Our Blog / Workwear

    The Value of Repairing

    Andreas Marmsoler

    Norwegian-based company WENAAS and GORE-TEX Professional developed a smart repair kit for GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments helping to expand the useful product lifetime.

    The greatest environmental impact in a lifecycle of personal protective equipment occurs during production and distribution. Extending longevity, or useful life, of a product is therefore  the single most influential factor to improve its environmental impact. This is especially true if a product can be repaired and re-used again. Following this spirit, Wenaas, an international supplier of workwear solutions from Norway, together with GORE-TEX Professional, developed a smart repair kit for arc rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® personal protective equipment (PPE) to help their customers prolong the garments' product life.

    Electrical workers often need to move through difficult, thorny terrain to locate a fault on the power network and climb high poles. During these activities their PPE can get stuck behind something sharp or spines, which, despite the robustness of the material, could result in a puncture or small tear of the outer fabric. While the garment overall would still be fit for use, a tiny puncture could result in a potentially dangerous situation for the wearer in case of an electric arc. By applying the patch, propagation of the tear is avoided, and garment lifetime extended.

    "Norwegian electrical utility workers came to us with a problem: some of their employees had small punctures in their Wenaas GORE-TEX PYRAD® garment from walking through dense forest before reaching their service location", illustrates Kristin Lien, product developer at Wenaas. "Together with Gore we concluded that it makes financially and environmentally no sense to replace the entire garment. GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments are top of the line. Our collective goal is to let customers keep their garments as long as possible before having to replace them. Therefore, we developed the repair kit — a win-win solution: cost-effective as well as a very sustainable solution." 

    repair kit for the garment

    The repair kit consists of four GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric patches: two round patches (diameter 7,6 cm) and two square patches (10x5 cm). These allow for the repair of small and medium-sized punctures or tears of the fabric — for larger damages two or more patches can be combined. The kit comes in two color versions: fluorescent yellow and navy blue. No special skills are involved to repair the garment: the patches have flue on the backside — a short instruction video shows that all that's needed is a hairdryer and/or an iron to permanently attach the patch. After repair, the risk of harmful incidents is avoided by using a protection patch made of GORE-TEX PYRAD® arc-protective materials and can be washed as usual. And in the rare case the fabric is damaged in the exact same place again, a new patch can even be applied over the previous patch. "The feedback from our customers is very positive", concludes Lien, "the repair kit absolutely solved their problem."

    Jonas Andersson, sales Associate at GORE-TEX Professional says: "Our sustainability approach is about providing exceptional long-lasting products while at the same time reducing the environmental footprint. The idea of the repair patch is to avoid further tear propagation which could result in losing the required protection. And through these patches, users can contribute to our effort and do something meaningful."

    For further product information about the repair kit, visit https://www.wenaas.com/en/products/rep-set-goretex-pyrad-flouresent-yellow-0-10930-19819-32 

    about arc rated gore-tex pyrad® technology

    Arc rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments are durably waterproof and reliably protect electrical workers against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. They stay lightweight and comfortable even when wet. Up to 45% lighter when wet or dry than other products of their protective class, arc rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments feel less bulky to wear leading to more wearer acceptance. The garments provide maximum comfort with the highest protection level, so electrical workers remain safe – no matter the challenge, and no matter the weather.

    about wenaas

    For more than 80 years, Wenaas has been making workwear and personal protective equipment for women and men in a variety of sectors, with the aim of making their working day securer and more comfortable. We know that our products can mean the difference between life and death, and we never compromise in our product development. We have made a film that highlights a broad range of protective equipment and work clothes in use in different sectors where the right clothing is essential for a good, safe working day. https://www.wenaas.com/en/

     

    about gore

    W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 12,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $4.5 billion. www.gore.com

    Andreas Marmsoler

    Global Strategic Marketing - Defense

    Andreas, Global Strategic Marketing Defense at GORE-TEX Professional, was responsible for PR & Sustainability Communication in several roles at W. L. Gore & Associates. He is curious about how the technologies work in practice and passionate about sustainability. In his spare time he enjoys alpine or cross-country skiing, hiking and trail running and testing GORE-TEX products. We look forward to exciting posts on the GORE-TEX Professional blog.

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    Uses GORE-TEX PYRAD® Product Technology

    GORE-TEX PYRAD® Garments

    Durable protection from incidental contact with heat and flame.

    KEY BENEFITS

    Explore the high-level protective benefits of this technology application.

    Lightweight

    02_GOR_TOF_Icons_Flame_Retardent

    Flame resistant

    Durably waterproof

    Breathable

    GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric technology offers lighter weight solutions compared to traditional flame retardant fabrics.

    The revolutionary fabric technology is engineered to form a stable char when exposed to heat and flame.

    The versatile technology offers the durable waterproofness of GORE-TEX fabrics plus heat and flame protection.

    The fabric is designed to allow sweat vapour to be released: ideal for outdoor use, even during high-exertion work.

    Revolutionary lightweight heat and flame protection

    Garments made with GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric offer burn protection when exposed to heat and flame, while delivering durable weather protection. This unique fabric technology brings a high level of protection to working professionals in challenging and hostile environments.

