View Full Version : Flash Hoods/Gloves
chris westwood
06-07-2009, 16:29
are they still worn in the royal navy?
I can't say I've ever seen photographs/footage of other navies using them. So are/were ther RN unique?
TrotOneLower
06-07-2009, 17:09
No, common in one form or another in a lot of other Navies, particularly those that would do Workup at Portland (now BOST at Devonport).
I believe other commonwealth Navies do as well.
That said, although they carry some form of Anti Flash, the USN did not wear it in the way that we did, or do. During the Armilla patrols we would not only have our Anti Flash with us, but were also issue with a "Fire Proof" Teddy Bear suit (all carried in your Battle Bag, which you could get from the Buffer for a small remuneration). During transit into, and out of, the Gulf, Anti Flash was worn on the upper deck.
The USN's reluctance to wear such protective clothing was to cost them dear after the attack on the Stark.
Sorry, yes, still used.
ivorthediver
06-07-2009, 17:36
No, common in one form or another in a lot of other Navies, particularly those that would do Workup at Portland (now BOST at Devonport).
I believe other commonwealth Navies do as well.
That said, although they carry some form of Anti Flash, the USN did not wear it in the way that we did, or do. During the Armilla patrols we would not only have our Anti Flash with us, but were also issue with a "Fire Proof" Teddy Bear suit (all carried in your Battle Bag, which you could get from the Buffer for a small remuneration). During transit into, and out of, the Gulf, Anti Flash was worn on the upper deck.
The USN's reluctance to wear such protective clothing was to cost them dear after the attack on the Stark.
Sorry, yes, still used.
What happened on the "Stark" TOL
chris westwood
06-07-2009, 17:41
No, common in one form or another in a lot of other Navies, particularly those that would do Workup at Portland (now BOST at Devonport).
I believe other commonwealth Navies do as well.
That said, although they carry some form of Anti Flash, the USN did not wear it in the way that we did, or do. During the Armilla patrols we would not only have our Anti Flash with us, but were also issue with a "Fire Proof" Teddy Bear suit (all carried in your Battle Bag, which you could get from the Buffer for a small remuneration). During transit into, and out of, the Gulf, Anti Flash was worn on the upper deck.
The USN's reluctance to wear such protective clothing was to cost them dear after the attack on the Stark.
Sorry, yes, still used.
thanks for that
I always find picturers with people wearing it somehow evocative
it goes back to seeing a painting of boy Cornwell winning his VC.
Read Here Ivor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Stark_(FFG-31)
ivorthediver
06-07-2009, 19:00
Read Here Ivor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Stark_(FFG-31 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Stark_%28FFG-31))
Thanks Dave ..What a bloody mess....see what you mean about anti Flash gear though
SCRG1970
06-07-2009, 19:47
I remember the wearing of Anti Flash seemed a waste of time when we were issued with synthetic or nylon-based number eights and overalls. I believe the pusser saw the error of this and reverted back to cotton-based.
Regards
Gerry
we still wear anti flash and after the falklands went back to cotton as the material for our uniforms.
most other countries wear some form of anti flash and it isnt always white as ours is.
from experience in the gulf war we were also issued with a pair of thicker white overalls for wearing once the action had started.
TrotOneLower
06-07-2009, 21:11
we still wear anti flash and after the falklands went back to cotton as the material for our uniforms.
most other countries wear some form of anti flash and it isnt always white as ours is.
from experience in the gulf war we were also issued with a pair of thicker white overalls for wearing once the action had started.
That's the Teddy Bear suit Dave. Did you ever get to wear one??? Went up top when transitting Hormuz one fine sunny day, when the Silkworm sites were active. So, it was on suits, by buggery they woz 'ot.
I know someone has posted a link, but the Stark was whacked by at least one AM39 Exocet (damn Frogs again), ripping a gert big hole in her, and killing 37.
We carried a couple of the survivors for a while, and they were, to say the least, impressed at our protective clothing and preparedness. Quite a shock to be told that for once, we actually had better kit than them.
What genius decided to replace cotton clothing with nylon/synthetic? My experience with seeing people burnt wearing nylon clothing is that the fabric and skin become one and it is a nightmare for the victim and the medics.
Cheers
Bruce
As always, Spruso. It's all about saving a pound or two!!!!!!
John O'Callaghan
07-07-2009, 02:15
Hi All!
The RAN wore and I believe still wear anti flash gear.Spent many a happy moment wearing the stuff on Gunline deployments during the Vietnam war.Just the outfit for a boileroom in the tropics.Still,considering the likely effects of a shell through the side or a fire,it was a case of grin and bear it.
