|
While the physiological tests indicated no significant differences between
the different ensembles tested, there were some highly significant
differences in the subjective analysis, which clearly allowed the
ensembles to be ranked form 'worst' to 'best'. Sufficient consistency
prevailed to allow the best three and worst three ensembles to be
clearly identified. For future trials, it is suggested that different
scales be selected to allow more robust ranking data to be generated,
e.g., a simple |
sweat scale might be used. Recognizing the deficiencies of the old
standard, the new EN469:2005, which has just been published, omits any
reference to physiology. It is understood that further work is now being
done to provide more appropriate guidance which could become embodied in
a new annex in due course.
To obtain additional information, contact Ivan Rich by email,
ivan.rich@bristoluniforms.co.uk |
Turnout Gear Examined For Heat Stress and Operational Effectiveness. |
|
Spontaneous re-ignition in a power transformer room was studied to see if
there was a difference between a high- or low-pressure water mist
system. Full-scale suppression tests were performed for six different
fire scenarios: two spray fires, three pool fires, and one cascade fire.
Three reduced-scale models were used to estimate the cooling
characteristics required for the power transformer and to calculate the
discharge time for the water mist to prevent spontaneous re-ignition.
The power transformer occupied about 7% of a 10 m x 10 m x 10 m fire
test room. Fire suppression test results demonstrated that the
high-pressure |
system was superior to the low-pressure system, especially considering
oxygen depletion and the ambient temperature distribution. In the
cooling tests, the discharge time required to prevent spontaneous
re-ignition was estimated to be about 12 hours for both the high- and
low-pressure systems. In addition to power transformer rooms,
high-pressure water mist system also has potential to be used in other
environments, e.g., computer rooms, telecommunication rooms. The
effectiveness of water mist systems in other environments needs to be
studied further. Gaseous suppressions systems are good for suppressing
fires, but they |
do not prevent the re-ignition that could occur when the fire source has a
large latent heat capacity.
This work is described in the paper, “Application of a Fixed Water Mist
System in a Power Transformer Room” by Yougshik Han, Byungil Choi, and
Myungbae Kim, presented at the 8th International Symposium on Fire
Safety Science, Beijing, China, September 12-18, 2005.
For additional information, contact Byung Il Choi, e-mail:
chisey@kimm.re.kr,
telephone: (82) + 42-868-7405; fax: (82) + 42-868-7355. |
Water Mist System Tests for Power Transformer Room Fires. |
|
To achieve better understanding of how large fires develop and spread in a
rail passenger vehicle and to increase understanding of the relationship
between material flammability properties and total fire size, the
Commonwealth Scientific |
and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Fire Science and Technology
conducted a full-scale fire test on a typical Australian passenger train
car. The fire was allowed to become fully developed involving all
combustible |
materials within the train car. In addition to the fully developed fire
test, nine ignition experiments were conducted on one corner of the
passenger train car. |
The purpose was to better understand the fire size resulting from a
variety of ignition sources of different severity.
Cont. on page 4 |
