NFPA completes breathability tests on firefighter protective clothing
Technical reports of the National Fire Protection Research Foundation`s (NFPRF) independent test project documenting the heat stress and comfort of six turnout systems compliant with NFPA 1971, Standard for Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting, are now available.
The tests were conducted at the North Carolina State University College of Textiles under the technical leadership of Dr. Roger Barker of North Carolina State and Dr. Loren Myrhe of Alama Physiological Research Institute. The Foundation`s International Fire Fighter Protective Clothing Breathability Research Project Technical Advisory Committee oversaw the project.
Climate conditions were simulated through two protocols. In Protocol 1, work activity was light to moderate, the climate environment was mild, and the firefighter wore a turnout coat and pants over a station uniform. In the second protocol, work activity was moderate, the climate environment was warm, and the firefighter wore the total turnout ensemble as well as a hood, gloves, and an SCBA. The objective and subjective measures of human physiological and psychological responses were applied to quantify turnout performance in several categories.
All documentation developed in the Project was transmitted to the NFPA 1971 Technical Committee. Several Technical Committee members served on the project`s advisory committee.
Project sponsors in addition to the NFPA were Aldan Industries Inc., the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Fire Administration/FEMA. Joining sponsors on the technical advisory committee were representatives of the following fire departments: Carrolton, Texas; La Mesa, California; New York, New York; Plano, Texas; and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A copy of the technical report, which costs $50, may be obtained by calling (617) 984-7283.
