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Characterizing the High-Temperature Performance of SCBA Facepieces
Track(s): Fire & Emergency Services, Research

Nelson Bryner, NIST

Audio Sample:




The performance of the facepiece of self-contained breathing apparatus that may be experienced by first responders during highheat flux and high-temperature conditions was characterized in a series of experiments. Melted SCBA lenses have been identified as a contributing factor in firefighter fatalities and injuries. In terms of thermal performance, the SCBA lens is considered to be the weakest component of a firefighter's protective ensemble. Three sets of highheat exposure experiments were performed, at the lab scale, at full scale, and in the field. The lab scale experiments in front of a radiant panel provided repeatability and control, while the field experiments in townhouse burns using furnishings as fuel, were more realistic. The full-scale experiments in a room with a natural gas burner were somewhat realistic, while retaining some repeatability. Find out more about the information learned regarding facepiece thermal performance in these experiments.

Nelson Bryner, MS in Chemical Engineering from U of Maryland; been burning things and conducting fire research at NIST for over 25 years. Conducts research performance standards and testing protocols for developing technology to improve safety and effectiveness of first responders.