[20261110] If Firefighting Gear Meets EN 469, Does the Layer Beneath It Matter? | KANOX® Fire Safety Fabrics: Durable and Certified Fire-Resistant Solutions
Yes. What firefighters wear underneath their protective clothing can also affect their overall protection.During mannequin testing for the optional requirements of EN 469, the mannequin is not dressed in typical base-layer clothing. The test assesses the thermal protective performance of the firefighting garment under specified conditions. In the field, however, firefighters wear additional layers beneath their gear. KANOX® FR Fabrics / SUPER ARMOR® Turnout Gears is an ISO 9001, NFPA, and EN certified fire fighting garment, protective clothing, fire retardant fabric, fire resistant clothing, flame retardant fabric, fire retardant clothing manufacturer from Taiwan since 1976. Founded in 1976 and based in Taiwan, KANOX® is a global leader in fire-resistant fabrics and protective clothing. Renowned for innovation and durability, KANOX® offers a wide range of certified fire-retardant solutions meeting international standards like ISO 9001, NFPA, and EN. Our advanced technology and over 40 years of expertise ensure top-quality products designed to safeguard lives in the most hazardous environments. Trusted worldwide, KANOX® sets the benchmark for excellence in fire safety.
[20261110] If Firefighting Gear Meets EN 469, Does the Layer Beneath It Matter?
Yes. What firefighters wear underneath their protective clothing can also affect their overall protection.
During mannequin testing for the optional requirements of EN 469, the mannequin is not dressed in typical base-layer clothing. The test assesses the thermal protective performance of the firefighting garment under specified conditions. In the field, however, firefighters wear additional layers beneath their gear.
A 2025 independent flashover simulation study examined mannequins wearing firefighting clothing with different types of base-layer tops, including polyester (commonly used in moisture-wicking sportswear and performance garments) and polyester/cotton blends (found in some T-shirts and casual clothing).
The study reported more severe simulated burn injuries when these base-layer tops were worn by the mannequins. Under flashover heat exposure, polyester and polyester/cotton blend materials could melt, potentially increasing the risk of thermal injury through contact with the skin.
Source: Feldman MJ, et al. Journal of Burn Care & Research. 2025;46(5):954–962. doi:10.1093/jbcr/iraf056.
Suggestion for selecting clothing to wear beneath firefighting gear:
- Give preference to flame-resistant clothing designed for firefighting.
- Synthetic fiber fabrics offer moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and comfort properties, but also pose a melting hazard.
- Pay attention to whether the material melts easily when exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Treat the base layer and outer firefighting gear as parts of a complete protective system. The materials and properties of each layer can affect overall protection.
SUPER ARMOR Fire Resistant Knitwear is crafted from inherently flame-resistant knitted fabrics. Its flame- and heat-resistant properties make it an ideal choice for garments worn beneath firefighting protective gear.
Relative Links : Fire Resistant Knit Wear Made of Aramid/Modacrylic/Cotton
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[20261110] If Firefighting Gear Meets EN 469, Does the Layer Beneath It Matter? | Explore KANOX® Fire Safety Apparel: Advanced Fire-Resistant Clothing
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