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You deserve more than second best

It is very difficult to accurately access the breathability and waterproofness of a design and its component parts as so many variable factors come into play. To prove this point we once equipped 2 mountain guides with identical waterproofs but in different fabrics. They tested them leading an expedition in Greenland and frequently swapped the designs. They could detect no difference in the breathable or waterproof performance of the designs, yet one fabric was an expensive micro-porous membrane and the other a cost-effective hydrophilic laminate.

Keeping pace with developing technology

However it has always been Vander policy to achieve the highest quality and we have always chosen branded fabrics that comply with British Standards for all waterproofs. This provides a consistent measure of performance and ensures the branded fabrics we have chosen are backed by a continuous research programme. These fabrics are also independently laboratory tested for waterproofness and breathability and like Vander they stand by their name and consistently perform to recognised standards.

So which brand of fabric would you choose for your waterproofs?

There are work situations that require a 'no-compromise' specification of waterproofness and breathability such as Gore-Tex fabric. There are other situations that require cost-effective, excellent performance and for these we would recommend branded fabrics such as Permatex by J.B Broadley, Exeat by Coating Applications and also Cyclone, Diffusion and the new generation Omniclima. For the very cost conscious needing breathable waterproofs that also surpass BS standards, we strongly recommend Concordia.

Mobility, durability, breathability and waterproofness and at ease with the highest European standards

All Vander garments regardless of their end use carry the European CE marking. This means they have a classification to the coveted European norm EN343 for protection against foul weather. The test also includes tear resistance, dimensional change, seam strength and thermal resistance. However the two most important tests are for waterproofness and breathability and where appropriate, these achieve the highest class rating for waterproofness and breathability. For specified work situations we also have styles which achieve the EN471 standard for high visibility warning clothing.

Personal Protection Equipment EC Directive

'Vander products conform to the requirements of Article 8.3 of the Personal Protective Equipment EC Directive 89/686/EEC. This Directive is implemented into UK Law by the Personal Protective Equipment (EC Directive) Regulations 5.1. 1992/3139'

Having met these stringent standards doesn't mean you have to venture outside resembling a knight going into battle. Far from it. The combination of Vander's well thought-out designs and the breathability, waterproofness and comfort of the premier branded fabrics, creates a positive reaction to the problems of walking, working, mountaineering and just plain living in an unpredictable and often inclement climate. Permatex and Exeat are two excellent examples chosen by Vander...

Permatex

Just like the Mountain Rescue Teams that use Permatex, responses to a call for action are that much faster when you are not pinned down under a ton of fabric. But modern membranes, whilst carrying the highest standards looking and not many fabrics can blend fashion and function so successfully as Permatex. Consequently it is used by well-known brands like Stylo whilst matching up to the MOD's stringent specifications. At its most hardworking it can be laminated into a 3-ply fabric and conversely it is also available as an ultra lightweight breathable, waterproof dropliner favoured by golfers. In its 2-ply format Kendal Mountain Rescue Team extract the highest levels of breathability whilst receiving reciprocal amounts of waterproofness.

Exeat

In a journey across the UK it would be unusual not to see many personnel from the following organisations using Exeat. Firstly the front line rescue services use Exeat and that includes Police, Ambulance and Fire. It is used extensively by utilities such as telephone, water, electricity and gas providers and if you are travelling on public transport you'll see it on Scotrail, Railtrack and the London Underground. If you were a smuggler you could be caught by HM Customs and Excise who would be wearing Exeat and if things went badly in more unfortunate circumstances you could also meet up with Exeat used by HM Prison Service.

Omniclima

R & D is changing the workplace beyond recognition. Ignoring it will jeopardise your working efficiency. The latest waterproof fabric development has updated working practices and to make use of it is to stay ahead of your competitors.

Ever heard of RET and did you know every waterproof fabric has one? RET is the measurement of a fabric's evaporative resistance. The lower the figure the more breathable the fabric. The Omniclima laminate used by Vander and developed in Belgium is at the peak of performance because its RET measurement is less than 20 and that is being modest. Independently tested by the German Hohenstein Institute it is classified as an extremely breathable laminate. If your staff demand the best -and you don't want to pay the most - then Omniclima should be given serious consideration.

Even after 10 washes and 3 dry cleanings its hydrostatic head test remains at 10m. It is DW Teflon coated so water simply beads off and even after 3 hours of peak working activity its RET value remains the same. Omniclima is here today and is just one of the advantages of always insisting on branded fabrics. Why choose anything less for a highly motivated work force?

3M Thinsulate

Mother Nature provides excellent examples of seemingly perfect thermal insulation in the form of down or fur. But Thinsulate does even better. Thinsulate maintains its insulating properties even when wet. It is also highly breathable so avoids condensation and dries exceptionally quickly. Vander combine this with a waterproof and outer for protection against extreme combinations of rain and cold.

Thinsulate uses microfibres 10 times thinner than conventional synthetic insulation. In fact when equal thicknesses of fabric are compared it provides twice the insulation of man-made fibres and one and half times the insulation of down. Consequently Thinsulate offers excellent insulation from the cold without unnecessary weight or bulk. Thinsulate is also more flexible so your workforce will be fully protected against the worst of weathers and will not suffer the tiring restriction of conventional man-made insulation

3M Scotchlite Reflective Material

In a rapidly developing and chaotic world where machinery, aircraft, ships and vehicles are travelling at an ever-faster pace, ensuring you are visible is the first Step towards a safe working environment. 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material ensures you are clearly seen, avoiding potential disasters. All 3M Scotchlite Reflective Materials exceed the highest brightness category (Class 2) of EN471. 3M are the world leaders in reflective material and Vander would not recommend anything less.

Two way traffic

It is every employer's responsibility to ensure the safety of their staff. You need to be sure the garment that you buy has the correct accreditations and will keep you and your employees visible. All waterproofs from Vander with 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material carry the Scotchlite label providing peace of mind for you and your workers. Make sure you are properly protected - look for the Scotchlite label.

Choose from the Vander range and highly experienced personnel will help you identify the right products for your needs.

Seen in the best light

It cannot be stressed how important it is to be clearly seen in the dark. Badges incorporating 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material give day and night visibility and provide the dual benefits of safety whilst positively identifying your company name.

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