Smart Fabrics Summit Scheduled for April 2016 -- Occupational Health & Safety

Public safety is one of the areas where the most advances in "smart fabrics" are taking place, the U.S. Department of Commerce said as it announced the April 2016 Smart Fabrics Summit.

Smart Fabrics Summit Scheduled for April 2016

The Department of Commerce reports that the smart fabric product development is being seen in the fields of defense, fitness, health, and public safety.

Nov 26, 2015

The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Industrial Fabrics Association International are joining forces to present the first-ever Smart Fabrics Summit on April 4, 2016, in Washington, D.C. The event will be a forum for public and private-sector leaders in technology, apparel, and textiles to highlight developments in the smart fabrics industry, identify opportunities for collaboration, and discuss key industry challenges, according to the partner organizations.

According to Commerce, recent technological advances "have brought together the apparel, technology, and textile industries to develop new capabilities in fabrics with the potential to change how athletes, patients, soldiers, first responders, and everyday consumers interact with their clothes and other textile products. Known as 'smart fabrics,' these new high-tech products have the capability to interact with their user or environment, including tracking and communicating data about their wearer or environment to other devices through embedded sensors and conductive yarns. The applications for this new technology are broad, with most smart fabric product development seen in the fields of defense, fitness, health, and public safety."

The agency also reports the world market for smart clothing is expected to grow from a base of $17.2 million in 2013 to approximately $600 million by 2020, citing as its source the research firm Tractica LLC.

For more information about attending or sponsoring the summit, visit http://smartfabricssummit.com/.

Product Showcase

Halo™ Swing-Activated Faucet and Emergency Eyewash

Bradley’s combined Halo™ Swing-Activated Faucet and Emergency Eyewash is a convenient space saver for tight workspaces. During regular faucet use, the eyewash is stored out of the way. In an emergency, the Halo eyewash is immediately activated when it is swung out 90 degrees over the sink. In less than one second, the faucet is deactivated while the eyewash is directly positioned over the sink for use. Designed with a durable ceramic valve that limits wear on moving parts, this swing-activated model provides dependability and long-lasting performance. 3
AirWave

Say hello to the N95 mask that is so comfortable and easy breathing, it can positively impact worker productivity and happiness on the job. The AirWave’s proprietary pleated design makes breathing easier and comes in multiple sizes with an adjustable strap for a customizable fit. Airwaves also have an ultra-tough Dura-Mesh® shell that resists collapse even in the hottest and most humid conditions. They have a metal-free molded nose bridge that seals easily without a metal noseband for added protection and comfort. It’s official: AirWave is a difference you can feel. 3
Safety Knives

The Safety Knife Company LLC has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal-detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. machines and is X-ray visible. 3