Product & User Care Guide

Defence Composites protective armour products are all 100% manufactured in our ISO9001:2015 and ISO14001:2015 certified manufacturing facility in Greater Manchester, UK.

We use advanced materials in our products to provide protection from a range of specified threats. It should be noted that there is no such thing as “bullet proof” or “stab proof”, no garment can provide absolute protection from all and every attack.

Remember that some types of attacks can penetrate all body armour.

THE WEARING OF BODY ARMOUR DOES NOT GUARANTEE PROTECTION FROM SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURY.

LEVEL OF PROTECTION

It is the responsibility of the user to assess the level and type of risk and ensure the product chosen is specified to meet the appropriate standard and level of protection.

The level of protection is clearly stated on the labels attached to the protective panels inside the outer cover.

For information on protection levels, please refer to the armour standards, view our website or contact us for further information and support.

CHECKING THE BODY ARMOUR BEFORE WEARING

In normal use and with regular inspection our body armour will provide you with years of service. DC products should be cared for according to this guidance and the labelling on the armour components.

The following checks should be carried out each time the body armour is used.

  1. Check for any cuts or tears in the fabric of the outer cover.
  2. If any new damage is detected, remove the armour panels and check them for cracks, splits or cuts to the protective cover.
  3. If any damage to the armour panels is discovered, contact us before wearing the body armour.

Notwithstanding the checks mentioned above, we recommend that the armour panels are removed from covers and undergo a weekly inspection, unless the armour is in storage.

Failure to check for and / or repair damage may result in a loss of performance.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN ANY SEALED PARTS OF YOUR ARMOUR. ANY TAMPERING WITH OR MISUSE OF THE ARMOUR COULD SERIOUSLY REDUCE ITS PERFORMANCE AND THE WARRANTY WOULD BE INVALID.

CARE AND CLEANING

All body armour must be disassembled before cleaning. Remove all protective panels and store in a dry place.

Care of Outer Covers

  1. Remove protective panels
  2. Fasten all Velcro before washing
  3. Machine wash separately at 30C or 40C (refer to sew in care label)
  4. Ensure carrier is fully dry
  5. Correctly re-insert panels with care ensuring the BODY SIDE labels face body when armour is worn

Care of Protective Panels

  1. Do not wash
  2. Do not dry clean
  3. Do not bleach
  4. Wipe with a damp cloth using mild detergent and allow to air dry
  5. Ensure panel shape is not irregular
  6. Correctly re-insert panels with care ensuring the BODY SIDE labels face body when armour is worn
  7. Avoid heavy use and abuse

Storage

DC recommend that your armour should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally on a strong clothes hanger or in a purpose made storage bag. Depending upon the armour product it should be stored in a flat or vertical orientation.

Do not place heavy items on top of the armour while in storage.