National Technical Textile Mission supports firefighting suit development initiative

The National Technical Textile Mission has extended its support to an initiative for developing specialised firefighting suits, aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imports from China, the US, and Europe.

The project, titled ‘Development of Specialised Fire Fighting Suit,’ is being implemented by the Northern India Textile Research Association in collaboration with industrial partner M/s System 5S Private Limited, Apparel Resources India reported. The programme targets sectors such as emergency services, defence, oil and gas, aviation, and thermal power, where heat-resistant protective clothing is critical, the Press Information Bureau reported. 

India currently imports most of its fire entrance suits as domestic manufacturing in this segment remains limited. With support from NTTM, the project aims to produce up to 1,000 suits annually to meet current domestic demand, with scope for increased uptake once an Indian certified aluminised suit is introduced.

The firefighting suit developed by System 5S conforms to international safety standards, including ISO 15538 and EN 1486, which outline requirements for full-body protection against radiant heat and flame impingement. The gear includes over boots, gloves, a hood, and a heat-resistant outer garment. Constructed using flame-resistant viscose fabric, aluminised coated glass textiles, and oxidised polyacrylonitrile non-woven battings, the suit is also quilted for thermal protection and durability.