    Before GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric technology was developed, it was difficult to combine lightweight durable weather protection with adequate heat and flame protection. Garments made with GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric now meet this challenge - benefiting defence personnel and police special forces amongst many others.

    When defence personnel and industrial workers are exposed to flash-fire incidents, with GORE-TEX PYRAD® products they can count on best-in-class protection, all while offering protection in challenging weather conditions. The garments are low-bulk and easy to pack, for those on the move.

    GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments are comfortable to wear and offer plenty of freedom of movement even in the midst of an emergency, these garments allow wearers to focus fully on their important work. 

    The fabric retains the high levels of durability that Gore protective fabrics are renowned for standing up to the everyday pressures of tough working conditions. Also made in high-visibility colours, the garments are ideal for working at night or in low-visibility. 

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    How it works
    Self-extinguishing fabrics

    When exposed to flash fire or flame, the the fabric forms a stable char so that fire is extinguished by the garment itself, protecting the wearer.

    How it works
    Rugged resistance

    The wearer is protected even when the fabric is flexed. The fabric will resist flaking and disintegration with minimal shrinkage after exposure to flame.

    How it works
    Long lasting colour

    The hi-vis colours or camouflage pattern will continue to perform, even after heavy use and washing.

    Ideal for
    The technology has been developed with real-work situations in mind, so that hard-working professionals in challenging environments can stay protected, and simply focus on their important work.

    Defence

    When exposed to flash fires in the line of duty, GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments provides heat, flame and weather protection.

    Law Enforcement

    Best-in-class, high-visibility protection for combat or riot situations as well as protection from all kinds of weather.

    Workwear

    Some of the lightest protective gear in its class, GORE-TEX PYRAD® product technology offers heat and flame protection with the weatherproof benefits of GORE-TEX outerwear.

    Technical Rescue

    Lightweight, all-weather GORE-TEX PYRAD® garment offers freedom of movement during incidents with a risk of flash fire.

    Standards

    Workwear

    GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments

    EN 343 (class 3.3)
    EN ISO 11611 class 1 A1
    EN ISO 11612 A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1
    EN 1149-3/-5
    EN ISO 20471 (fluorescent orange/yellow)
    EN 13034 Type 6
    EN ISO 14116 Index 3
    Material requirements EN ISO 11612 clauses 7.2 - 7.6 and EN ISO 11611 clauses 6.8 – 6.10 tested with 120 g/m2 aramide/viscose (50:50) lining
    Oeko-Tex® Standard 100
    Rain Tower Test, EN 14360

    Technical Rescue

    EN 16689, Protective clothing for firefighters - Performance requirements for protective clothing for technical rescue

    ISO 18639 - 3 PPE ensembles for firefighters undertaking specific rescue activities Electrostatic properties, EN 1149-3/-5

    Clothing to protect against heat and flame, EN ISO 11612 A1, A2, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1 clauses 7.2 – 7.6 (code letters B, C, D, E, F) tested with 120 g/m² aramide/viscose (50:50) lining

    Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes, EN ISO 11611 class 2 - A1 clauses 6.8 – 6.10 tested with 120 g/m² aramide/viscose (50:50) lining

    Protective clothing against Liquid Chemicals, EN 13034 Type 6 Protection against Rain, EN 343 class 3/3 Rain Tower Test, EN 14360

    Defence

    Rain Tower Test, EN 14360 Thermal Manikin ISO 13506 Convective Heat EN 367 / ISO 9151

    Law Enforcement
    Rain Tower Test, EN 14360 Clothing to protect against heat and flame, EN ISO 11612
     

     

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    PYRAD® Garments by GORE-TEX LABS for defense

    Garments made with PYRAD® Garments by GORE-TEX LABS offer crucial burn protection when exposed to flash fire, heat and flame. This unique fabric brings protection to defense personnel in emergency and hostile situations.

    Learn more

    Have a question about Gore Protective Fabrics?

    We'd love to help you with your inquiry about our products, partnerships, or anything else you would like to know about Gore Protective Fabrics.

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    HIGHLY BREATHABLE RAINWEAR WITH FLAME PROTECTION FOR THE MILITARY

    WORN BY MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE CHINOOK DISPLAY TEAM BASED AT ODIHAM (ENGLAND)

    Chinook transport helicopters are currently involved in 15 Royal Air Force missions in 22 different countries. In war zones and crisis areas they are deployed to evacuate troops and casualties, and to assist in relief operations. These helicopters are also used to respond to emergencies in the UK. In recent years these have included resupplying snowbound farmers and helping reconstruct damaged flood defences. The four crew members need to be well equipped for an extensive range of activities in very different climate zones.

    As part of a sponsorship agreement, the members of the Chinook Display Team, whose job includes demonstrating the capabilities of the helicopter at air shows, have been issued with highly functional rain suits equipped with GORE-TEX and GORE® PYRAD® fabric technology. In 2018 the team was given 18 rain suits. This year an agreement was signed for a further 20 suits.

