![]() ![]() Foreman adds, “Whenever possible, try to keep it stored in a climate-controlled environment do not expose the vest to extreme temperatures or conditions over time, and do not store in direct sunlight. Machine wash the carriers on a gentle cycle after removing the ballistic panels and Velcro at a cool temperature. Spinniken recommends always wiping the armor panels down with a mild soap. What are some of the more important practices that they should be aware of? Don’t dry clean or iron the carriers and do not use highly acidic cleaners on the armor panels or carriers. Do not use chemicals that are cleaning agents, bleach, or things that could damage the ballistic fibers.Īdam Spinniken of Armor Express adds, “Do not wash the armor panels in a washing machine. Mike Foreman: Definitely avoid any prolonged, direct exposure to water. What are some things officers should absolutely NOT do to their body armor? But if properly maintained, the maintenance routine remains the same, However now that they have a different layer of protection and protected from moistures, if there was inadvertent contact with water or some type of cleaning solution, the ballistic panels are now protected. ![]() Throughout my 36 years I’ve found that officers would sometimes do the darndest things when it came to caring for their armor – people who’ve put them in the dishwasher, and I know people who put them in a machine and a host of things. The advantage of the 06 standard is that, now that armor is heat-sealed and waterproofed as part of the new standard, the likelihood that an officer could inadvertently expose their ballistics to water, which is the number one enemy of ballistic fibers, is unlikely now. Always wipe off ballistic panels with a damp cloth. And when I say ‘care’, that means the maintenance of the carrier and how it is washed and maintained, as well as how the ballistic panels are maintained. Mike Foreman: How they care for it remains the same. Have NIJ06 standards changed the way in which officers should care for their body armor? ALWAYS check with your carrier’s specific instructions, and always call if you have a question. This information should be used as a guide, but not as a replacement for manufacturer documentation. Of course, many cleaning and care instruction will vary from brand to brand. If you’ve been slacking on your body armor cleaning and care routine, now’s the time to get it right. Take a look at this Q & A with Adam Spinniken with Armor Express and Mike Foreman, senior vice president at Point Blank Armor and retired chief at Orange County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department. Other factors include how regularly the armor was worn, whether the armor fits properly and how it was cared for. If body armor is cared for properly, it will care for you – for a long time to come! The NIJ has sponsored research that indicates that age is not the only factor in determining the service life of armor. (And who can afford to run out and buy a second set?). Too often, improper ‘maintenance’ techniques damage the ballistic performance capabilities of armor. And as such, it needs to be treated with respect. Some in-vest materials even go so far as to protect against sharp-edged weapons and electromagnetic shock. ![]() Today’s body armor systems boast increased ballistic protection, more flexibility, less weight and better comfort. Over the last 20 years, new materials and fabrics contributed significantly to the wearability of body armor. ![]()
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