POST-USE ANALYSIS OF FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT GEAR: PHASES Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ

摘要

The purpose of the research was to conduct a post-use evaluation of firefighter turnout gear that had been in use for time intervals between 2 years and retirement. Inspection and testing procedures required by National Fire Protective Association (NFPA) 1851 Standard on Selection, Care and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting and NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting were followed. Sixty seven garments from career fire departments were evaluated during Phase Ⅰ of the study; 76 garments from volunteer fire departments during Phase Ⅱ, and during Phase Ⅲ, 108 retired garments were tested The specific objectives of the study were to compare the durability and performance properties of used fire fighter turnout gear against the requirements of NFPA 1971; to determine if the physical inspection protocol for structural turnout gear in NFPA 1851 is predictive of laboratory testing results and to determine if the recommended ten year retirement age is appropriate for coats and trousers by evaluating the ensemble using methods outlined in both NFPA 1851, 2008 and NFPA 1971, 2007. Assessments of the used garments included a visual inspection (closure system functionality, light evaluation, leakage evaluation, and flashlight test) and component and composite performance properties (thermal protective performance (TPP), total heat loss (THL), flammability, tear strength, seam strength and water penetration). The requirements regarding retirement, care and maintenance outlined in the NFPA 1851 standard were used as parameters for evaluation. The results of the visual inspection and physical testing of the turnout gear helped determine if the current recommended ten year wear life (retirement age) was appropriate by assessing the performance criteria after specified increments of time. The results confirmed that the flashlight test allows the firefighter to effectively evaluate trim reflectance on their turnout gear according to NFPA 1851. The results of the leakage evaluation did not validate similar results with water penetration testing. When assessing the water penetration barrier evaluation, 58 garments showed a false pass in the cup test, and 7 garments showed a false fail. It was concluded that the leakage evaluation did not verify the results of the water penetration barrier evaluation. TPP, THL and flammability supported the ten year wear life; however, tear resistance, breaking strength, seam strength, and water penetration did not support the ten-year retirement. All garments evaluated in the Firefighter Durability Study met the NFPA requirement for Thermal Protective Performance (100%). A positive correlation between thickness and TPP value was established. The majority of garments tested met the flammability requirements mandated in NFPA 1971. Only 1.27% of garments tested failed to meet the requirements. All outer shells passed flammability testing. Two moisture barrier components and two thermal liner materials failed to meet flammability requirements. Therefore, inspection of the liner system every three years as mandated by NFPA 1851 was not supported by the results.