Cheers John O'C.
Jan Steer
07-07-2009, 08:09
During the Gulf War we wore cotton tee shirts, action working dress (nos 8s), overalls and anti-flash hoods/gloves plus the usual lifejacket and gas mask.
The whole ensemble was almost unbearably hot, especially in July/August but we were all aware of the fact that had we been hit, the stuff would have in all probability been a Godsend.
best wishes
Jan
I agree Jan,
When you see what happens to burn victims - I guess it's worth the discomfort.....just in case.
Just as a matter of interest...when were they, (the flash hoods and gloves), first introduced?
Regards,
Bee
Anti-flash gear, also known simply as flash gear, is basic personal protective equipment consisting of a fire-resistant hood and fire-resistant gloves - often made of Nomex.
The purpose of anti-flash gear is to provide protection to the head, neck, face and hands from short-duration flame exposure and heat. This equipment is donned by all shipboard personnel whenever a fire breaks out or during periods of heightened readiness.
Anti-flash gear may be accompanied by other protective gear, such as life belts, helmets, gas masks, etc. While it may be worn by first-response fire-fighting parties, regular shipboard fire-fighters will usually wear full protective gear similar to civilian fire fighters.
Picture of anti flash gear. Not recommended in hot weather. Great in the Arctic
John O'Callaghan
11-07-2009, 22:25
Bee! If my (less than perfect) memory serves me well.Anti flash gear was intoduced after Jutland in 1916 where a number of British ships were lost and others damaged owing to cordite explosions which caused major fires and even the detonation of ships magazines.This led to the redisign of many ships,changes to gunnery practices and recognition of an need for greater individual fire protection.
Cheers JohnO'C.
John Odom
12-07-2009, 00:00
I am a chemist, and my hobby is blacksmithing and welding. I will NOT wear nylon or polyester in the lab or shop!
A few years back an older (to me then) lady of about 60 had her polyester pantsuit set on fire in the lab. I put out the fire and rushed her to the ER. They met the lab van at the driveway with a gurney and took her right in. I will never forget the burned flesh coming off with big pieces of plastic from the melted polyester. Sher never fully recvovered and died three years later.
I wear only cotton in the lab or shop!
harry.gibbon
12-07-2009, 00:03
I am a chemist, and my hobby is blacksmithing and welding. I will NOT wear nylon or polyester in the lab or shop!
A few years back an older (to me then) lady of about 60 had her polyester pantsuit set on fire in the lab. I put out the fire and rushed her to the ER. They met the lab van at the driveway with a gurney and took her right in. I will never forget the burned flesh coming off with big pieces of plastic from the melted polyester. Sher never fully recvovered and died three years later.
I wear only cotton in the lab or shop!
Without trying to be contentious John ... was the incident what stopped you wearing anything but cotton or did you not wear it before that anyway?
Little h
John Odom
12-07-2009, 01:10
I knew about the dangers of the synthetics before. BUT I liked the ease of laundering and acid resistance of the synthetics and wore them in the lab, but not the shop. (After all, I knew better than the books, Right?)
The only time I now wear a polyester lab coat is for staged pictures in the lab! for work I wear a grungy, wrinkled cotton one over cotton Jeans and a cotton work shirt!
Blackfly
12-07-2009, 13:32
We use them in the Canadian Navy also. The hood design has changed some so it will work better with DC breathing gear plus out jackets and pants are NOMEX.
Bee! If my (less than perfect) memory serves me well.Anti flash gear was intoduced after Jutland in 1916 where a number of British ships were lost and others damaged owing to cordite explosions which caused major fires and even the detonation of ships magazines.This led to the redisign of many ships,changes to gunnery practices and recognition of an need for greater individual fire protection.
Cheers JohnO'C.
Thanks John O'
for that info. One further request if you would be so kind....We all have profiles, that I know lots of people posting on here usually, eventually, fill out -when they realise there's a section to fill in. (Took me a while to discover it.)
But anyway - most of the people here like to know at least what part of the world were posting from...so.....???? (Otherwise I'm just going to have to presume Ireland.)
Cheers,
Bee:)
I am a chemist, and my hobby is blacksmithing and welding. I will NOT wear nylon or polyester in the lab or shop!
A few years back an older (to me then) lady of about 60 had her polyester pantsuit set on fire in the lab. I put out the fire and rushed her to the ER. They met the lab van at the driveway with a gurney and took her right in. I will never forget the burned flesh coming off with big pieces of plastic from the melted polyester. Sher never fully recvovered and died three years later.
