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HS-2 Website Text Frequently Asked Questions Link HS-2
Website Text Frequently Asked Questions Link


Q: WHAT IS THE HOT SHIELD
®

A: The HOT SHIELD
®
HS-2 is the worlds first patented (Pat. # 5,628,308 & 5,823,188) dual function, multi-layered facemask designed by
firefighters specifically for wildland firefighting. It is the only brush fire facemask proven to protect major portions of the face and neck from burning
sparks, embers and even the direct flames of a 1000º blowtorch. Its second most important function is to provide protection to ones respiratory tract
through a combination of physical barriers.

Other facemasks and standard issue shrouds have proven inadequate protection against face/neck burns when they are subjected to moderate radiant
heat or direct flame. Some deficiencies of these include: inadequate air exchange, bandannas catching on fire, embers burning holes through them,
burned noses from droopy shrouds exposing the nose, coughing up black phlegm for days after a fire and the resultant inflamed, irritated respiratory
passages from inhaling smoke and ash particles. The HS-2 has saved the lives of 4 firefighters (documented) and has become a popular and standard
piece of operating equipment with many fire department and firefighters.

Q: HOW DOES THE HOT SHIELD
®
HS-2 PROTECT ME?
A: #1- BURNS TO YOUR FACE: The outer shell has recently been updated (Nov. 2001 release date) from the Advance
to CarbonX . This
material far exceeds ALL materials available throughout the world in all categories of thermal testing. CarbonX fabric will not burn, ignite, char,
shrink or decompose at temperatures exceeding 2600
° F., even for extended periods of time. CarbonX is the new standard in burn protection
materials.
#2- FURTHER REDUCTION OF RISK OF BURNS: Through a unique, patented design, which provides for a comfortable and protective airspace
between the mask and mouth/lips.
#3- COMFORT & RESPIRATORY RELIEF: By physically blocking much of the smoke & ash particulate through the use of a fire resistant mesh
fabric & disposable filter.

Q: HAS THE HOT SHIELD
®
BEEN INDEPENDENTLY OR THIRD PARTY TESTED?
A: Yes, many different tests have been conducted. #1- Biotherm Laboratories of Dayton, Ohio, a recognized testing lab for firefighter clothing,
tested the HS-2 to the RPP (Radiant Protective Performance) Test per N.F.P.A. Standard #1977 (1993). The HS-2 (constructed of the older, less
temperature resistant Nomex/Kevlar materials) exceeded requirements by over 400%! A second test, this time using a direct of 1000 degree F. torch
was done and after 60 seconds, the inside temperature of the mask only registered 114 degrees F! Other labs, including Du Pont and Storm King
Mountain Technologies tested it and the HS-2 passed with similar flying colors.

Q: DOES THE HOT SHIELD
®
MEET N.F.P.A. REQUIREMENTS?
A: As of this writing, N.F.P.A. has not set a standard for facial or respiratory protection. In absence of such a standard, independent testing
laboratories cannot certify any device or garment to NFPA specs (none exist). However, the HOT SHIELD
®
HS-2 does qualify as an interface
component or adjunct to a wildland firefighters protective clothing ensemble, according to N.F.P.A.s own definition of an interface component; an
element or elements of the protective ensemble ...designed to provide limited protection to interface areas. The HOT SHIELD
®
exceeds N.F.P.A.
Radiant Protective Performance (R.P.P.) requirements by over 400%, as tested using the old materials!! CarbonX offers even greater protection!

Q: IS THE HOT SHIELD
®
A RESPIRATOR?
A: No, it is not. The HS-2 is not designed to be used when permissible exposure limits of fire gases are exceeded or for protection against carbon
monoxide. No product can legitimately claim to do so. No fit testing is required for its use.

The HS-2 is designed to allow the insertion of any disposable particle filter mask to reduce particulate inhalation/ingestion. Replacement filters can
be easily obtained through one of our distributors (about $3.50 ea.) and unlike some products marketed, these types of filters do not become useless
after 8 hours exposed to air, requiring another expensive filter purchase!

Q: CAN THE HOT SHIELD
®
PROTECT ME FROM SUPER HEATED AIR?
A: No, only a breathing apparatus can do that! Use of a HOT SHIELD
®
does not guarantee a firefighter will not suffer a respiratory burn due to
inhalation of superheated air. However, we believe the HOT SHIELD
®
offers the best protection available to date, from this hazard.

Q: IS THE HOT SHIELD
®
COMPATIBLE WITH BOTH FORESTRY TYPE AND STRUCTURE TYPE HELMETS? WHAT ABOUT
MY EXISTING SHROUD*?
A: Yes to all of the above. The fact is that you can don the HOT SHIELD
®
before or after donning your helmet. This feature is both practical and
vital, especially if faced with an intense fire situation. It can also be worn with or without the shroud and the shroud can be closed around it or left
open. Conventional shrouds can be fastened around the bottom but should be left open around the ventilation orifice of the HOT SHIELD
®
. We
recommend the use of the ULTRA SHROUD
®
which has been designed specifically for use with the HOT SHIELD
®
and is constructed of the same
incredible CarbonX materials.

Q: IS THE HOT SHIELD
®
COMPATIBLE WITH GOGGLES?
A: Low profile goggles that have some type of foam (to keep dust out of your eyes) work best with the HOT SHIELD
®
. Any helmet will restrict the
amount of available forehead area, which is where the upper portion of the goggle occupies. ANY type of facemask you choose must share the nose
bridge area, as this is a necessary anchor point for both. Our QuickConnect Goggle Strap (the BLAZER) replaces your existing goggle strap and
allows you to remove or don your goggle WITHOUT removing your helmet to do so.

NOTE! THE HOT SHIELD
®
WILDLAND FIRE FIGHTER FACE MASK IS FIRE RESISTANT, NOT FIRE PROOF! HOT SHIELD USA DOES
NOT (and no company/product can) GUARANTEE THAT PROPER USE OF THE HOT SHIELD
®
HS-2 WILL PREVENT BURNS OR
RESPIRATORY INJURIES IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE HOT SHIELD
®
HS-2 HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE
THE RISK OF BURNS TO MAJOR PORTIONS OF THE FACE AND NECK AREAS, BUT NOT ALL AREAS! WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND
THE USE OF THE ULTRA SHROUD
®
EAR & NECK PROTECTOR HELMET SHROUD THAT IS SPECIFICLALY DESIGNED TO WORK IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE HOT SHIELD
®
. THE HOT SHIELD
®
CANNOT REMOVE ALL AIRBORNE PARTICULATE NOR CAN IT
REMOVE CARBON MONOXIDE OR OTHER TOXIC FIRE GASES. HOT SHIELD USA HIGHLY RECOMMENDS THE USE OF CARBON
MONOXIDE MONITORS FOR PERSONNEL EXPOSED TO WILDLAND FIRES, ALONG WITH FREQUENT ROTATION OF PERSONNEL
TO LESSEN THE FIREFIGHTERS TOTAL EXPOSURE TO TOXIC GASES. HOT SHIELD and the phrase The Ultimate in Facial Protection
From Flame and Smoke are registered trademarks of HOT SHIELD USA, INC NOMEX & KEVLAR are registered trademarks of Du Pont. Only
by Du Pont. ADVANCE is a trademark of Southern Mills, Inc. V.4.9.2002