KEVLAR Armor Technology Offers Greater Hand Protection in High-Risk Tasks

Mississauga, Ontario, October 29th 2001 A new technology from DuPont is enhancing the already high level of cut-protection performance for which DuPont KEVLAR brand fibre is known.

KEVLAR Armor Technology addresses the needs of workers whose jobs expose them to extremely hazardous conditions that demand increased protection from sharp objects. These include environments where stationary blades, slitting operations or tasks involving heavy metal or glass panels and extremely sharp knives or instruments pose a threat to employees.

A variety of cut-protection systems already exist to prevent personnel injuries in these higher risk situations. Materials used in such systems range from combinations of fiberglass and polyethylene, and stainless steel and liquid crystal polymers to stainless steel wrapped syn-thetic fibres and stainless steel mesh. The primary shortcoming of systems made with these materials is their lack of comfort and flexibility, which can impede an employees dexterity and productivity. Also, none of them offer any significant protection against heat and flame.

“We have had quite a few inquiries in the past for technology that would provide cut protec-tion for workers in higher-risk situations,” said Heather Johnstone Canadian Segment Leader, KEVLAR Protective Apparel. “Thats why we began developing new solutions for these applications approximately 18 months ago.”

“Our objective with KEVLAR Armor Technology,” said Johnstone, “is to provide technology solutions that enhance the existing cut-protection performance of KEVLAR . The material and the technology used in that enhancement may vary by application and need.”

Contact Lorne Strachan, DuPont Canada Inc

905-821-5858

lorne.d.strachan@can.dupont.com

Paulette Mouzer

The Graydon Group Limited

416-443-9707 ext 24

pmouzer@graydongroup.com