Firefighters clothing systems for protection against heat and flame

Abstract

Users of protective clothing systems in different occupations (firefighters, members of the civil protection, soldiers, workers on board aircraft carriers and oil platforms, workers in the boiler rooms, etc.) during their work activities are exposed to a variety of external environmental influences such as the effect of heat, fire, water, static electricity, chemicals, and also are working in environment of reduced visibility with increased physical activity. Because of danger of the appearance of bums and other possible injuries and to protect their health, the clothing systems with complete equipment for protection against heat and flame are of prime importance. These protective clothing systems have a huge influence on their efficiency in performing work activities. In the paper an overview of protective clothing for firefighters and requirements that need to be satisfied in order for these clothing to provide adequate protection and comfort during wear is done. Protective clothing systems for firefighters, and materials that are the basic building element of multi-layered clothing to protect against heat and flame are shown. The fact that in addition to the optimal protective equipment very important is certain level of skills of firefighters and their mental and physical ability in performing work in accident situations is emphasized.