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Measuring Fire-Induced Vibrations in Burning Structures, cont.
Vibration sensors were installed on the cantilevered overhang and at various locations around the perimeter of the structure. The latest fire sensor design, which is Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based, was used during the tests. A research grade sensor was	co-located for evaluation purposes. Fire induced responses were acquired for a little more than 80 minutes. Significant outcomes from these tests included the ability to extract a real-time indicator that tracked weakening	conditions in the burning structure. The MEMS sensors may be a practical approach to fire-induced vibration monitoring, and will contribuute to a field-ready prototype. See "Tiny Vibrations Provide Warning of Collapse" in issue 4 of FIRE.GOV, for the previous report on this project.	For additional information, contact Dr. Ziyad H. Duron via e-mail: ziyad_duron@hmc.edu.
First Responders Thermal Imaging Research Needs, cont.
Workshop identifies first responder research needs for thermal imagers.		Three breakout groups discussed TIC technology and develop separate lists of issues. When the groups reconvened, a similarity of interests was noted, and the prioritization voting reflected a combination of issues. Image quality (research, performance metrics, and standards) was the priority issue in all three groups. Durability of the TIC, and training and certification for personnel were also of high priority to the groups. The publication, “Thermal Imaging Research Needs for First Responders: Workshop Proceedings,” by Francine	Amon, Nelson Bryner and Anthony Hamins (NIST Special Publication 1040), June 2005, contains the presentations and group summaries identifying research needs. To obtain the complete report, it may be downloaded from http://fire.nist.gov/ bfrlpubs/fire05/PDF/ f05036.pdf. For additional information, contact Francine Amon via e-mail: francine.amon@nist.gov.
UK Tests Protective Clothing for Operational Effectiveness
Firefighter protective clothing is tested to very similar standards throughout the world. The European and International standards as we know them today for personal protective equipment (PPE) have been developed within the last ten years. However, many nations, e.g., the United Kingdom, the United States, have their own standards. The current performance standard for structural firefighting in Europe is “Protective Clothing for Firefighters”, EN 469. This standard characterizes garments for resistance to radiant and convective heat. The physical protection afforded by PPE against various forms of hazard exposure has been extensively researched,	but until recently the impact of the PPE on the firefighter has not received the same level of attention. Wearer heat-stress has now become an issue of considerable concern not only in European climates but, more particularly, in warmer and more humid climates. The emphasis has turned to developing lighter-weight garments, which place less strain and reduced internal heat build-up on the wearer during prolonged use while not compromising the performance integrity of the clothing. “Firefighters’ Clothing: National and International Performance Standards” by Asia Pacific Magazine, Issue 12, December 2004, pp. 58-59,	(http://www.apfmag.com/content/artic-fs.htm) discusses a series of tests that were performed to better understand the wear-ability issues firefighters face. A week-long series of physiological tests were conducted, on behalf of Briston Uniforms Ltd., by Human Vertex Ltd. and then modified to develop the next level of trials that would result in realistic tests. Six firefighters were selected and approved for the study by their Occupational Health Advisor. The subjects underwent ten separate treadmill exercises in an environmentally controlled laboratory over a four day period. Neither volunteers nor testers were given details of the fire clothing being tested.	Data collected included core and skin temperature, heart rate and total body weight loss. An ergonomic assessment was also obtained using a drill, which included walking, crawling, stair climbing and reaching exercises conducted over a period of approximately six minutes. Individual experiences were recorded in questionnaires on comfort, fit, and overall ease of movement. These responses were collected both before and after the exercise drills, the treadmill tests and after trying on and removing the different types of ensembles. Cont. on page 3
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