Test 1: Cosmetic Smoke
Area completely filled with cosmetic smoke. Walked through
area. No break through of smoke was discovered. After
15 mins duration it continued to give good protection.
Test 2: Class A Fire (Straw)
Preburn time for straw fire was 6 mins which was sufficient
to fill the area with white cold smoke. On entering
and walking through the area, initially could smell
the straw smoke, but this was not of sufficient quantity
to cause alarm. Continued with test, after 11 mins
had elapsed, there was a slight break through of smoke,
to extent that it could be tasted. However, this was
of insufficient quantity to cause alarm. Continued
with test for the duration time of 15 mins with adequate
protection from the hood.
Test 3: Class B Fire (Kerosene)
Preburn time for Kerosene was 6 mins which was sufficient
to fill the area completely with thick black acrid
smoke. On entering and walking through the area, I
passed the fire and I was very aware of the smoke
hood filter starting to become restricted by the smoke
particles because the smoke hood was pulsating with
every breathing cycle. At this point, I went down
on all fours and continued round the area towards
the exit. At this point I made the decision to exit
the area as I could taste smoke in the hood. Also
at this point the air I was breathing had started
to become very hot. Duration, 3 mins.
Test 4: Class B Fire (Kerosene)
No preburn time. Entered the area at the same time
the fire was lit and walked through the area as it
quickly filled with thick black acrid smoke. At this
point I was approximately 10 metres away from the
fire standing in the smoke and could feel the smoke
hood starting to pulsate with every breathing cycle,
seconds later, I started to taste smoke and hot air
inside the smoke hood and made and exit from the area.
Monitored temperature 100 deg C at head height in
the area. Duration 3 mins.
Test 5: Class B Fire (Kerosene)
Preburn time for Kerosene fire, 6 mins which was sufficient
to fill the area with thick black acrid smoke. This
time crawling through the area keeping my head as
low to the floor as possible. Floor temperature cool,
continuing to crawl through the area. Once again the
smoke hood started pulsating with every breathing
cycle. Seconds later I started to taste smoke and
hot air inside the smoke hood and made an exit from
the area. Monitored temperature at head height 110
deg C. Duration 1 min.
Summary
Kerosene used: BP Standard No. 2630034624251
New smoke hood used for each test.
(N.B Tests 1 - 4 walked through.
Test 5 crawled through)
The hood did not hinder communication
The hood did not steam up inside
The hood was a comfortable fit
The hood was easy to put on
The instructions on the package were adequate
However, due to the height of the
filters in the hood, the wearer's vision of the floor
can be obscured.
Signed Keith Milne
Fire Instructor
