The Emergency Services sector has requirements for specialist products. These differ significantly compared to regular items, and across each service.
Having supplied Fire & Rescue Services, Police Forces and NHS Ambulance Trusts over a significant period of time, we have a product range which is tried and tested, robust, and supporting the core objectives of each Emergency Service. Dignity, comfort and safety for the user are paramount, whatever the setting.
Whilst the vast majority of the population needn’t be concerned with the properties of their bedding that they purchase for use in their own homes, a small proportion of individuals who have one or more reasons for having an elevated risk of an accidental fire, will benefit from items which are specifically designed to extinguish and / or stop the spread of a potential fire source.
Fire & Rescue Services are focused on reducing the incidence and spread of fires, as well their critical role of fighting them. Where people live in a domestic setting, and have a particular vulnerability, such as a disability, are of old age, or perhaps have a reliance on alcohol or drugs, there may be a heightened chance of an accidental fire. This is especially the case if the individual smokes, but not exclusively so.
We supply a wide range of products which are compliant to BS 7175 Crib 5 and Crib 7 across mattresses, bed linen, duvets, pillows and blankets & throws. These products, certified as meeting the fire standard at UKAS approved testing laboratories, are available in different sizes, and in the case of the linen and blankets, different colours.
Where a cigarette is dropped onto our fire retardant bedding, the item will not ignite and spread like the typical non-fire products often found in retail settings.
We also provide a range of non-bedding items which are compliant to the appropriate standard, covering fire retardant nightwear, lap blankets, smoking aprons and floor mats. These will protect the user if they are in or out of bed. The mats are used for different purposes, and can be placed by a fireplace, near to a chip pan, or by a letterbox to prevent the spread of fire in the event of an arson attack.
As the product range is supplied to users who are in their own homes, as opposed to in an institutional setting, in most cases outside of social housing, the individuals would purchase their bedding from a high street or online retailer.
As this sector does not generally provide options for fire retardant items, nor is the user ordinarily aware of the option or their risk level, supply through a Fire & Rescue Service is generally the way that suitable protection is able to be provided to the user.
Across police custody suites, our specialist range of anti-ligature products and fleece blanket are designed to provide warmth, dignity and safety to the users.
Our product range consists of our regular anti-ligature blanket and reinforced version which includes an additional mass of stitching, a pillow, a top and bottom set, and a smock. All of the items are highly specialised, manufactured utilising skilled and experienced machinists in The UK.
Products are compliant to various tear strength and fire tests required by the sector with certificates available on request. They are intended to be used in conjunction with regular, stipulated observations, and should not be used as a substitute for this.
Anti-ligature items have contrasting stitching to the fabric to make it easier for the staff members observing the users to identify if there has been any attempt to loosen or remove the stitching.
For users not identified as having an elevated risk of self-harm, our soft and comfortable standard polar fleece custody blanket is provided to ensure the individual can keep warm, and aid sleep. Available in navy or a light blue colour, the item is fully fire retardant to BS 7175 Crib 7.
We are able to supply a range of additional items into the custody suites, including custodial specified clothing. Our jogging bottoms, for example, do not have drawstrings which may be used as a ligature, making them appropriate for the setting.
As each NHS Ambulance Trust generally determine their own requirements in regard to the specification, we have produced various differing blanket specifications over many years. Factors that determine the choice of blanket include the size, material, weight, labelling, and embroidery. Where the items are laundered can also differ across trusts, which impacts on the decision-making process.
We are able to discuss the requirements that you have for your NHS Ambulance Trust, and advise on the most suitable options for consideration.
Across the various Emergency Services, there is a critical need to ensure the textiles products are suitable for the environment that they are provided to.
Our product range has been developed over many years, not only to ensure a compliant specification, but also focused on the most comfortable products that can be manufactured within the parameters – eg we are unable to utilise cotton in FR bed linen, as this would render the items flammable.
Additionally, the laundry processing and locations will differ significantly, therefore considerations including shrinkage, colour loss and drying times are of importance in getting the items processed and ready for the next user.
As each branch of the Emergency Services sector has very specific requirements, our expert team are able to discuss what these mean to your specific organisation. Please get in contact with us, and we will answer any questions you have, and suggest what items may be best suited to your environment.
“Given the specialist aspects of the products that are required across Fire & Rescue Services, Thomas Kneale has the most comprehensive product range on the market and have improved the products over time, so they are more comfortable and durable than they have ever been.
Please call one of the team or drop us an email and we will be delighted to help.
We are here to guide you on our wide range of products, each of which have different specifications, colours, sizes and designs. You may know exactly what you are looking for, or may prefer us to listen to your aspirations and talk you through the items that we feel will be right for you.
While much of our product range is in regular, continuous production, we create bespoke options for our customers to ensure we can meet your complete satisfaction.
We are open from 3am for early birds and throughout the day, please call us on +44 (0)161 274 4464 or click below to send us an email- we will be right on to it!
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