Insulated Firefighters' Crash-Crew Rescue Boots and Components: Field and Laboratory Evaluation.

The Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility NCTRF conducted an evaluation of commercial insulated firefighters boots worn by crash firefighters representing three Navy Air Stations and three Air Force Bases. The evaluation revealed that the insulated footwear was significantly superior to the standard firefighters boots currently in the supply system. Reflective spats, accessories sometimes used to cover boots for additional protection against high heat, were considered unnecessary by the subjects who thought the insulation of the test boots provided sufficient protection. Laboratory findings, however, showed that spats would indeed be needed if personnel became immobilized and were subjected to 1.89 gcalsq cmsec heat for 30 seconds or longer. The laboratory tests also showed that the heat rapidly penetrates and destroys soiled aluminized fabrics. Based on these findings, NCTRF recommends 1 insulated firefighters boots replace standard firefighters boots 2 commercial aluminized spats be stocked as supporting gear and 3 reflectivity of aluminized fabrics generally, and of spats particularly, be policed and maintained daily to assure peak personnel protection at all times. Author