Summary: Second World War RAF instructional film dealing with the wearing of asbestos protective suits in firefighting.
Description: The film opens with a simulated aircraft crash on a RAF airfield attended by a RAF fire tender and crew including a firefighter wearing an asbestos protective suit. The film then details the construction of the suit (layers of asbestos material, wool and silk), the parts of the suit (trousers, jumper - incorporating the helmet and gauntlets), and the correct procedure for putting on the suit (trousers first - ensuring a good fit, jumper - securing the front with a "D" ring hook and belt, gauntlets, helmet and finally checking the air-flap on the top of the helmet). The film then shows the fire tender and crew with the designated firefighter wearing the asbestos trousers with the remainder of the suit ready at hand. The firefighter then puts on the rest of the suit. Two firefighters wearing asbestos suits are then seen walking through fire, with the commentary warning of the sensations they will experience, slight warming around the mica eyepiece, a roaring sound in the ears when stooping, and after about one to one and a half minutes the feet and lower legs will become warm. The commentary concludes with the statement that the length of time the suit will provide protection is up to the wearer to decide - the wearer should remove himself from the fire immediately he experiences serious discomfort due to heat, blistering or breathing difficulties.
