Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ariel 683 on October 19, 2008 at 9:26pm

We've always used our nomex hood backwards or a pillow case over our heads, but I've heard bubble wrap and glad press -n- seal on the inside of your mask work really well... I'd like to try it. The hoods are constricting and get in the way of regulators etc...
Ariel

Permalink Reply by 2y0a1vey9p4zt on October 19, 2008 at 10:05pm

Both methods have their advantages and their disadvantages. The nomex hood turned around is quick and easy, but the effectiveness on light blocking depends on the thickness of the hood. Wax paper is also cheap to use, but depending on how thick it's applied it may also allow too much light to enter. And unless it's put in the mask correctly, it may slip and allow clear sight. However, the wax paper may be more effective because you can vary the thickness of the paper to mimic different smoke densities. I have never tried the waxed paper, so that last part is strictly guesstimation. Anyone else have experience using the waxed paper?

Permalink Reply by Jared Lelaidier on October 22, 2008 at 11:27am

My dept. uses wax paper for SAR, It is quite effective about a month ago we did it at our old station and we had to find a down fireman and hook them up to a RIT pack bottle. I couldnt se a darn thing took my gloves off so I could connect the regulator on the "downed firefighter", as for slippage we place them in our own masks so its up the the individual to be honest about placeing them in there correctly.

Permalink Reply by Michael Bates on October 22, 2008 at 8:25pm

wax paper...we actually spray painted an older set of masks

Permalink Reply by TrainingTECH1 on November 6, 2008 at 8:57am

Laminate some black poster board, then cut it out to fit inside the mask. They are fairly durable and cheap to make.

Permalink Reply by AssChief7 on November 8, 2008 at 6:58pm

I took on old truck innertube that we use for helmet bands, door holds, and other minor things and cut some pieces that would fit on the outside of the mask. I first did it to protect the mask when it was sitting on the rigs just to protect the face piece. But I found that when the regulator is hooked in it cuts the light out. Just take your time with any method you use and use them often.

Permalink Reply by Walter Messer on November 19, 2008 at 4:29pm

old shower caps work very well on the outside of our MSA's

Permalink Reply by Joey "BigShow" De Piano on December 11, 2008 at 10:54am

Ever try Tracing paper?...Tracing paper is grey and opaque enough to block vision but thin and translucent enough to give that smoked filled look in a mask..plus you can save using air if you like as it seats ideally in the facepiece when you press it in the paper folds and holds it shape. cheap to purchase and discard..no scratch to lens and stops total blackout more realistic

Permalink Reply by Joseph Sajdak on December 26, 2008 at 8:44pm

Glad makes plastic wrap bowl covers with an elastic band built in. They come in colors and clear. use a combination of colors for different affects. I never heard of wax paper, but it sounds like it would work. I'm going to try it unger the glad pieces.

Permalink Reply by Charley Cashen on January 2, 2009 at 8:51am

All the above ideas are great. Remember that when training young inexperienced people it's important that they be allowed to do it with sight first so they have a complete understanding of what you are asking them to do. We take a lot of what we do for granted because we have been doing it for so long and forget they are brand new. If you make training fun people will want to do more of it. No one wants to continue doing anything that they feel embarrassed about. As an instructor you can be the guy (or gal) students remember what you teach them and pass it on with a story about you or you can be they have a party for when you leave and not invite you. Be safe, take care of each other, and have fun getting good at what we do.

One of the Lead instructors, Kansas City's Large Area Search Team

Permalink Reply by Derek Sukup on January 2, 2009 at 1:30pm

Knowing that some departments may not have the following tools, or the budget to get one, but we used to use wax paper, hoods backwards, seran wrap, etc until i make the suggestion to use the smoke machine that was just sitting in the closet collecting dust. The machine is not limited to the size of the room per say (unless you are useing it in your aparatus bay). It's completely safe, and the visability can be adjusted by the thickness of the smoke, and useing the lighting in the room such as turning off all the lights or only half. As i said before this is not me telling you what to do, but as a simple suggestion that is easy to set up, and is not intimidating to some of the new fire fighters.