Flame protection hood
The flame protection hood (also fire protection hood ) is part of the extended personal equipment of fire fighters for fire use under respiratory protection and is worn under the fire helmet , but over the respiratory mask. It is made of fire-resistant and heat-resistant textile fibers (e.g. Kevlar , Kermel HTA or Nomex ) and is intended to protect fire fighters from burns in the area of the neck, neck and ears.
The standard EN 13911: 2004 put into effect by the European Committee for Standardization exists for the flame protection hood , which in many countries also corresponds to their national standards. Flame protection hoods are usually at least two layers.
Application limits
Its use is questioned by some fire brigade members, because the flame protection hood completely isolates the body from the environment and there is no longer any warm window , so you cannot feel the surrounding heat. The creation of such a thermal window, also known as a “thermal protection gap”, is dangerous and is generally rejected. In addition, this mode of operation contradicts applicable European law. (EU Directive 89/686 / EEC).
A real problem, however, is that it is permeable to water vapor . So if larger amounts of water vapor are released during extinguishing measures, these can penetrate the hood and lead to a rapid rise in temperature with scalds on the skin. However, through the usual crouching procedure in the side crawl , hot water vapor is dissipated in the smoke layer above the emergency services.
In principle, it should be borne in mind that flame protection hoods are the only protective equipment that can protect the face and neck area of emergency services in the event of a flashover or backdraft .
literature
- Karl-Heinz Knorr: Die Roten Hefte, Heft 15 - Respiratory protection . 14th edition. Kohlhammer, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-17-020379-2 .