[Officers] USFA and NIST Complete Study of Thermal Imaging Technology

[Lamb, William (DOS)]

USFA and NIST Complete Study of Thermal Imaging Technology 

Emmitsburg, MD. - The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
<http://www.nist.gov>  have completed a report, Technical Note 1499,
Performance Metrics for Fire Fighting Thermal Imaging Cameras - Small-
and Full-Scale Experiments (PDF, 2.5 Mb)
<http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/fire08/PDF/f08017.pdf> . This report
provides information on the research conducted as part of a project
partnership on Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) imaging performance metrics
and test methods. The overall objective of the report is to provide
science-based information to national standards developing
organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
in support of NFPA 1801, Standard on Thermal Imagers for the Fire
Service. 

This study was conducted with support of the Department of Homeland
Security's (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate. The report
describes performance metrics on TIC image contrast, effective
temperature range, resolution, and image and thermal sensitivity. 

"Each year fires in structures trap firefighters resulting in their
injury and sometimes, death," said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade.
"This research partnership has developed critical information to support
the development of a national standard on Thermal Imaging Technology
that previously did not exist which will enhance the safety of our
nation's firefighters." 

NIST and USFA conducted research on the performance of thermal imaging
systems to enhance firefighter safety in operational situations. Current
thermal imaging technology was assessed by investigating a variety of
commercially available thermal imaging cameras in the laboratory as well
as in full-scale burns. The research also explored new technology that
might enhance performance of future thermal imaging devices and worked
to incorporate new technology into enhanced infrared cameras. Issues
such as differential resolution, thermal exposure, performance during
suppression, and ease of use were also examined. This project
complemented existing NIST funded research on the development of a
standard on thermal imaging technology. 

"This study examined the capabilities and limitations of such thermal
imaging technology and may lead to improved evaluation, standards,
training, and understanding by local fire and emergency services
departments," said NIST researcher Nelson Bryner. "NIST was pleased to
work with USFA in this effort to provide science-based information to
national level standards developing organizations on this life saving
technology for the fire service and the public they protect." 

Another technical report documenting the needs of the fire service
community, Thermal Imaging Research Needs for First Responders: Workshop
Proceedings, was previously published as part of this study. 

These reports are available for download, free of charge, from the both
the USFA and NIST Web sites. 

Further information about this partnership effort may be found under the
Research section
<http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/safety/nist3.shtm>  of the
USFA Web site. 

 

 

William Lamb

Deputy Chief, Special Services

Office of Fire Prevention & Control

Suite 500

One Commerce Plaza

99 Washington Avenue

Albany NY 12231-0001

 

Office: 518.474.6746

Fax: 518.474.3240

 

e-mail: william.lamb at dos.state.ny.us

 

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