Why Waterproofing Is Essential for Firefighters' Uniforms
Firefighters’ operational gear is much more than just protective clothing. It is a safety-critical system that protects firefighters from extreme hazards during operations: heat, flames, rain, firefighting water, chemicals, and mechanical stress. Modern firefighting gear is certified to standards such as DIN EN 469 and consists of multi-layered, high-performance textiles.
To ensure that this protective function is maintained over the long term, it is essential to waterproof operational clothing regularly and properly. Over time, the waterproofing wears off, and the protective clothing loses a significant portion of its effectiveness.
There are various methods for waterproofing protective clothing. But which waterproofing method is best, and what factors matter most?
Will the membrane be damaged by immersion in a cleaning bath?
Uncertainties regarding dip-coating often center on the membrane. Because dip-coating impregnates textiles both on the outside and the inside, many people are unsure to what extent this might affect the membrane.
As a general rule, the membrane will not be damaged if the waterproofing treatment is applied correctly. It is especially important to keep track of the frequency of waterproofing treatments. Problems—such as the membrane sticking—are usually caused by waterproofing too frequently. The protective clothing features a permanent water-repellent treatment that generally lasts a long time. Therefore, it should not be re-treated after every wash, but only when re-treatment is necessary.
Spray Impregnation
Spray impregnation is an alternative method for impregnating protective clothing.
There are various systems available on the market that incorporate waterproofing into the washing machine using an additional spraying technique.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of spray impregnation?
Dip-Coating – The Safest Method of Waterproofing Work Clothing
Manufacturers of protective clothing rely on immersion impregnation. It is also the method of choice for re-impregnating protective clothing. the most effective, safest, and most economical method For waterproofing work clothing.
Advantages of Wash-Bath Impregnation
- Even distribution of the impregnation
- Ensuring that the protective clothing is completely impregnated
- Cost-effective operation—up to three sets of clothing can be treated per wash cycle in an 18-kg washing machine.
- No upfront costs—a professional-grade washing machine is all you need
- No additional maintenance or wear-and-tear costs
Thermal Setting—The Crucial Step After Impregnation
To ensure that the waterproofing is fully effective, it is important to thermal setting the be-all and end-all. This can be done in a dryer or in a suitable drying cabinet. Only through controlled heat does the impregnating agent bond permanently with the fibers.
Here are some things to keep in mind when heat-setting:
Reliability in Reaching the Required Temperatures Some drying cabinets on the market use heated hangers. With these, it is essential to ensure that the temperatures required to activate the waterproofing treatment are also reached on the outside. The STAHL drying cabinet provides uniform heating throughout, ensuring that the desired temperatures are reached on the outside as well.
When drying and activating the protective clothing in a dryer, be sure to use the correct load size to minimize mechanical stress on the protective clothing.
What risks arise when the waterproofing isn't working properly?
If the waterproofing on the protective clothing has worn off, the outer material can become saturated with water. This poses significant risks:
Increased thermal conductivity
Wet fabrics transfer heat to the body much more quickly. During firefighting operations, this can lead to dangerous scalds when the trapped water evaporates.
Heat buildup and overheating
A soaked outer layer impairs breathability. Sweat can no longer escape, and the body overheats more quickly.
Increased weight and limited mobility
Work clothing that has absorbed water becomes heavier and makes it harder to work under conditions that are already extreme.
Material damage and reduced service life
Prolonged exposure to moisture damages the fabric and leads to faster wear and tear of the PPE.
A professional Washable Waterproofing Reliably restores the water-repellent protective function, thereby protecting both lives and property alike.
Conclusion: Professional Waterproofing Instead of Compromises
For fire departments responsible for the safety of their personnel, wash-on waterproofing combined with professional thermal activation in a suitable drying cabinet or dryer is the optimal solution. It offers the highest level of protection, safety, and efficiency.
Ensure the safety of your emergency responders—talk to us about professional solutions for waterproofing firefighter uniforms.