Analysis of the Issue of Special Clothing in the Operation of Fire Protection Units

Abstract

Aim: The paper is aimed at presenting selected problems of the impact of the incident environment on the body of a firefighter-rescuer who is protected with standard personal protective equipment (PPE). The article is an overview and presents the hazards associated with working in harsh environmental conditions, followed by the characteristics of firefighters’ PPE (in particular, special clothing) that play a key role in such conditions. Introduction: The safety of those involved in a fire incident is a very important issue – both in terms of proper management of human resources and the organization of activities in the situation of the incident and after it. The article presents content related to the impact of selected environments on firefighter-rescuers and the importance of firefighters’ “special clothing” during operations. The information on the influence of hot and cold microclimate environments and chemical activity as a consequence of processes occurring during a fire is presented. The issue of the operation of the complex environment of the tactical field and its impact on those involved in incidents was addressed. Methodology: The article is based on a review of selected literature on the addressed subject. Conclusions: During an incident involving not only operations during a fire, but also after the fire is extinguished, a firefighter-rescuer is simultaneously exposed to many factors. In addition to the stress that accompanies such activities, physical and chemical factors that occur side by side should also be considered, often broadening and intensifying the negative impact. The analysis should cover the fullest possible range of factors to which a person is subjected and allow him/her to be equipped with the appropriate protective tools, which are the firefighter’s PPE. The introduced innovations should be multidirectional and include minimizing the risk of high or low temperatures, inhalation poisoning, or skin contact with toxins. In doing so, it should be kept in mind that changes in the structure and properties of clothing must correspond to both the trends observed in the market, the economy and the dynamics of the course of fire. Therefore, it is necessary to work in parallel in many areas, taking into account the properties of the used materials, the spread and nature of incidents, and the tools at the disposal of the firefighter-rescuer. Keywords: hazard factors, firefighter’s personal protective equipment, firefighter’s special clothing, innovations

Sorption Processes of Selected PAHs on Selected Fire-Resistant Materials Used in Special Firefighter Clothing

“…The emitted substances often belong to the group of substances that are persistent in the environment, and may bioaccumulate. It should also be added that when extinguishing fires, the threat is not only the substances emitted, but also, depending on the type of fire, radiant or convective heat, explosions, falling objects, debris, small particles floating in the air, limited inflow oxygen, hot liquid, molten substances, and noise [25][26][27]. Taking into account the variety of threats to which firefighters are exposed, it is necessary to have appropriate tools to increase their safety during the implementation of activities [2].…”

“…Taking into account the variety of threats to which firefighters are exposed, it is necessary to have appropriate tools to increase their safety during the implementation of activities [2]. One of them is protective clothing, i.e., a special clothing product that provides protection for the torso, neck, arms and legs of firefighters, excluding the head, feet and hands [26][27][28]. In the case of chemical and/or gas cleaning activities, it is necessary to use clothing appropriate for this type of activity [29].…”

“…In clothes available on the market, the first layer is usually synthetic aramid (Nomex, Kevlar), polyamide (Kermel), polyimide (Lenzing) or polybenzimidazole (PBI) fibers. Impregnated cotton fabrics can also be found, but they are the least frequently used [26][27][28].…”

“…The material used for this layer is a hydrophobic microporous membrane, usually made of plastics such as polyurethane, polyester or polytetrafluoroethylene. One of the most frequently used materials in firefighter clothing is Goretex [26][27][28][29][30]. The third, thermally insulating layer, thanks to the use of airbags and climate micro-chambers, is designed to ensure wearing comfort and serves as a thermal barrier.…”