The main objective of the 4-year project is to develop intelligent personal protective equipment (PPE) system that will ensure active protection and information support for personnel in high risk and complex environments, in particular chemical rescue teams, firefighters and mine rescuers, who are exposed to fire, explosions, high temperature, dangerous substances, limited visibility, high humidity and limitation of breathable air. These high-level risks are reflected in a significant number of injuries and fatalities reported in the target sectors. The S&T objectives of the project are: - to integrate, within the new PPE system, state-of-the-art materials, active textiles, optical fibre sensors, gas and temperature detectors, ICT - to develop new materials (based on nanotechnology) and integrate them into PPE elements in order to enhance multi-functionality and adaptability; - to assure ergonomic design of new PPE and validate its functionality, safety, comfort and performance level by usability tests in real working conditions. The project is divided into 4 phases: 1) Conceptualization; 2) Technical development and integration, 3) Verification and validation; and 4) Dissemination and exploitation. The consortium consists of 16 partners from 6 countries: 5 RTDs, 8 SMEs, 2 industrial companies and 1 non-profit organisation. Three partners representing target groups participate in the whole project to guarantee full adaptation of the PPE system to users' needs. The project will have an impact on: the reduction of occupational injuries and disease in the EU (the population of end-users estimated at 3-5 mln.); European regulations (PPE Directive) and harmonised EN standards; European leadership in PPE-related research and innovation; the growth of European PPE market and the development of ERA in the area of industrial safety.