Bristol Uniforms, a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of protective clothing for the emergency services, has launched its first ever selection of stock styles for structural firefighting.
2026 update: Bristol Uniforms is now MSA Bristol
MSA Safety acquired Bristol Uniforms in January 2021. The firefighter protective-clothing business is now presented as MSA Bristol, with MSA describing it as “formerly Bristol Uniforms, now part of the MSA family”. The original 2019 article below covers Bristol Uniforms’ then-new Ergotech Action and XFlex stock styles and should be read as historical product-launch coverage rather than a statement of the current MSA Bristol catalogue. See current MSA Bristol information and PCIAW’s Firefighter Safety coverage.
Immediately available, the stock styles offer a more cost-effective solution than bespoke alternatives. Although ready-made, the PPE can be personalised by adding a heat-sealed patch to the back of each coat, a name to the front and a name to each trouser.
A choice of two styles are currently available, both conforming to the European CEN standard EN469 Level 2 and featuring the most popular elements of the company’s existing top-quality ranges.
The Ergotech Action stock design includes an anti-wicking barrier on the cuffs and hems, underarm gussets and pleated back panel for improved ergonomics, knee reinforcement and numerous pockets, loops and rings for equipment. The kit is made up of a navy TITAN1220 outer, Gore Crosstech Fireblocker moisture barrier and a quilted aramid felt and viscose inner lining.
The XFlex stock design features elbow reinforcement, ergonomic 3D knee pads with reinforcement to make kneeling more comfortable, plus an adjustable waist band, a removable braces system and a knife pouch in the trouser. It is made up of a gold PBI Max outer, Gore Crosstech Airlock moisture barrier and an aramid viscose inner lining.
Bristol will soon be unveiling an additional Ergotech Action stock style which conforms to the NFPA standard 1971:2018 for Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting. The new style will be on display for the first time at the Intersec trade exhibition in Dubai in January. Similar to the CEN certified version, it features a Gore Crosstech moisture barrier and Hainsworth TITAN outer layer, but this time in Desert Tan. There are also distinguishable lined box bellow pockets on both the coat and trouser, and thumb holes on the cuff to prevent exposure around the wrists.
Bristol Uniforms’ Joint Managing Director, Roger Startin comments:
‘We always listen to feedback from our customers and although many have specific requirements and value our bespoke manufacturing service, there are others, particularly those with smaller crews, that would prefer to be able to buy top quality styles off-the-peg.
‘These new styles provide our customers with the option to purchase kit that is cost-effective and immediately available without compromising on quality.’
For further information, please visit www.bristoluniforms.com
