A TI is another valuable tool to be used for inspection purposes. Can you see everything through your naked eye, including potential hidden hazards that you are supposed to be identifying?
A thermal imager (TI) can be a firefighter’s best friend when used properly. This tool can help firefighters move more quickly, efficiently, and safely when battling a fire. For this tool to help, it must be used.
TIs process emitted infrared heat signatures that the firefighter interprets from the information shown on the TI’s screen. It’s this information that helps guide the firefighter to quickly recognize a heat signature as normal or abnormal.
With the emergence of new technologies, more manufacturers have entered the TI market with an array of models packed with innovative features designed to keep firefighters safe. With so many TI choices available today, it can be challenging to choose one that is best for your department.
Firefighters using TIs must understand the general risks associated with a TI and how to avoid those risks.
In my training, I discuss the “White Hat Syndrome,” which requires the use of a TI to conduct a safety test and understand what it means and how it can protect firefighters.
Providing the most accurate, timely, and reliable information possible is the backbone of most good fireground decisions, and a thermal imager (TI) can help with that.
Whatever industrial or environmental fire challenges you encounter, a TI can be your best friend.
Don’t overcomplicate your in-house training program; make it fun yet challenging. You can cover some basic principles with minimal time and effort.
I believe that classroom education is extremely valuable, but firefighters experiencing real-life situations using a TI is training that could one day save a life. The best training combines both classroom and real-life learning.