B-128 Use of Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)

Question 1

TICs are considered to an extremely valuable asset because of their ability to help suppression personnel with the following activities:

Answer 1

1. Fire attack
2. Search and Rescue
3. Ventilation
4. Overhaul

Question 2

Thermal imagers allow fire attack crews to work in buildings with poor visibility. Images captured on the screen allows firefighters to:

Answer 2

(1) locate the seat of the fire and execute a faster, more efficient interior attack;
(2) determine the path of fire spread;
(3) identify potential flashover situations;
(4) locate hot spots; and
(5) locate and isolate hidden fires within concealed spaces

Question 3

Firefighters must continually employ standard firefighting practices while operating within involved structures by:

Answer 3

(1) carrying flashlights (personal light and hand light) with them;
(2) maintaining contact with a wall/hose line and using other routine methods for remaining oriented to their location; and
(3) knowing the position of every potential exit within their operational area.

Question 4

Since thermal energy does not travel directly through walls, TICs will only be able to locate fires located behind walls when ____.

Answer 4

• the fire causes the temperature of the wall itself to increase.
  Personnel should realize that fire inside wooden clad walls will be picked up much faster than fire that is located with more significant barriers (e.g. concrete and steel).

Question 5

Metal doors, glass mirrors or Plexiglas panels can produce false images on the monitor. Personnel should ____

Answer 5

physically confirm what they are seeing before initiating/directing further operations.

Question 6

The TIC can be used for determining:

Answer 6

1. Fire and/or victim location within a structure.
2. Proper entry points for fire attack.
3. Proper ventilation locations (based on the location and amount of fire).
4. Hazardous materials spills.
5. Fluid levels in tanks.
6. Heat producing chemical reactions.
7. Lost or missing persons in wilderness search operations.

Question 7

The TIC person shall continually evaluate the area in order to identify:

Answer 7

(1) the most direct and safest path through a structure;
(2) the presence of any fire, structural or occupancy-specific hazards;
(3) the location of team personnel;
(4) the location of any/all victims; and
(5) the presence of any changing conditions that may imperil team personnel.

Question 8

The TIC person shall use the following technique when using a TIC:

Answer 8

Step 1: Scan the ceiling/overhead for the presence of fire and collapse potential
Step 2: Scan the floor area for victims holes and obstructions
Step 3: Scan for Search/Attack team members left and right

Question 9

Inspect the TIC during daily equipment checks and after each use. Some areas that should be inspected include:

Answer 9

1. Outer housing – for structural, heat or chemical damage.
2. Mechanical hardware – ensure all parts are tight and secure.
3. Lenses – for heat damage, chemical damage, cracks and breaks.
4. Warning labels – ensure they are still intact.

Question 10

Inspect the TIC Batteries

Answer 10

1. Check battery casing for damage or leakage.

2. Check battery contacts for damage or corrosion.

Question 11

Never use ____ to clean the TIC as they could permanently damage the surface or degrade the protective properties of the casing.

Answer 11

solvents or paint thinners