An extreme solution
April 1st 2005 Ian Clay attended a recent seminar held by DuPont Personal Protection where the company launched a range of innovative products due to be shown at the Safety & Health Expo 2005. Amongst these new products was the new NOMEX MetalPro suits that offer protection from molten metal and sparks.
Every day, welders and metal workers are exposed to the risk of burns from molten metal sparks and splashes, open flames and intense heat. Moreover, physical exertion in hazardous environments can lead to accidents caused by heat stress or heat stroke. To step up safety for workers exposed to molten iron and offer them the best possible protection, DuPont Personal Protection has developed NOMEX MetalPro, a new yarn designed to protect and perform under extreme conditions.
What is NOMEX MetalPro?
NOMEX MetalPro is a multi-component protective yarn, using a new type of NOMEX fibre with inherent flame-resistance. These are combined with KEVLAR fibres, P-140 antistatic fibres as well as natural and artificial fibres, which improve the shedding properties and thus discard hot iron splashes quickly. This sophisticated blend of fibres, spun together using special technology, provides a protection-to-weight ratio that is one of the best in its class.
NOMEX MetalPro: comfortable protection
Garments made of NOMEX MetalPro offer lightweight, breathable, supple and comfortable solutions that counteract the high risk of heat stress caused by physical exertion under very hot conditions. These garments are 20 to 50% lighter than typical flame-retardant cotton fabrics.
This considerably reduces heat stress and enables workers to concentrate on the task in hand.
P-140 fibres in NOMEX MetalPro dissipate static charges caused by both fabric-to-fabric and fabric-to surface friction, even with low humidity. NOMEX MetalPro also lessens static cling, making garments even more wearable.
NOMEX MetalPro: lasting protection
Unlike flame-retardant cotton, fabrics made of NOMEX MetalPro have inherent resistance to flame, heat and molten iron. This means permanent protection, which cannot be washed out, worn away or mechanically removed. Garments made with NOMEX MetalPro can be washed by industrial laundries, according to specific instructions, and maintain their smart appearance even after repeated washing cycles.
NOMEX MetalPro: performance parameters
- 260g/sq m NOMEX MetalPro fabric conforms to E1 according to EN 531 and ISO/DIS 11612.
- 320g/sq m NOMEX MetalPro fabric conforms to E2 according to EN 531 and ISO/DIS 11612.
- NOMEX MetalPro also conforms to prEN 1149-3 standard for electrostatic properties of Personal Protective Equipment.
Presenting the new product at the seminar was marketing representative, Elaine Harvey. She made the point that the NOMEX MetalPro range meets the end user demands of: adequate protection level; high comfort level and higher economic efficiency.
The new range she said gave users “The potential to have a more tailored garment that is fit for purpose”. While Elaine Harvey conceded that the initial purchase price of the new suits is higher than existing solutions she made the argument that the ‘cost benefits in use’ of the new product made economic sense.
Suits made from NOMEX MetalPro will last for 40 washes Elaine maintained, offering high protection for users and extended use. A powerful combination. More articles from DuPont UK Ltd: | 
