A global brand defined by a dedication to innovation, design and the manufacture of high performance emergency services personal protective garments.

As one of the world’s leading emergency services protective clothing brands, Bristol’s PPE pedigree has been built on its 60 years’ experience in the development of innovative protective clothing solutions for which the original designs, product development, wearer trials and integrated manufacture are all managed internally.

Bristol’s products are made to conform to appropriate standards, principally for structural firefighting including AS/NZS 4697:2009 AS/NZS 4602:2.

They are a truly international business with customers in over 110 countries. A network of over 70 experienced local distributors, located in our major overseas markets, develop and maintain thier growing business.

Bristol can demonstrate a long term track record of financial stability and resilience and continues to grow organically by focusing on its core business both in the UK and abroad.

Performance standards

Bristol has been actively involved in the development of performance standards for firefighter PPE since the 1970s, when it was involved in setting out the requirements for the UK’s first Home Office specification firefighter tunics and trousers.

Since then its expertise in the design and development of class leading firefighter PPE has resulted in the Company’s technical staff being invited to support the work of technical and drafting committees for national and European standards.

Bristol’s firefighter clothing meets all internationally recognised standards including those for Europe (EN), the USA (NFPA) and the Internationally Standards Organisation (ISO). Testing against the relevant standards is carried out by independent laboratories. Tests include flash fire testing on computer monitored gas fired mannequins to check the flame and heat resistance of fire coats and trousers.

Firefighter PPE is measured for performance against a number of criteria which include;

·    Thermal Protective Performance (TPP)

·    Total Heat Loss (THL)

·    Conductive and Compressive Heat Resistance (CCHR)

·    Heat Transfer (Radiation)

·    Heat Transfer (Convective)

·    Water Vapour Resistance (WVR)

·    Resistance to Liquid Chemicals

Technically advanced fabrics

Firefighter protective clothing comprises 3 layers: outer layer, moisture barrier and thermal barrier. We select our fabrics from the range of advanced products which are the result of close collaboration between the leading fibre producers and fabric manufacturers.

Outer layers

These products include DuPont^TM Nomex^® III, Nomex^® Tough (Delta T) and Hainsworth TITAN1220 made from DuPont fibres; PBI Gold and PBI Matrix from PBI Performance Products and Kermel.

Moisture barriers

We principally use moisture barriers manufactured by the world’s leading specialist in this area, W L Gore & Associates. Gore products are microporous and perform a dual function by preventing the ingress of water whilst also allowing perspiration and heat to escape resulting in a reduction in heat stress for the wearer.

GORE-TEX^® FIREBLOCKER, GORE-TEX^® AIRLOCK, CROSSTECH^® FIREBLOCKER, CROSSTECH^® AIRLOCK, GORE^® PARALLON system with GORE-TEX or CROSSTECH moisture barrier.

Thermal barriers

We use a lightweight thermal barrier made from 100% Aramid non-woven felt which is quilted to a choice of Nomex^® Delta Comfort, Nomex^® Viscose or FR cotton.

Bespoke manufacture

Manufactured around our core designs which provide the required levels of protection to meet the specified performance standards, each set of firefighter clothing is made to a particular specification. This is determined by the operational requirements of each fire & rescue service, which calls for special tailoring features, and the body shape of the wearer which determines the particular size against which each garment is made.

Special features include:

• Pockets and flaps· Radio pockets· Loops and straps· Cuffs· Trouser fronts· Trouser leg openings· Knee pads· Hoods· Patches and graphics· Inspection zips· Detachable linings· Safety harnesses· Arashield reinforcements· Drag rescue device· Trimsaver· Breathable tape

Sizing and compatibility are two features which Bristol prioritise when determining the manufacturing specification. Our products offer 28 sizes for both male and female wearers, which provide a close and comfortable fit for the majority of firefighters. Our bespoke capability allows us to provide additional individual sizes, if required, at extra cost.

Careful design of all patterns ensured good garment fit as well as full compatibility with helmets, flash hoods, gloves and boots.

To achieve the high standards set by the various standards bodies, Bristol works closely with the world’s leading fibre and fabric producers whose technically advanced fabrics, when used in combination, provide the high levels of personal protection and wearer safety required in a world which has become increasingly alert to the need to maximise employee health and safety.

LHD Group Australia has catered to the Australian/NZ Emergency Services and Law Enforcement sectors for over a decade by providing premium PPC and uniform solutions and services. We are a subsidiary of LHD Group GmbH, a leading global system provider in the management of professional and protective clothing and footwear.

Particularly in the field of PPC, our LION brand is globally renowned for its continuous pursuit to cater for the growing needs of today’s firefighters and rescue members. For more than 110 years, the LION brand has been a synonym for functional and high standard protective clothing and uniforms, and ensuring the health, safety and performance of our heroes in their everyday life, with the highest possible quality.

Our Products

“Tip to Toe” solutions via design and supply of PPC and uniform items incorporating the latest designs, technologies and innovations that continue to set new standards in quality and function. Our objective always remains the same: The safety of our customers! via developing next generation PPC that accommodate diverse operational environments, applications and climatic conditions and that afford the best possible ergonomics with maximum protection by means of weight-saving design, functional performance, durability, comfort and state-of-the-art materials.

LHD has made its mission to develop PPC in a way to maximise protection whilst minimise fatigue and the physiological constraints on the wearer.

LHD employs a TotalCare® system for numerous international and Australian clients for the supply, distribution/wardrobe management, care, laundering, repair and maintenance of all clothing/PPC and footwear items. The very essence of the TotalCare® model is to add maximum value, by optimised and expert coordination of clients clothing/PPC supply and wardrobe management system. LHD pioneered this concept and is field proven globally with TotalCare® centres operational across the globe.

We have a range of Wildland Fire Fighting garments available, these garments are certified by BSI to: AS/NZS 4824:2021 Protective clothing for firefighters. Requirements and test methods for protective clothing used for Wildland firefighting. AS/NZ 4602.2:2013 High visibility safety garment Part 2: Garment for fire service personnel