Presenter: Roger Barker, North Carolina State University
Gloves used by fire fighters are designed to meet performance requirements that traditionally rely on component tests of glove materials, such as heat resistance, cut and puncture resistance, and thermal protective performance. However, a test approach for whole glove thermal protection and whole glove insulation and breathability is lacking. This research study uses revolutionary new testing instrumentation to assess whole glove breathability and thermal protection in fire and radiant simulation. The resulting database provides the basis for new performance criteria and for lighter, more flexible glove designs with uncompromised thermal protective performance.
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