Продвижение пожарных в зонах повышенных температур

Abstract

Purpose. This article addresses the issue of the impact of hazardous fire factors (HFF) on firefighters in an environment unsuitable for breathing. Currently, there are no regulatory criteria for permissible exposure of firefighters to HFF, particularly elevated ambient temperatures. To reach the position for deploying fire extinguishing agents, firefighters are forced to traverse a zone of elevated temperatures, and in some cases, remain in it for some time. The authors have studied the effect of elevated temperatures during firefighting on the ability of smoke divers to advance towards the fire zone in personal respiratory and vision protective equipment, as well as in firefighting gear. Methods. A field experiment was conducted to assess the ability of firefighters to advance in high-temperature zones. Temperature values and corresponding sensations of firefighters were studied to identify the peculiarities of the smoke divers teams' (SDT) work when advancing in different zones of elevated temperatures. Findings. The experiment demonstrated the peculiarities of advancement of smoke divers in high-temperature zones and the limiting conditions thereof. The experiment was conducted under conditions approximating real ones, created in the “Ugolyok” training complex. The analysis conducted based on the experiment results allowed determining the range of tolerance for elevated temperatures by firefighters, depending on the protective properties of firefighting gear, their own tolerance threshold, experience working in high-temperature zones, and the use of other protective methods. For instance, at temperatures of 150–180°C, SDT were able to reach the fire zone, but they reported feeling the temperature already, making it difficult to work near the fire zone for an extended period. When the temperature rose to 280–350°C, poorly protected areas (knees and elbows in contact with firefighting gear, hands, head, and legs between the boot shin guards and liners) began to burn, making advancement difficult and unsafe for the lives and health of smoke divers at such temperature levels. Research application field. The results of the conducted experiment justify measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness of personnel work in high-temperature zones and minimizing risks during the performance of professional tasks. The results can also be used in expert examinations of firefighting organization (e.g., in determining the possibility of advancing SDT into various zones). Conclusions. The authors have more thoroughly studied the mechanism of SDT work when advancing under the influence of hazardous fire factors, describing the sensations of smoke divers under different temperature conditions. The conducted experiment allowed determining the levels of tolerance for elevated temperatures by firefighters in firefighting gear and respiratory and vision protective equipment.