On April 2nd 2002, Greg Baxter and Gary Dakin attended flash fire tests on firefighter clothing at the University of Alberta's fire lab in East Edmonton.
Tests were conducted on different materials used in the manufacturing of firefighter workwear, which include coveralls, shirts and pants.
We observed, filmed and videotaped several of the test burns.
The manikin has 110 sensors that are as sensitive as human skin. A three second exposure to flash fire occurs around the manikin who is dressed in the 'tested' garment. A computer program attached to the manikin prints out a diagram and a report on the extent of the burn suffered by the manikin for each of the sensors (see attached photos).
These tests are performed on clothing worn by those in professions where flash fires may be encountered to determine what materials are best suited for the job. Wildland firefighter's protective clothing has under gone similar testing. The flash fire test is also used to ensure that any workwear received by Fire Agencies meets the standards required for safety.