Thermal Imaging Cameras (T.I.Cs)

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Thermal Imaging Cameras (T.I.Cs) FF Mason Red
Watch, Broughton
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• Aim of Lecture,
• To highlight what is used in the brigade.
• To gain understanding on their operation, Testing
  procedures, design and Construction.
• To understand operational considerations.

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• There are 3 types of T.I.Cs carried in the
  brigade.
• Talisman K90 Thermal Imager (OSU)
• EEV P4438 Argus Thermal Imager (RP)
• Argus 3 Thermal Imaging Camera (ODPM)

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EEV P4438 Argus Thermal Imager.

• Design,
• Case constructed in Reinforced Toughened Plastic.
• Designed to be Heat, Water Impact Resistant.
• It is fitted with an adjustable body/neck
  lanyard.
• It is designed with pistol Grip, and two side
  straps.
• The thermal image is focused onto the internal
  image tube by a lens at the front of the unit.
• The biocular display image is viewed via a lens
  at the rear of the unit.
• The rear lens is fitted with a visor to provide
  smoke and ambient light shielding, and is
  compatible with most BA sets.

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• Use,
• The TIC is powered by a integral battery pack
  located behind a quick release cover in the
  handle.
• 4 dry cell battery packs are supplied with each
  unit (Red face 8 AA type LR6).
• To power up the camera press the on/off switch
  which is located to the rear of the pistol grip
  carrying handle.
• A BNC socket is fitted to the unit for use with a
  remote monitor via cable connections.
• The adjustable neck lanyard is to be used at all
  times when the camera is in use.
• The side adjustable hand straps are to be used by
  the operator for holding the camera and for
  general positioning when viewing.

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• Operational Use and Considerations,
• The TIC can be used with or without Breathing
  Apparatus, depending on the circumstances and
  requirements of the incident
• The TIC may be used for
• Locating the seat of fire in smoke filled
  premises
• Locating casualties in smoke or darkness
• Locating areas of fire spread or hot spots
• It should be noted that the TIC may indicate hot
  spots which may not necessarily have been
  directly affected by the fire
• Before cutting away, a thorough investigation
  should take place to ensure that the areas
  indicated by the TIC are indeed hot spots and not
  just areas generally affected by residual
  heating.
• Crews must be aware that the TIC cannot see
  through glass or water. It will in fact reflect
  your image back to the camera. As will any other
  reflective surface such as gloss painted doors,
  whiteboards etc.
• In addition it may not show the position of any
  obstructions or holes in the floor.

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• Using the TIC in Breathing Apparatus,
• The practicalities of using a TIC in BA must be
  assessed, and therefore the numbers included in
  the BA team must be sufficient to meet these
  needs. Particularly if firefighting equipment is
  to be used
• The use of the TIC is not a substitute for
  guidelines and therefore the use of guidelines in
  conjunction with the TIC must be considered where
  premises are complex and/or are of a large nature
• The OIC will nominate a crew to operate the TIC
• The OIC will also detail specific tasks for the
  nominated crew to carry out
• The BA Entry Control Officer is to record on the
  BA Control Board the fact that the TIC is in use
  and the task for which the nominated crew has
  been detailed
• As the camera can take up to 30 seconds to warm
  up, it will be good practice for the BAECO to
  switch on the unit and ensure it is functioning
  correctly whilst the BA crew are handing in their
  tallies

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• Safety Feature,
• The camera is fitted with an automatic Iris as
  standard. This is used to protect the sensor
  from temperature overloads
• This will close when pointed at excessively hot
  objects.
• Recovery is automatic on removal of the
  temperature overload from the field of vision.

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• Testing,
• The camera should be visually examined weekly,
  operated quarterly and after operational use.
• Special attention is to be given to the carrying
  straps, and in particular the securing clips.

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Any Questions?