I wear only cotton in the lab or shop!
John,
Makes you wonder why any of us ever wear anything synthetic.
Think I might just check the fire alarm before I head off tonight.
Cheers,
Bee
I agree Bee. It is always good to know who we are talking to. Especially if they were ex-RN. We like to know the Branch and the ships that everyone served on
(plus credit card No., Security No., Password No.)....No....... forget my last!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like your humour Dave :)
Bee
John O'Callaghan
13-07-2009, 01:46
Hi Bee!
My apologies I have intended to provide some profile as soon as I get out of 'stand slack' mode .For the uninitiated that is a behaviour adopted by stokers confronted by those who worry about starching their underwear for an admirals inspection.There's a lot of them around you know.
Back to me, I was born in the Emerald Isle but have lived in Australia forever(couldn't you tell by the corks around my hat?) I have served in both the aussie navy&army(slow learner?)
Bye for now
Hi Bee!
My apologies I have intended to provide some profile as soon as I get out of 'stand slack' mode .For the uninitiated that is a behaviour adopted by stokers confronted by those who worry about starching their underwear for an admirals inspection.There's a lot of them around you know.
Back to me, I was born in the Emerald Isle but have lived in Australia forever(couldn't you tell by the corks around my hat?) I have served in both the aussie navy&army(slow learner?)
Bye for now
Looks to me like you'd be welcome in the Wardroom...where the ex Stokers have now congregated. ( No starch used there. )
As for living in Australia "forever" welcome to the club - now I see how O'C...stands for O'Cker.
Regards,
Bee
John O'Callaghan
13-07-2009, 07:36
Bee I'm sorry but I must chastise you for your slight at my oozzieism.being of Irish birth, Australian by choice and having served as both a stoker and soldier I am unwilling to accept any form of disparaging remark.We gods have our standards. consider your self Men/Women /Persons Under Punishment for the next 14 days.
Dear John,
No offense intended...I thought that being Aussie by choice...you would consider being termed an "Ocker" as a compliment (and an invite to the Wardroom is only given to the select few;))
My dear late Dad (ex WW2 RN) reckoned he had finally been accepted here when his workmates referred to him as "that poor bl**dy Pommy ba***rd!"
Regards,
Bee:)
We use them in the Canadian Navy also. The hood design has changed some so it will work better with DC breathing gear plus out jackets and pants are NOMEX.
Hi Blackfly,
Okay, excuse my ignorance but what does the "DC" stand for, and would you know what the NOMEX material is? Or maybe that might be a question for our resident chemist - John Odom?
Regards,
Bee
Blackfly
13-07-2009, 18:55
NOMEX fibre made by Dupont.
http://www2.dupont.com/Nomex/en_US/uses_apps/life_protection.html
DC is Damage Control. We are still using the Chemox Breathing apparatus for the fire teams with our firefighters in the crash rescue role using Scott air packs but the ships are switching to Draager breathing apparatus.
Sorry, figured NOMEX was well known.
Not a lot of good pics around.
John O'Callaghan
14-07-2009, 01:01
Hi Bee! It sounds like you may have taken my Ozzie post seriously.Sorry 'bout that.Just remember Ozzie! Ozzie! Ozzie! Oi! Oi! Oi! Begorrah!
Can we beat the Poms at cricket? YES WE CAN!!!!!
Cheers John O'C.
"Can we beat the Poms at cricket? YES WE CAN!!!!!"
Hmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
Hi Blackfly,
Thanks for the reply to my question re: D.C. = Damage Control and your explanation of NOMEX. Sorry for the delay in getting back to thank you.
John O'C......As for your "Can we beat the Poms at cricket?" Well no we (Aussies) couldn't!- even though it took 75 years. (Dave, I can see you smiling.):rolleyes: All the way from your little British outpost in Texas.
Cheers,
Bee
chris westwood
23-07-2009, 11:55
"Can we beat the Poms at cricket? YES WE CAN!!!!!"
Hmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
sadly we can't beat them at rugby:mad:
Derek Dicker
23-07-2009, 14:53
Ive still got two sets which I use for painting the ceilings, just a quick dhoby, fine for the next job.
Derek (Bunts)
Jan Steer
23-07-2009, 15:52
What's this? Ceilings?! Don't you have deckheads there then Bunts?!
best wishes
Jan
Derek Dicker
23-07-2009, 16:10
hi Jan. oops!!!
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