Thermal imaging cameras (TIC) are the cameras that detect the temperature produced by an object and identify the thing. It works through the Infrared spectrum. Firefighters and law enforcement use these cameras to see through smoke and trace body heat.
It is a handy tool while considering the work of firefighters that associates with rescuing lives. Now, you may ask, how to use a thermal imaging camera for firefighting? Firefighters need to adjust the focus, carry an extra battery, and examine the device before using it. You will discover the detailed tips in the article ahead.
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The following part of the content will nourish your knowledge about thermal imaging cameras used in firefighting in a quick way.
Why Do Firefighters Use Thermal Imaging Cameras?
Firefighters use thermal imaging cameras to see through smoke and detect the victims. Thermal imaging cameras are designed for firefighters and law enforcement primarily, but you can use them for multipurpose. You can also use these cameras for personal usages, like for home inspection. Why firefighters use the camera helps them locate the victim’s body, search through fume or vapor.
A Thermal Imaging Camera for Firefighting facilitates a firefighter to detect the fire spread. Along with this, it also enables him to see where the temperature is lower or higher. A firefighter can detect the victim’s location and even see any floating material in the fireplace. Firefighters are the rescue army if there is a fire around, and this tool helps them immensely to save lives ultimately.
How to Use a Thermal Imaging Camera for Firefighting?
A thermal imaging camera is the real friend of firefighters when they are at work. It makes them better equipped with features that provide accurate information. At the time of firefighting, this digital equipment facilitates the army to see through the smoke, which was even impossible before the camera’s invention.
Long ago, it was a risky task to rescue victims at the fireplace. Firefighters used to spend hours detecting the fire location and were unable to save every single life. With this tool, their work has been more effective, and they have come up with accurate and flawless execution. There are a lot of different ways in which firefighters can catch on to work effectively.
Step 1: Adjusting the Focus
They should adjust the focus of the camera to have a clear image and visibility. Then firefighters use it as a hazardous material response (HAZMAT)re comprising a group specializing in deducing, containing, removing any release at the fireplace.
The thermal imaging camera has made the job easy. It can detect hazardous materials on the ground flawlessly.
If there is any liquid product on the ground, it is hard to see with bare eyes. But this device provides the data accurately. It also indicates if there is any liquid leaking from a container. Hence, it comes in handy while conducting such tasks.
Step 2: Carrying an Extra Battery
The firefighters are to carry a replacement battery in a bag. They will attach it with a camera to hold it properly. By numbering the batteries chronologically, they can make the best use of them. The thermal imaging camera allows firefighters to detect the MVC. It helps them find the scope to solve motor vehicle crashes.
If any child gets lost, it allows firefighters to locate the position. It is also capable of indicating the falling snow level or vehicle volume on the road. The usage of this device enables the firefighters to keep in contact with the personnel.
Step 3: Pasting Duct Tape on the Camera
They should attach duct tape on top of the camera. That allows removing the battery quickly and easily. When firefighters go on for the search of any missing individual, it helps the most.
Since this camera can identify the body that produces heat through the IR spectrum, it quickly identifies the body. The firefighters do not have to struggle in this case while searching for people. It also makes the work easier to rescue victims. The duct tape helps in this case.
Step 4: Lilting the Lens While Removing the Battery
While removing the battery, they should tilt the lens of the camera. The lens of these cameras allows IR ray access. A tilting lens saves the battery chamber from water and debris. This camera will enable firefighters to protect themselves from the moving flames.
They can detect not only the ground fire but also the aloft fire. Wildland fires are more precarious than the other ones. while working in the wildland; they need to change the batteries more often.
Step 5: Examine the Device Before Using
Lastly, they need to examine the camera before use. Studies say thermal cameras are also capable of detecting radio waves. Radio waves make the object or visibility blank sometimes. So, checking the camera before using it is crucial.
So, these are tips that firefighters should abide by while using the thermal imaging camera. It is a handy tool that can help the firemen if they know how to juice all the information out of it.
Safety Tips When Using the Thermal Camera for Firefighting
The firefighters should adjust the camera focus when they are about to enter the fireplace. It provides them a better image and clear visibility. They should use extreme caution if the cold water sprinkler is going on. It is necessary because the victim’s bodies do not get seen as the water in their body.
Firefighters must annotate the alternative doors of a room while rescuing. They Should search the construction feature while using the thermal imaging camera. It works to repair and prevent the fire from spreading.
Conclusion
Thermal imaging cameras assist firefighters in doing their job effectively. The cameras use lenses and sensors that allow IR spectrum access. These features enable a firefighter to make a successful searching and rescue.
How to use a thermal imaging camera for firefighting- can be a question in the minds of regular people who are curious to know. They can use it simply by adjusting the focusing and their features to get an accurate result.
