A series of measurements has been carried out to quantify the thermal properties of materials used to fabricate fire fighters' thermal protective clothing. The thermal property measurements chosen have direct application for use in heat transfer model computations that may be used to predict the thermal performance of fire fighters' protective clothing. The thermal properties are: thermal conductivity, specific heat, and the thermo-optical properties of absorptivity, reflectivity, and transmissivity. In addition, the physical property of density was also measured. Since thermal properties vary with ambient temperature conditions, thermal conductivity measurements were made over a range of temperatures, 20°C to 100°C. Specific heat was measured over a range of 0°C to 100°C. The maximum temperature of 100°C was selected because it is below the temperature wherematerial's thermal degradation occurs, and the temperature range used covers the temperatures where burn injuries occur in human skin. The thermo-optical properties data were generated only at room temperature, approximately 23°C, since the test apparatus was not designed to operate at higher temperatures.

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This workshop provided a forum to discuss the strategies, technologies, procedures, best practices, research, and development that can significantly improve thermal imaging technology for the first responder community. The goal of the workshop was to identify barriers that impede advances in the application of thermal imaging technology to emergency response. The program included experts from the first responder community, thermal imaging camera and component manufacturers, fire fighter trainers, and those doing research on thermal imaging, speaking on today's safety challenges. After hearing presentations, the workshop divided into three breakout sessions to discuss the following four questions: What technological advances are needed? What are the research needs for first responders? What performance metrics are needed and how do they differ from current methods? What standards are needed? The results of each groups' deliberations were discussed when the full workshop reconvened. The responses from each group were coalesced and listed so that attendees could vote on the issues that they felt were most important. Attendees were grouped by their affiliation with industry or the first responder community. The combination of issues that relate to image quality (a collection of research, performance metrics, and standards needs) was voted to be the most important topic overall, and the most important subject for industry representatives. The development of camera durability (or ruggedness) metrics and standard testing methods was the second-most important subject overall, and the second-most important subject for industry representatives. Training and certification for personnel, and human factor/dynamics/ergonomic research were the first and second-most important topics for first responders.