(1) The first two photographs on the left show the test subject wearing the firefighter protective ensemble; the third photograph shows the particle exposure chamber with the test subject performing overhead reach (several other exercises were performed over the 30-minute exposure period); the fourth photograph shows technicians decontaminating the exterior of the clothing prior to doffing. (Photos courtesy of RTI.)
To show how firefighters can be contaminated by smoke, the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) commissioned full ensemble particle exposure testing at the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) in early January 2015. This evaluation involved a “used” turnout clothing system, configured with an SCBA and worn by a test subject in a particle-laden chamber. The evaluation was performed per the Department of Defense-based Fluorescent Aerosol Screening Test (FAST) procedures where the individual was subjected to a high-level concentration of silica powder particles tagged with the fluorescent tracer having a particle size ranging from 0.1 to 10 microns. The test subject performed a variety of different movements over the course of a half hour while particles were blown through the chamber at 10 miles per hour. Following the exposure, the exterior of the garment was wiped down and the ensemble carefully removed to avoid exterior particle transfer to the interior. Black light photography of the individual without the ensemble before and after the chamber exposure provided a means for detecting where inward leakage of particles occurred. The following pictures show the test and where the infiltration of particles was observed.
These results are significant because they confirm the suspected findings that a high volume exposure occurs to the vulnerable face/neck area that is not protected by the SCBA face piece. The photographs also show particles entering the garment through the front closure and between the coat and pant interface to a less significant extent. Low levels of particle penetration were also observed at the glove-to-coat sleeve interface but researchers were relatively surprised by the intensity of fluorescence that appears on the calves above the boot line despite the extensive overlap between the pants and boots.
