap and 1"x 2" loop applied to opposite end of strap. There shall be a 703 snap-hook applied to outer shell 5" above the self fabric strap. It shall be securely fastened to the coat by means of a self fabric strap looped through the end of the 703 hook and bartacked to the outer shell.

LETTER PATCH: There shall be one 1.5"x18" contoured 2-layer self-fabric one-line Letter Patch attached to hang from back hem via hook & loop and corner snaps.

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LETTERING: All lettering shall be Lime/Yellow Scotchlite. Names (1ST INITIAL + LAST) shall be sewn to the hanging patch using 3” (2” if required for fit).

LETTERING: All lettering shall be Lime/Yellow Scotchlite. EDINBURG shall be sewn to the yoke using 3”.

TEXAS FLAG: There shall be a 2.5x4.25" Texas State Flag patch sewn to the coat sewn to the coat on the upper left sleeve.

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V-FORCE™ PANT WITH BELT

PANT CONSTRUCTION: The pant shall have a low rise waist V-Fit™ design.

ESCAPE BELT: There shall be an NFPA 1983, 2006 Edition escape belt shall be positioned through belt loops on the pants or coat. The belt shall be constructed of 2" Kevlar webbing and sewn with Kevlar thread. The belt closure shall be a snap and V-Ring. A D-ring attachment point shall be provided. When not in use this D-ring is secured out of the way by means of a one inch by three inch loop and one inch by four inch hook strap. The belt shall also be adjustable for size at the V-Ring closure component. The extra adjustable length of the belt is conveniently held in position by means of a one and one half inch band of black elastic. The end of this strap is reinforced with a 1 1/2" band of poly coated aramid and stitched with a Z pattern for additional strength. The escape belt is certified for use up to 300 pounds. This belt is available for pants with a waist ranging from 26" through 50" only.

BELT LOOPS: There shall be three belt loops of two-layers of self-fabric, 4" wide by 3.5" high shall be double stitched to pant shell and bartacked at all four corners. One loop at center back and one loop on each side.

MOISTURE BARRIER/THERMAL LINER CONSTRUCTION: Design shall be compatible with the outer shell so that the liner does not buckle, pull, or otherwise restrict body motion. To deter the wicking of moisture up the thermal liner leg the bottom nine inches of each thermal leg shall be constructed of Semper Dri™ (3.0 oz./sq.

yd. Teflon® treated Chambray (NOMEX® spun) face cloth quilted to two layers of Nomex®/Kevlar® spunlace (Total weight +/- 6.0-6.8 oz./sq. yd)). The waist of the moisture barrier/thermal liner shall be secured to the waist of the outer shell such that when donning the pant a leg may not be accidentally caught between the outer shell and its inner linings along the waist and between the legs of the pant. For added thermal protection in the knee, an additional layer of uninterrupted 1/8” thick, fire resistant closed-cell foam shall be positioned between the moisture barrier and thermal liner. The moisture barrier shall be completely sewn to a Teflon® treated NOMEX® facecloth at its perimeter. The moisture barrier substrate/facecloth combination will be sewn to the quilted thermal liner at its perimeter with the breathable membrane oriented inward toward the thermal liner and away from the outer shell. The quilted thermal liner will be oriented toward the wearer. All moisture barrier seams shall be sealed as required by NFPA 1971. The moisture barrier/thermal liner shall finish no more than 3" from the pant cuffs.

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MOISTURE BARRIER/THERMAL LINER ATTACHMENT: The moisture barrier/thermal liner shall be completely detachable from the outer shell for ease of cleaning by using snaps and hook and loop. Eight evenly spaced snaps shall secure the liner to the integral waistband; two snaps shall be set in leather leg tabs at each leg end and hook and loop on each side of fly facing.

PANT LINER INSPECTION SYSTEM: There shall be an opening located on the pant liner system to the right side of the waist separating the thermal barrier and moisture barrier, approximately 10" in length. This opening will provide the ability to completely invert the pant liner to properly view the integrity of the entire liner system. There shall be a piece of 1" x 3" FR loop sewn to the moisture barrier 3" over from beginning of opening and a corresponding piece of 1" x 3" FR hook sewn to the inside of the outer shell to ensure proper alignment when installing the liner system into the outer shell. This Liner Inspection System is completely hidden when the liner is properly installed into the outer shell.

STORM FLY/CLOSURE: The outer shell shall have a sewn on overlapping fly front running the full length of the fly on the left side. The flap shall not be less than 2.5" wide at the waistband. The bottom of the fly shall be reinforced with a 42 stitch bartack.

The storm fly shall be held closed along its length by means of a hook and loop fastener closure 1.5" minimum width, along the leading edge for a distance of not less than 6" from the bottom of the fly closure to the waist area for proper alignment and secure closure. Velcro stitching will be double rows. Additionally, one snap shall be positioned at the inside top of the fly. Pant closure shall be provided by a thermo plastic zipper.

The storm fly shall be outer shell material, lined with a 4.” strip of CROSSTECH® (Type 2F) moisture barrier material.

THERMAL FLY ASSEMBLY: A 3/4" wide x 9" long loop fastener shall be sewn to the moisture barrier/thermal liner to engage corresponding hook fastener on the underside of the outside storm fly and facing.

WAISTBAND: The waist of the pants shall be reinforced on the inside with 1-ply of outer shell fabric material not less than 1.5" in width. The pant waist shall be contour shaped for better comfort and hemmed to provide strength with the independent waistband, which shall then be double stitched to the outer shell.

Four 2" wide self-material suspender tabs with 1.75x3" leather reinforcement shall be attached to waist with two on the front and two on the back. Each tab shall have two male and two female logo snaps. Each tab shall be reinforced with two bartacks on each tab.

