Fire-Dex's AeroFlex Turnout Particulate Ingress Performance Achieves UL Verification

Fire-Dex declared that under UL Verification 1641, UL Solutions has validated particulate ingress results for its AeroFlex turnout system. When the ensemble is worn in a certain configuration, the verification verifies performance to the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Particle Inward Leakage testing criteria.

“Particulate barriers in pant/coat interfaces add protection from contaminants, but the trade-off is that they can limit breathability,” said Todd Herring, VP of Product Innovation and Strategy, Fire-Dex. “AeroFlex is designed differently, with vents that help hot air escape from inside turnouts but that also keep particulates out. That gives departments a clearer path when weighing particulate protection and heat management inside the coat, because our UL-verified system addresses both in one ensemble. This design supports breathability, wearer comfort, and operational mobility while maintaining required certified performance.”

The AeroFlex coat with a correctly engaged SCBA and AeroFlex leggings with the optional particulate-blocking barrier were part of the tested configuration. UL Solutions publishes the results at verify.ul.com/verifications/1641.

A firefighter was tested in a controlled particle chamber for 20 minutes, and after the gear was carefully taken off, researchers measured skin contamination. Less than one microgram of exposure was reported for the wearer throughout the ensemble in UL's verification posting.The results verify that, even in the absence of an additional particulate barrier in the coat, a correctly engaged SCBA aids in sealing the coat-to-pant interface, reducing particle migration into the torso area. Additional lower body protection was offered by the pants' optional particulate-blocking barrier.

The foundation of the AeroFlex turnout system is zonal breathability. In areas where heat and perspiration are concentrated, such as side seams, armpits, inner thighs, and behind the knees, VaporLite permeable composite panels are placed. AeroVent Technology is then integrated into those zones to transport warm, humid air outward under pressure, with an integrated particulate-blocking element in the vent.

Although adding a particle barrier layer to a structural coat can enhance its ability to resist contaminants, it may also limit the movement of moisture vapor through the clothing. Heat and humidity are more likely to accumulate inside the coat when that channel is blocked, which might make working hotter.

AeroFlex was designed to meet that precise challenge; when the wearer moves, the garment's internal airflow increases and cooling gets better.

To learn more about how AeroFlex combines breathability and particulate-blocking protection, visit firedex.com/aeroflex.