Nomex is a synthetic fire-retardant fiber developed by the DuPont company in the 1960s. It was one of the first fibers that could offer a high level of protection against heat and fire while being light and flexible enough to be used in clothing.

The name 'Nomex' comes from the words 'nomadic' and 'textile', referring to the fiber's versatility and ability to be used in a variety of applications.

Since then, Nomex has been used in a variety of products, including high-performance clothing, insulation materials, seals and protective membranes.

One of the best-known applications of Nomex is in motorsport, where it is used in rally and racing underwear to protect drivers and mechanics from heat and fire at high speeds and in extreme temperatures. Nomex is also used by the military and fire brigades to protect personnel from danger.

Nomex has become an industry standard for high-performance protective clothing and is known for its ability to provide a high level of protection against heat and fire while being lightweight and comfortable to wear. It has also proven to be very durable and resistant to chemicals and abrasion.

There are several alternatives to Nomex, including other fire-retardant fibers that also offer high heat resistance and protection against fire.

One such alternative is Kevlar, which was also developed by DuPont and is known for its high durability and heat resistance. Kevlar is often used in protective clothing for motorcyclists, soldiers and firefighters.

Another option is PBI (polybenzimidazole), which is a highly heat-resistant fiber that is lightweight and comfortable to wear. PBI is often used in clothing for firefighters and rescue workers.

Other options include wool, cotton and viscose treated with flame-retardant chemicals to increase their protective ability.

The choice of fiber depends on the application and the level of protection required. It is important to choose the right protection to ensure that staff are properly protected against danger.

The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) is the international organization that regulates motor sport, including rallying and racing. When a product is 'FIA approved', it means that it has been tested and meets the FIA's specific requirements and standards for use in motor sport.

The requirements vary depending on the product. For example, protective clothing requires that the material is fire retardant and can withstand high temperatures. Safety equipment, such as helmets and seat belts, must meet specific strength and protection requirements.

FIA approval means that a product is considered safe and reliable enough to be used in motorsport at international level. It is also common for competition rules to require drivers and mechanics to use FIA-approved products to participate in competitions.

The FIA has several different homologations that are awarded to products and equipment used in motor sport. Here is an explanation of the most common homologations:

1. FIA homologation 8856-2000: This is a homologation for protective clothing, including rally and racing suits. Products with this approval meet FIA standards for fire retardancy, tear and abrasion resistance and high temperature resistant seams.
2. FIA homologation 8860-2018: This is the highest homologation awarded to helmets. Products with this homologation meet the FIA's stringent requirements for impact absorption, penetration protection, side impact protection, weight and field of vision.
3. FIA homologation 8859: This is a homologation for safety belts. Products with this homologation meet FIA standards for strength, weight, length and width.
4. FIA homologation 6324-1: This is a homologation for head restraints, which are used to protect the driver's neck in the event of a crash. Products with this homologation meet FIA requirements for strength and shock absorption.

Homologations are important to ensure that products used in motorsport meet high standards of safety and performance. Products with FIA homologations are usually tested and approved by the FIA or by an FIA-accredited testing organization.