Thermal degradation of self-contained breathing apparatus facepiece lenses under radiant thermal loads

The self-contained breathing apparatus is one of the most critical components of the firefighting personal protective ensemble providing protection from potentially toxic gases and products of combustion. Three models of self-contained breathing apparatus facepiece lenses meeting various editions of national standards were exposed to radiant thermal loads of 5, 10, 15, and 20 kW/m2 until thermal degradation resulted in hole formation or the test duration reached 30 min. Thermal damage was documented as time to crazing, bubbling, and hole formation. Temperature was recorded within the facepiece. There were significant differences in times to thermal damage between lenses. The facepiece lens model meeting the 2013 edition of National Fire Protection Association 1981 had significantly longer times to thermal degradation than those meeting older editions of the standard. Maximum temperatures were higher in the facepiece model meeting the 2013 edition of National Fire Protection Association 1981, likely because of the extended time the radiant load was applied.