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Old 8 May 2010, 09:12 (Ref:2686428)   #176
Andy77
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,456
Andy77 should be qualifying in the top 10 on the grid
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Originally Posted by Birddog07 View Post
Definatley better onboard fire extinguishers, which must be strong enough to survive the hardest of wrecks and still work properly in putting out any fire afterwards.

The filters really wouldn't impede airflow if big enough, just filter out some of the harmful particles in the event the driver is stuck in a flaming tintop. I'm not talking some gas mask or respitator type thing, just something in the helmets air vents to help alittle.
Two points here. First regarding airflow through a filter mask. Breathing through a filter mask feels hard. Almost like not getting enough (which isn`t true but how you feel).
Secondly, the danger in such fires comes from the heat and carbon monoxide. Breath the heated air and fire gases and it is over in no time. Also in such circumstances , similar to room fires, the carbon monoxide will knock the victim unsconscious in no time so particle filters don't make any sense as they can't resist the carbone monoxide and the heat of the gases through the fire. So unless the drivers wear and use breath protection kits, they arent safe on that side.
On a side note, you can read very similar from Niki Lauda, if you dig deep enough. However, above is just my (firefighting) experience
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