Engineering:Anti-flash gear

From HandWiki
Short description: Fire-resistant personal protective equipment
Royal Navy Sailors during the Falklands War wearing anti-flash gear
U.S. Navy sailors at their ship's helm wear flash gear during an exercise.

Anti-flash gear, also known simply as flash gear, is basic personal protective equipment consisting of a fire-resistant hood and fire-resistant gloves,[1] often made of Nomex.

The purpose of anti-flash gear is to provide protection to the head, neck, face and hands from short-duration flame exposure and heat. This equipment is donned by shipboard navy personnel whenever a fire breaks out or during periods of heightened readiness.[1]

History

Anti-flash gear was introduced in the Royal Navy following the Battle of Jutland during the First World War,[2] when a number of British warships had been destroyed or damaged by flash from burning cordite propellant passing through the shell handling room into the magazine. It was found that the anti-flash hoods and gloves were more effective if flame-proofed with borax or boric acid.[3]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 NAVEDTRA 14057, Damage Controlman. Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Training Center. 2001-04-01. http://www.dcfpnavymil.org/Library/dcpubs/NAVEDTRA14057.pdf. 
  2. Hough, Richard (1983). The Great War at Sea, 1914-1918. Oxford University Press. p. 223. ISBN 9780192158710. 
  3. Australia in the war of 1939-1945: Ser. 5. Medical, Volume 4. Australian War Memorial. 1961. p. 122. https://books.google.com/books?id=f1YhAQAAIAAJ&q=anti-flash+gear+borax. 

External links