Firefighters' SCBA: Belt Radiant Heat Resistance

摘要

Belts of firefighters' self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) were analyzed for heat resistance. Elongation and stiffness were measured at heat intensities of 0.43, 0.92, and 1.16 watts per square centimeter. A simulated environment was achieved by keeping belts under tension against a backing under heat. Typical belt survival times ranged from 4.49 minutes for survivor belts to 0.80 minutes for Scott belts. The performance of several currently used SCBA belts in a high radiation environment was discussed. The author recommends the development of belt standards.