Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)

Question 1

List and describe the three (3) types of emitters (TIC):

Answer 1

Passive:
• Don’t generate heat on their own
• Heat up and cool down by absorbing heat from other objects
• Furniture

Active:
• Generate their own controlled heat
• Heat remains relatively constant
• Humans/animals

Direct:
• Generate heat in large amounts
• Often uncontrolled
• Sun/fire/energy sources

Question 2

Define the ‘three spot wipe’

Answer 2

• Wiping exterior of BA mask
• Wiping the TIC screen
• Wiping the TIC lens

Question 3

List in order the six (6) sided search:

Answer 3

Evaluate a room systematically from the doorway
Identifying areas that are obstructed from view and need to be searched if looking for causalities

1. Look up upon entering doorway (ceiling space)
2. Wall sector 1 (front)
3. Wall sector 2 (left)
4. Wall sector 3 (back)
5. Wall sector 4 (right
6. Floor space

Question 4

What are the main limitations of the TIC:

Answer 4

• Reflections:
  • TIC cannot see through glass or water, since shiny and glossy surfaces reflect thermal radiation
  • Heated glass may show up as a lighter shade
  • Some penetration may happen in rain, a broken stream or vapour
• Depth perception:
  • Altered due to the field of view and focal point of the TIC. Be careful of tunnel vision
  • Depth perception will also affect ability to navigate stairs safely while looking through TIC. Turn TIC sideways to get a better view of the stairs.
• Moving too fast:
  • FF navigating with TIC are able to move quickly and efficiently. Risk is they cannot observe landmarks, reference points and orientation. May become disorientated when deep in the structure and struggle to find exit.