NFPA-certified terrorism response suit launched

Protective apparel manufacturer Kappler has introduced DuraChem 500, a terrorism response suit certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). According to the company, the new suit meets the NFPA 1994 Class 1 Chem-Bio standard, designed to protect first responders against chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) hazards.

DuraChem 500 is certified to the Class 1 level of the standard, with dual certification to Class 2 in process. The new product is intended to offer incident responders a tactical garment alternative to traditional hazmat suits. The new suit also features a rear-entry design that could eliminate cross-contamination concerns when doffing the garment, the company says.

Kappler set out to make an affordable suit to address the need for military and law enforcement agencies trying to balance responder protection with tight budgets. One of Kappler’s key motivations in developing a lower-priced certified suit is the belief that suit decontamination for re-use is inherently risky, because of permeation concerns. The release says that DuraChem 500 is a multi-use, single-exposure garment, based on the safety-first practice of discarding garments once exposed to hazardous materials.

Kappler Inc. produces protective apparel and fabrics for chemical and biological hazards serving military, law enforcement, hazmat, industrial, emergency response and health care markets worldwide.