From: "E.J. Totty", [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Does anyone know of any reports or policies regarding the dangers of
>synthetic operational clothing or equipment which may have followed a fire
>on board a ship during the Falklands War? Does anyone know if all the
>present UK operational clothing including PLCE webbing is fire resistant?
>
>Craig Innes
>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>--
>This is an intriguing question, I always wondered whether the
>waterproofs I was issued would give off toxic fumes if they
>were set on fire. The DPM stuff was fire resistant I'm pretty sure.
>
>My issue combat jacket says the outer is made of cotton/modal
>if that helps.
>
>Steve.
Steve, & Craig,
The only synthetic fabric that I am aware of as being
flame retardant is Nomex. There are others, but I don't recall their
composition or trade names.
Cotton/coton (your choice) by itself isn't a problem.
When I was serving in the US Navy, the move to all cotton
clothing for the working dungaree uniform was quick, sometime in
the late 70's, as there was a concern about melting fabric. There was
a bit of a noise about the blended fabrics for the dress uniforms,
but that was of concern only if you happened to be at general
quarters in that uniform -- not often at sea, except for the bridge
crew on some ships.
There were still some polyester uniforms issued, but they
seem to have been depleted, and none were issued in boot camp
after a certain date.
As I indicated in a previous post, wool is dangerous when it
burns, as it produces cyanide gas. But the Navy dress blues are melton
wool, as are the standard issue blankets for the bunks. Go figure.
ET
--
I saw something on TV about a research unit at the DERA doing
various tests on military clothing. Bear in mind the difference
between fire resistant and fire proof.
Steve.
Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org
List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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