A026 Shutter thermal radiation

Hazard of thermal radiation from a heated fire shutter surface to a standing person

Brief:

Fire shutters for openings of a compartment wall would be heated to an elevated temperature in a fire emergency and emit thermal radiation to any adjacent compartment. A person close to the heated shutter surface would receive a thermal radiant heat flux and would feel skin pain. The thermal radiant heat flux upon exposed human skin close to a 3x3x3 m heated fire shutter surface was studied. The time taken for the person to experience pain was determined with the predicted thermal radiant heat flux. Properly locating a fire shutter at a distance from a building exit is recommended.

Further information:

Wong LT, 2003. Hazard of thermal radiation from a heated fire shutter surface to a standing person, Building Services Engineering Research and Technology 24(1) 1-8.