Bristol Uniforms recognises the importance of correct fit when supplying firefighting garments to ensure optimum protection for the wearer.



Over many years experience a range of sizes for both male and female firefighters has been developed taking account of different body sizes and shapes in different countries of the world. The standard size range will normally meet the vast majority of these needs. Where sizing needs fall outside the standard dimensional ranges, a special sizing service is available.

No, providing the washing conditions specified by the manufacturer are strictly adhered to.

Repair instructions and recommendations are available from Bristol Care which make it possible for some basic repairs to be carried out by the garment’s wearer.

Under the 1992 Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations the requirements in relation to the provision, use, maintenance and storage of PPE are specified and the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 place the responsibility for this on employers.



Whilst instructions for the care of PPE are supplied with all garments the special conditions under which such care should be carried out to ensure performance characteristics are not compromised has led an increasing number of fire services to sub-contract the work to specialists set up to provide this service. Bristol Care provides this service using an advanced computer tracking system to identify and log all maintenance carried out throughout the service life of individual garments.

By adopting an accredited care programme providing lifelong maintenance. As with most things, the better they are cared for the longer they will last. In the case of PPE this essentially means ensuring that whenever a garment is physically damaged or when it is exposed to prolonged or severe conditions it is carefully examined by qualified staff to identify and rectify any damage or risks to its performance integrity. Early detection and rectification can substantially extend service life.

This very much depends on the amount of exposure to which firefighting clothing is subjected. However, a typical expected service life of 5 years would be a good average under typical operational conditions.

Principally in the way the test measurements are taken and in some small variations in the shrinkage allowed in operational and cleaning environments.



For a full comparison of the these two standards and others used around the world please refer to International Performance Requirements

As a global supplier of firefighting kit, Bristol Uniforms designs and manufactures a range of styles which meet all major internationally recognised performance requirements and standards.



The 3 major standards to which all firefighter clothing throughout the world is manufactured to are ISO 11613 (Parts A & B), European Standard EN 469 and USA standard NFPA 1971/2000.

Developments in fabric technology and innovative garment design have made it possible to offer lighter weight coats and trousers which have been shown in user trials to reduce the impact of heat stress whilst maintaining the level of protection for the wearer against external hazards. Bristol Uniforms is at the forefront of such work and a range of ergonomic, lightweight PPE is available in the Ergotech™, Classic, Jaguar and Wessex ranges.

Alternative styles are designed to provide different combinations of weight, comfort and flexibility for the wearer under different operational conditions.



For more information on the emphasis of the various options visit the pages devoted to each style as listed above.

Bristol designs and manufactures a range of garment options to meet a wide variety of needs. Style and fabric combinations affect the wearer comfort and operational performance of fire kit. Colour is discretionary and depends upon individual choice.



Our range includes the Ergotech™, Classic, Wessex and Jaguar as well as specialised Marine and Aluminised suits. North American NFPA garments and Wildland firefighting clothing complete the range.



Colour availability, depending on fabric choice, includes dark navy, brigadier blue, orange, yellow, inferno and gold.



All firefighting garments are combinations of an outer layer to protect the wearer against flames, a moisture barrier to prevent the ingress of water but which will allow moisture to escape (breathable layer) and finally a thermal barrier to protect against the effects of heat. Visit the pages on Fabric Choice for more information on the alternatives available.

Carry out a risk assessment by identifying the primary purpose for which your PPE will be used and the operational conditions to which it will be subjected, together with the level of protection required. Then look through our product ranges (under products) and their descriptions to find the characteristics which most closely meet your needs.



Then contact one of our sales service team to discuss your needs in greater detail to enable us to provide you with a PPE proposal.