Career and volunteer firefighters in Western Australia will be fitted out in new high-tech personal protecting clothing (PPC) this summer, which will provide cutting-edge performance, durability and, most importantly, the best protection available around the world.
The $4.9 million PPC replacement program delivers on an election commitment from the McGowan Government and will provide an important boost to frontline emergency services.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is undertaking a staged rollout of the 3,200 sets of new PPC, with career stations the first to receive the clothing and volunteer units to receive them in early January.
The new Level 2 PPC - used primarily in response to structure fires and HAZMAT incidents - provides the very best protection available around the world, with advanced materials sourced from as far as the United States of America.
Designed in consultation with experienced WA firefighters, the multi-layered garments are lighter, more comfortable and flexible to offer greater mobility in challenging environments.
A new protective hood provides a much higher level of protection and safety, manufactured with a 99.9 per cent particulate barrier.
The tunic and over-trousers are made up of three layers - an outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner - to maximise flame protection and restrict penetration of liquids and chemicals.
The new products meet strict Australian Safety Standards, certified by an independent third party through extensive in-field trials and clinical testing.
Firefighters encounter a range of life-threatening hazards when they enter a home or business that has caught fire, with temperatures often reaching over 300 degrees in a matter of minutes.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"This PPC replacement program was an election commitment of our Government, and I'm pleased to be able to deliver on this for both our career and volunteer firefighters.
"While our firefighters protect our community, it's important we're protecting them as best we can by ensuring they're kept safe and fitted out in the latest high-tech suits."
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This is another example of our Government meeting an important election commitment in providing our firefighters - both career and volunteers - with cutting-edge PPC so they can safely respond to structure fires and HAZMAT incidents.
"This is incredibly important in the modern world of structural firefighting, where products like lithium-ion batteries are starting house fires which can be extremely challenging to control and extinguish.
"As technology evolves, our Government will ensure that WA's emergency services continue to adapt and invest in new equipment that keeps our personnel safe."
Emergency Services Minister's office - 6552 5800
