Typically, the approach to entering a compartment in a fire situation, for both fire-fighting and rescue purposes, consists of (a) door opening procedure and (b) compartment entry procedure. Door opening is a dangerous process as if there is an underventilated fire in the compartment, allowing fresh air in may result in a violent flare up, or possibly a backdraught. To mitigate this possibility, procedures involving brief door openings and brief applications of water spray are generally used. However, there is little scientific foundation to current fire brigade paractice. This water application technique – called the 'gas cooling technique' – is not always effective. The purpose of this project is therefore to investigate which application methodology and what compartment conditions or characteristics increase or otherwise diminish its efficiency.
Project funded by the Fire Services Research and Training Trust (FSRTT).
Further Information:
For further info, please contact Dr Carvel.