Study of Benefits of Passenger Protective Breathing Equipment from Analysis of Past Accidents
Abstract
A computer model was developed and utilized for calculating the benefits of passenger protective breathing devices and other fire safety improvements based on an analysis of accidents involving fire occurring from 1966 to 1986. The results of exercising this model on 20 past accidents indicate that the 'lives saved' is very sensitive to assumptions. It was determined that seat cushion fire blocking (FB) would have saved almost half the lives. Floor proximity lighting (FPL) is much less effective than FB, saving 3-4 percent of fire deaths. Protective breathing equipment (PBE), assuming no donning delay and 100 percent usage by passengers, is more effective than FPL. However, a 15- second donning delay of PBE may have resulted in a net disbenefit. Keywords: Protective breathing equipment smoke hoods; Transport aircraft; Aviation accidents; Fire safety.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA196628
Entities
People
- Louise Speitel
- Richard G. Hill
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration