Anti-flash gear

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Royal Navy Sailors during the Falklands War wearing anti-flash gear Action stations Falklands 1982.JPG
Royal Navy Sailors during the Falklands War wearing anti-flash gear
U.S. Navy sailors at their ship's helm wear flash gear during an exercise. US Navy Flash Gear.jpg
U.S. Navy sailors at their ship's helm wear flash gear during an exercise.

Anti-flash gear, also known simply as flash gear, is basic personal protective equipment consisting of a fire-resistant hood and fire-resistant gloves, [1] nowadays often made of Nomex.

Contents

Anti-flash gear protects to the head, neck, face and hands from short-duration flame exposure and heat. This equipment is donned by shipboard navy personnel whenever a fire breaks out or during periods of heightened readiness. [1]

History

Anti-flash gear was introduced in the Royal Navy following the Battle of Jutland during the First World War, [2] when a number of British warships had been destroyed or damaged by flash from burning cordite propellant passing through the shell handling room into the magazine. It was found that the anti-flash hoods and gloves were more effective if flame-proofed with borax or boric acid. [3]

References

  1. 1 2 NAVEDTRA 14057, Damage Controlman (PDF). Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Training Center. 2001-04-01.
  2. ↑ Hough, Richard (1983). The Great War at Sea, 1914-1918. Oxford University Press. p. 223. ISBN   9780192158710.
  3. ↑ Australia in the war of 1939-1945: Ser. 5. Medical, Volume 4. Australian War Memorial. 1961. p. 122.


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