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2074322 
Technical Report 
Heat Transfer In Bunker (Turnout) Coats 
Clark, W 
1971 
NIOSH/00156770 
International Association of Fire Fighters 
95-96 
Heat transfer in fire fighters' (SIC-9224) bunker coats is reviewed. Bunker coats are designed to keep fire fighters dry and warm in cold weather; the properties insulating against cold also give some heat protection. Most of these coats are ignited easily and will burn readily; some do not pass flame proof requirements for draperies in public assembly places. The material of the coats can be made flame proof by treating the bolt cloth before tailoring. Coat materials are being tested by the US Bureau of Standards to try to make coats safer. Of the rubber like synthetics used as coat shells or waterproof interiors, none are excellent; neoprene (69028371) and hypalon (9008086) are good; polyurethane (9009545) and silicone (63148629) are fair. Garments giving the best protection against heat will cause the wearer to collapse of heat prostation after 20 minutes of moderate exertion. Layered materials give the best light weight insulation. Fire coat design should ventilate the area between coat and body. Aluminized garments give the best reflection of radiant heat, but fire fighters have been badly burned while wearing them. After a series of tests of aluminum (7429905) suits, several defects were found. These included hot spots, limited mobility and communication, damage from hose stream, high temperature buildup, and suits not being smoke proof and requiring self contained masks. Progress is being made by the National Aeronautics Space Administration, which makes its results available to fire fighters.