Maximum allowable exposure to different heat radiation levels in three types of heat protective clothing

To determine safe working conditions in emergency situations at petro-chemical plants in the Netherlands a study was performed on three protective clothing combinations (operator’s, firefighter’s and aluminized). The clothing was evaluated at four different heat radiation levels (3.0, 4.6, 6.3 and 10.0 k∙W∙m(−2)) in standing and walking posture with a thermal manikin RadMan™. Time till pain threshold (43°C) is set as a cut-off criterion for regular activities. Operator’s clothing did not fulfil requirements to serve as protective clothing for necessary activities at heat radiation levels above 1.5 k∙W∙m(−2) as was stated earlier by Den Hartog and Heus1()). With firefighter’s clothing it was possible to work almost three min up to 4.6 k∙W∙m(−2). At higher heat radiation levels firefighter’s clothing gave insufficient protection and aluminized clothing should be used. Maximum working times in aluminized clothing at 6.3 k∙W∙m(−2) was about five min. At levels of 10.0 k∙W∙m(−2) (emergency conditions) emergency responders should move immediately to lower heat radiation levels.