Anti-flash gear

For the personal protective equipment used against electrical arc flash, see Arc flash § Arc flash protection equipment.

Anti-flash gear, also known simply as flash gear, is basic personal protective equipment consisting of a fire-resistant hood and fire-resistant gloves,^[1] nowadays often made of Nomex.

Royal Navy Sailors during the Falklands War wearing anti-flash gear

U.S. Navy sailors at their ship's helm wear flash gear during an exercise.

Anti-flash gear protects to the head, neck, face and hands from short-duration flame exposure and heat. This equipment is donned by shipboard navy personnel whenever a fire breaks out or during periods of heightened readiness.^[1]

History

Anti-flash gear was introduced in the Royal Navy following the Battle of Jutland during the First World War,^[2] when a number of British warships had been destroyed or damaged by flash from burning cordite propellant passing through the shell handling room into the magazine. It was found that the anti-flash hoods and gloves were more effective if flame-proofed with borax or boric acid.^[3]