METHODS

Laboratory assessments of vapor and particulate protection and the thermal burden will be conducted on fire investigator ensembles at NC State to determine a balance between protection and comfort. These findings will be compared with data collected from field evaluations in a burned structure intended for fire investigator training in conjunction with the NC Office of the State Fire Marshal. For wipe effectiveness, flow-through diffusion studies on skin surrogates will assess the dermal absorption characteristics with different chemicals and temperatures and assess the impact of wipe solution on absorption. Both particulate and chemical will be applied to the skin surrogate in a realistic and repeatable manner to reflect the fire investigator's exposure. On-scene wet decontamination with simple soap and water spray will be evaluated as well as containment of gear following doffing.

ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES

This research will provide a thorough evaluation of performance across a wide range of currently fielded PPE and recommendations to the NFPA committee governing appropriate standards. It will also provide new methods for evaluating particulate protection as well as a standard method for evaluating post-fire wipe efficacy.