​In perspective of the revision of the directive PGS 29 (‘Publicatiereeks Gevaarlijke stoffen’ 29, Guideline for above ground storage of flammable liquids in vertical cylindrical tanks) there was a need to investigate the safe working conditions of first responders in the ‘1’, ‘3’ and higher kWm-2 heat radiation contours.

In this study performed by the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (T-PACC) in the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University (NCSU) three types of protective clothing (operator, firefighter and aluminized) were analysed at 4 different levels of heat radiation (3.0, 4.6, 6.3 and 10.0kWm-2) in two different postures (standing and walking) with RadManTM. Time till pain threshold of 43°C is set as a criterion to stop regular activities.

Conclusions

1. Operators clothing does not fulfil requirements to serve as protective clothing for necessary activities at heat radiation levels above 1.5kWm^-2. If people with operator's clothing are situated in areas with higher heat radiation levels they should escape as quickly as possible from that area.
2. With firefighter's clothing (EN469) it is possible to perform activities with a duration of almost 3 minutes till 4.6kWm^-2. At higher heat radiation levels people wearing firefighter's clothing should move as soon as possible to lower intensity heat radiation levels. If activities at these higher levels are necessary to prevent from escalating an incident it is necessary to wear special aluminized firefighter's clothing.
3. Till heat radiation levels of 6.3kWm^-2 the limit in operating time is set at five minutes with aluminized clothing. Working at heat radiation levels of 10.0kWm^-2 (emergency conditions) even with aluminized clothing is not allowed. Between heat radiation levels of 6.3kWm^-2 and 10.0kWm^-2 first responders with aluminized clothing should not perform activities and move immediately to an area with heat radiation levels of 6.3kWm^-2 and lower.