Selected Aspects of Transformation of Textile Elements of Firemen's Personal Protection

Aim: The purpose of the article is to present selected problems related to the directions of changes in the clothing that is the equipment of the rescuer firefighter and that is part of standard personal protective equipment. Introduction: Development in technology and the economy is resulting in products with increasingly complex structures in our environment. In the event of a fire, substances can be emitted that threaten the health and life of the firefighter. Therefore, personal protective equipment used by firefighters (including clothing) must be constantly adapted to the changing environment. Both the fibres and the structure or layering of the garment are modified. Increasingly, users of these products expect adequate resistance to biological and chemical agents. This is a result of the increasing number of factors that pose a risk when firefighters are working. Despite the clothing modifications used to date, it is still not possible to exclude the risk of toxic substanc- es, such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, which are products of combustion in a fire environment, and acid gases penetrating the firefighter’s skin. The simultaneous exposure to radiant heat in the fire environment and the physical work performed by the firefighter significantly intensify the heat and mass exchange in the personal protection. Therefore, the interaction of protective structures with the rescuer’s body is playing an increasingly important role. Modifications based on nanotechnology are being used to make garments more resistant while maintaining or even reducing their weight. However, it should be pointed out that sometimes the changes concern one aspect, such as humidity, to the exclusion of other hazards arising from the physical and chemical characteristics of the substances emitted during the event. Methodology: The article is based on a review of selected literature on the topic covered. Conclusions: Modifications made to the fibres or to the structure and composition of the garment make it possible to obtain a product with improved performance in terms of protecting the firefighter. It is important to note, however, that they should consider all possible exposure pathways and not focus on one selected parameter. Therefore, further work is needed to adapt clothing to the emerging risks. Keywords: innovations, firefighter’s personal protective equipment, firefighter’s special clothin

Technology research of tactical personal protection clothing based on firefighters - rescuers

The paper presents examples of protective clothing technology research in the context of maintaining an optimal level of safety of firefighters under the influence of the thermal environment. Attention was drawn to the essence of measurement parameters determining the effectiveness of protection. The article includes diagrams, photos and explanations of the methods covered by the copyright measurement technologies accomplished by a number of centers around the world. It has been shown the ability to evaluate the material and constructive personal protection adopted in developing safety technologies regardless of normative systems in force in different parts of the world

The local threats specification in the context of environment factors having an influence on a rescue worker during rescue actions

The main task of a professional firefighter's relief activities is interference with all sorts of events requiring intervention: fires, construction and chemical disasters, accidents and other situations which carry a risk for the health and life of humans. The basic duties of a firefighter are organizing, directing and conducting direct rescue efforts in order to protect the life, health and property, as well as liquidation the source of fire, natural disaster or other local danger (technical, chemical and environmental disaster, road traffic accidents, airline, etc.). In the course of professional activities firefighters are exposed to all the possible risk factors from the environment resulting from the real potential occurrence of the event requiring rescue interventions (industry, infrastructure, traffic, transport). Moreover, they often do not realize the actual risk they are exposed to especially in situations that do not require putting out fire (traffic accidents, natural and industrial disasters). These emergency situations are not easy to predict or control, what means that firefighters put their lives on the line every time they attempt to do so. As a result they work under extremely stressful situations, day and night, including the responsibility for remaining calm and carrying out all duties with the recognition of the threat to life and property. The special characteristics of service, including work shift system, continuous risk of danger and dealing with a lot of personal loss can make it an emotionally difficult job and may become a potential root of stress and personal problems. However, for some people this kind of work can be very rewarding, others may have a hard time dealing with the physical and emotional challenges that the occupation brings. That’s why it is very important to examine and limit the influence of the hazardous environment factors on firefighters work