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RADIAL INSEAM BAND: A radial banded insert runs continuously from the top of knee on one leg, through the crotch area to the top of the opposite knee. The elimination of crotch seams reduces tension in the crotch area to give added comfort and helps to alleviate stress to extend the useful life of the gear. Also there is an added insert piece in the design to help ensure that when the firefighter is kneeling or bending the leg of the garment bends in alignment with the leg so that the knee of the firefighter centers on the knee pad of the pants.

It also helps to eliminate rubbing of the inseams of each leg against each other when the firefighter is working so that the risk of abrasion of the seams is minimized.

V-FIT™ KNEE: The knee shall have an insert throughout all layers that shall provide a natural bend in the leg.

This knee shall include cut outs, shaped pieces, and darts to create free movement with few restrictions. The insert shall consist of black poly-coated aramid for abrasion resistance and thermal protection. For added thermal protection, an additional layer of uninterrupted 1/8” thick, fire retardant closed-cell foam shall be positioned between the moisture barrier and thermal liner. For additional extended thermal protection, two layers of uninterrupted 1/8" thick, fire retardant closed-cell foam and one layer of silicone shall be also be positioned between the reinforcement layer and outershell.

CUFFS: The cuff area of the pant shall be reinforced with a binding of black polymer coated aramid not less than 2" in total width for greater strength, abrasion resistance, and thermal protection. In addition a 3” x 3 ½” piece of reinforcement material shall be sewn on the inseam area of the pant leg above the pant cuff and below the pant trim, in order to provide extra abrasion protection. The material used on the kick shield shall match the material used on the pants cuffs.

BOOT CUT: The back portion of the cuff will gradually curve upward from each side seam to a maximum of 2” at the center back of the pant leg to prevent wear on the back of the cuff.

FULL BELLOWS POCKET: There shall be a 10" wide x 10" deep outside full bellows pocket that expands by means of side and bottom gussets to a thickness of 2" in front and back set to the left thigh. Pocket shall be fully lined on three sides with KEVLAR® twill on inside of pocket. Pocket and flap shall be set with stitch 301, seam Ssb-2 with the top and bottom pocket corners and top corners of flap reinforced with bar tacks for additional strength. Drainage of moisture to be provided by brass eyelets. Pocket flap shall be 11"x 5. A hook and loop fastener closure system shall be set with 1.5" x 10" loop fastener horizontally on the pocket and (2) pieces of 1.5" x 2.75" hook fastener vertically on the underside of the flap.

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FULL BELLOWS “TOOL” POCKET: There shall be a 9" wide x 10" high, outside full bellows pockets that expand by means of side and bottom gussets to a thickness of 2" in front and back set to the right thigh. Pocket shall be fully lined with KEVLAR® twill on all 4 sides inside of pocket; two layers of KEVLAR® lined self-fabric on shell inside pocket. First layer 6.5" high, second layer 4.5" high. Both layers stitched in 3" increments to create six tool compartments. Pocket and flap shall be set with stitch 301, seam Ssb-2 with the top and bottom pocket corners and top corners of flap reinforced with bar tacks for additional strength. Drainage of moisture is to be provided by brass eyelets. Pocket flaps shall be 5" x 10". A hook and loop fastener closure system shall be set with 2" x 9" loop fastener horizontally on the pocket and three pieces of 1.5" x 3" hook fastener vertically on the underside of the flap.

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SUSPENDERS

SCOPE

A highly engineered 42" black suspender designed for greater range of mobility and reduced stress allowing for four points of attachment, using self-fabric, leather-reinforced suspender tabs with snaps, to a V-Force™ , traditional or contoured waist bunker pant. The shoulder pads shall have a one-inch wide lime/yellow Scotchlite strip located the entire length facing outward

DESIGN

Two 8"front pull straps shall be constructed as follows: 2" wide non-elastic polyester webbing shall be fed through 2" metal loops and secured with a two-needle lock-stitch at one end. A black military finish steel double dee ring shall be fed through the webbing. The other end of the webbing shall be fed through a 2" wide thermo-plastic dee ring and secured with a two-needle lock-stitch. The dee ring shall function as a pull strap for easily adjusting the suspenders for proper fit.

Two 18"shoulder straps shall be constructed as follows: 2" wide non-elastic polyester webbing shall be fed through the top half of the steel double dee ring and secured with a two-needle lock-stitch. Two 7" back straps made of 2" wide elastic webbing shall be joined with a 2" overlap at the end of each shoulder strap with a single-needle lock stitch. The end of each back strap shall be fed through a 2" metal loop and secured with a two-needle lock stitch.

One 2 1/2" horizontal back strap made of 2" wide elastic webbing shall be set perpendicular between the two shoulder straps and back straps at the point of overlap, secured with a single-needle lock-stitch, and reinforced with a two-needle lock-stitch "X" through the joining straps.

Four 2" wide self-fabric suspender tabs with leather reinforcement, using 2 male and 2 female logo snaps for suspender attachment, shall be required on pants for use of these suspenders. Two self-fabric suspender tabs shall be attached to the back of the pant and to the front of the pant and reinforced with two bartacks each tab.

Each self-fabric tab attached to the pants shall be fed through each 2" metal loop on the suspenders.

Each shoulder strap shall be encapsulated with a 2.25" wide x 13" long sheath of padding constructed of 1/8" thick fire-retardant closed-cell foam laminated to Nomex pajama check substrate. Shoulder pads shall start 1" up from the cross point of the horizontal back strap ("H" cross) and be bartacked at each end so they do not slide forward. The straps shall have a one-inch wide lime/yellow Scotchlite strip located the entire length, facing outward.