How tailored PPE is improving safety and comfort for female firefighters

Firefighters depend on their protective clothing to perform safely and effectively. For women in the fire service, differences in body shape and proportions sometimes meant that, in the past, standard, traditional gear did not provide the best possible fit. This affects comfort and ease of movement during demanding tasks on the fireground. Issues such as sleeve length, waist-to-hip ratio, garment length, and even boot size and fit can all present challenges if not properly accounted for. Does this sound familiar?

Bristol Uniforms, now part of MSA Safety, has been heavily involved in the development of female-specific PPE throughout its history. In 1998, Bristol Uniforms became the first UK manufacturer, and one of the first worldwide, to introduce standard female sizes for structural firefighting PPE, a commitment that continues today with ongoing refinements to meet the requirements of female firefighters.

With this experience, we contributed to Dr. Mandy Stirling’s ground breaking anthropometric study, and later in 2006 supported the development of “Sophie”, BTTG’s female mannequin, which allowed PPE to be tested on a female form.

Over the last 25 plus years, we have developed proven garment patterns, continually refined through wearer trials and valuable feedback from firefighters themselves.

Today, the Bristol female style is often offered in up to 40 sizes (from X-Small, X-Short to 4X-Large, X-Tall). For those outside this scale, we also provide special measures to help ensure every firefighter can be safely and appropriately equipped.

Form, fit and function: what it means for Bristol

Form: Bristol designs follow typical female body proportions to provide greater comfort. Female firefighters may require less fabric around the shoulders and torso, while turnout trousers must accommodate a greater waist-to-hip ratio than is typical in male designs.

Fit: Our garment patterns are developed specifically with the ergonomics of female firefighters in mind. Unlike resized men’s garments, these designs are based on dedicated female patterns, offering a comprehensive range of jacket and trouser sizes.

Function: Turnout gear that is properly designed and sized can help to reduce unnecessary strain and enable firefighters to focus on the task at hand. Poorly fitting PPE can create additional challenges, while well-proportioned designs can support mobility and energy efficiency during demanding tasks such as climbing ladders or donning an SCBA.

Your voice matters

Our team based in Bristol, UK, is always seeking real-world feedback on features that should be considered, enhanced and incorporated into Firefighter PPE. If you’d like support in finding firefighter PPE designed with your form, fit and function in mind, get in touch with our experts to learn more about Bristol’s offerings for female firefighters.

You can also meet us in person. Firefighters attending The Emergency Services Show are invited to visit the MSA Safety stand, where you can try on the Bristol female-specific structural firefighting PPE, meet our experts, and speak directly with our designers about fit, sizing, and design.

This article was written by the team at MSA Safety.

The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co-located with The Emergency Tech Show, on 17-18 September, check out the full exhibitor list here. MSA Safety is a premier partner at The Emergency Services Show, you can find the team in Hall 5, Stand G190.