Abstract: Oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber (OPF) containing fabrics when used in the fire service, either in a NFPA 1971 or NFPA 1951 compliant protective garments, offer exceptional comfort and protection characteristics that ensure firefighters can safely perform their duties in structural fire, overhaul, urban search and rescue, and other various missions. OPF containing fabrics used in turnout gear outer shells and compliant with NFPA 1971, provide the best combination of protection as tested by the thermal protective performance test and comfort as tested by the total heat loss/resistance to evaporative heat transfer test.

Abstract: A garment includes a moisture barrier layer and a thermal barrier layer connected to the moisture barrier layer by at least one seam extending along a perimeter portion of the thermal barrier layer and enclosing a space between the moisture barrier layer and the thermal barrier layer. The garment also has an inspection port in the thermal barrier layer, the inspection port spaced apart from the perimeter portion of the thermal barrier layer, wherein the space between the moisture barrier layer and the thermal barrier layer is accessible through the inspection port.