Putzbrunn,
09
June
2022
|
17:11
Europe/Amsterdam

GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Product Technology

Technology protects against blood-borne pathogens and viruses

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GORE-TEX CROSSTECH®

More than half of all calls for service by firefighters, technical support personnel and emergency medical services are of a technical or medical nature. Firefighters and rescue workers therefore need reliable protective clothing that protects them against viruses and pathogens in blood and body fluids, as well as against common chemicals found. GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® product technology was developed specifically for these highly demanding activities. GORE-TEX Professional will be presenting the GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® product technology at the INTERSCHUTZ fair in Hanover, Germany, June 20-25, Hall 15, Booth D32.

Garments, footwear and gloves engineered with GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® product technology provide a powerful barrier against viruses and other pathogens found in blood and body fluids, as well as chemicals such as battery acid and hydraulic fluid encountered in firefighting operations. In addition to their durable protective performance, GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® laminates are durably waterproof and highly breathable to prevent excessive heat stress on first responders in fire or technical rescue operations.

Measuring viral penetration resistance

 

Benefits of GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® product technology:

+ Durable protection against blood and body fluids GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® functional fabrics are tested in accordance with ISO 16604/ASTM F 1671, Procedure C. This involves testing the laminate and seams under pressure for their resistance to penetration by blood-borne pathogens using the surrogate virus PHI-X174, both when new and after simulated aging through pretreatment with washing and drying cycles.

GORE-TEX CROSSTECH®

+ Resistance to penetration by common chemicals GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® protective fabrics are resistant to penetration by chemicals commonly found at fire or rescue incidents in accordance with ISO 13994/ASTM F 903:2010, Method C such as sulfuric acid, soda, petroleum/diesel and AFFF firefighting foam. In addition, some laminates provide durable protection against chemical penetration in accordance with NFPA 1971-2013 such as battery acid, hydraulic fluid, petroleum, concentrated chlorine solutions and firefighting foam, as well as other contaminated fluids.

+ GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® functional textiles are durably waterproof - even after contact with liquid chemicals and high mechanical stress. Moisture penetration of the protective clothing, footwear or gloves, for example through rain, firefighting foam or hot steam penetration, is prevented. GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® product technology exceeds the requirements of the relevant standards - for example, DIN EN 343, Protective clothing, protection against rain, and DIN EN 14360, Protective clothing against rain, test methods for finished garments- in terms of waterproofness.

+ Highly breathable - GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® protective fabrics are highly breathable and promote the breathability of all protective clothing, footwear, or gloves. Sweat in the form of water vapor can easily escape to the outside.

+ Resistance to heat and flame - Combined with a heat- and flame-resistant outer fabric, GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® protective fabrics in garments, footwear and gloves remain intact even after repeated exposure to heat. They are tested and certified according to EN 469, Protective clothing for firefighters - Performance requirements for protective clothing for firefighting activities.

 

GORE-TEX CROSSTECH®

Protection and comfort from head to toe

The product technology, also known as CROSSTECH®, was developed with real-life work situations in mind. It is used in various products for protective garments, footwear and gloves for firefighters, technical rescue and emergency services. CROSSTECH® was renamed to GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Product Technology as part of a broader brand positioning work. The new branding supports the fact that, in addition to protecting against pathogens and viruses in blood and body fluids and chemicals - the technology is, in particular, durably waterproof, windproof and highly breathable.