    The trousers and jackets cater to the wide spectrum of challenges confronting the Chinook crews. These can include situations that require a high level of heat and flame protection. Gore rain suits score particularly well in this respect due to a very special functional feature: The GORE® PYRAD® fabric technology means that as soon as the laminate comes into contact with flames, it forms a self extinguishing and stable barrier.

    According to the flight manual of the Royal Air Force, the crew's uniform must be made of a fabric that reliably protects them in the event of an incident involving exposure to flash fire.

    (Royal Air Force Sergeant James Begg)

    WEAR COMFORT

    At the same time, these protective garments are extremely lightweight while also offering enhanced freedom of movement.

    I can't think of a clothing system that so successfully combines the benefits of flame protection and wear comfort in one product.

    WELL INSULATED; WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF

    Other crucially important features are the clothing system's body warming and insulating abilities, plus the durable waterproof and windproof performance of the fabric.

    The Chinook is widely deployed in low temperature environments where the wind whistling round you while you're up in the air makes it feel even colder.
    GORE-TEX product technology insulates and delivers reliable protection against wind and weather. The fact that the hood can be worn over a helmet is an added bonus.

    HIGH BREATHABILITY

    Gore Pyrad rain suits are highly breathable. Excess heat and moisture are channelled away from the body, helping to lower the risk of heat stress.

    As soldiers are often sent on missions to hot countries where they take part in physically demanding operations, the fabric has to be breathable and able to move excess heat away from the body.

     

    DURABILITY

    The fabric of the Gore rain suits is also extremely durable and hard-wearing – an important criterion for the crew.

    When working inside the helicopter, for instance when picking up and unloading soldiers, the garments get a lot of hard wear. So, this ensures trouble free use and low life cycle costs

    SAVES ON SPACE

    The rain suits fold down small, saving space in the storage area.

    The Chinook has to transport all kinds of equipment, so space-saving solutions are always welcome.

     

    As Sergeant James Begg says:

    Gore is well known for its waterproof, windproof and breathable functional garments. But I also don't know anything that can compare with it in terms of flame protection, weight and durability.

    wearers

    royal air force

    The RAF supports government agencies and emergency services on UK operations and is active across four continents.

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    GORE-TEX PYRAD® Garments

    GORE-TEX PYRAD® Garments offer critical heat and flame protection, while durably protecting against foul weather: in emergency, hostile and even life-threatening situations.

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    Exlplore Other WEARER TRIALS
    GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric technology - durably flame retardant

    in use at Holborn Europa Raffinerie (Hamburg)

    Heat and flames, hydrocarbons, electric arc incidents, bad weather: chemical workers are exposed to many different hazards. One of the most difficult problems to deal with is when measuring and analysis devices become electrostatically charged. A mechanical spark alone can result in the destruction of these sensitive pieces equipment.

    As well as providing heat and foul weather protection, allowing for the safe handling of hydrocarbons and incorporating antistatic characteristics, protective clothing for refinery workers has to fulfil an extensive array of other requirements. These include having reflective details on the upper, middle and lower sections of the garment and protecting against chemical splash. It's also important that such clothing offers a high level of comfort and features functional pockets for radio equipment and tools. Until recently, no protective clothing that could live up to all these requirements had yet made its appearance on the market. That was why the Holborn Europa Raffinerie decided to develop its own PPE (personal protective equipment) for its workers.

    The protective clothing developed by Holborn is designed around Gore's new GORE® PYRAD® technology, making it durably flame retardant. In addition, the jackets and vests are waterproof, breathable and, thanks to their light weight, also allow for complete freedom of movement.

    A development phase that lasted two years, a comprehensive stress test and a one-year wear trial: a major investment in time, effort and resources, but one that was worth it. The has resulted in a high quality product for on-site workplace safety, offering high levels of protection and comfort while at the same time expressing Holborn's appreciation of its employees.

    TECHNOLOGY FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY

    Designed around the GORE® PYRAD® technology, these jackets are specifically geared towards the needs of workers in the chemical industry. Among other things, such garments need to deliver antistatic capabilities, allow for the safe handling of hydrocarbons, and protect against heat and flame exposure.

    partner

    iturri

    The ITURRI Group’s in-house manufacturing capacity means that it can directly address customer needs. Teams of technical specialists carefully assembled for each of the major industries know exactly which fabrics are the best choice for a customer's individual requirements. Close attention is paid to the applicable standards, with all design features individually tailored to these needs.

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    press clippings

    Sicherheitsingenieur

    Sicherheitsingenieur is a German trade magazine devoted to safety management and hazard prevention in the workplace. Featuring in-depth articles by qualified experts and focussing on practical applications, it is the most important source of information for all industry sectors in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

    More insight on this Technology Application
    GORE-TEX PYRAD® Garments

    GORE-TEX PYRAD® Garments offer critical heat and flame protection, while durably protecting against foul weather: in emergency, hostile and even life-threatening situations.

    Explore More
    Dive In Deeper
    Discover more with these helpful resources, videos, and other related content.
    Subscribe to GORE-TEX PYRAD Garments

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