By Manfred Kihn
Since the fire service’s beginning, we have taken pride in the equipment that we use on a daily basis and the routine servicing required to keep it maintained. Thermal imagers (TIs) are no exception to this rule and often get overlooked for maintenance even though they are invaluable tools. I often get asked what is required. Here are some tips to help you maintain your TI.
Three-Lens Wipe—Condensation and Soot
During normal firefighting operations, there will be times you experience diminished vision because of elements caused by the fire. Moisture causing condensation and soot buildup will reduce your TI’s image quality, causing you to not see clearly. If you have to wipe your self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) mask, then you must also wipe the front lens and display screen lens of your TI, as they will also be affected. Keeping your TI low will help reduce moisture from convection currents, but continue to wipe the TI’s lenses to maintain visual clarity.
Cold Climate Condensation
Those who live in colder climate areas may have already experienced this. Cold climate condensation happens after your TI is charging nicely inside an apparatus sitting in a warm firehouse. The alarm goes off, and now you are rolling down the road in some frigid wintery temperatures to arrive on scene. Exiting the warm apparatus, your TI now becomes exposed to the cold temperatures, and as you make entrance into the burning building, the TI warms up, causing immediate condensation on the two lenses and SCBA face piece. Again, take a few second pause for the three-lens wipe!
TI Care and Maintenance
After each response, do not overlook routine cleaning and servicing, as cancer mitigation is high on every fire department’s mandate. Do not place your sooty and contaminated TI back into the charger inside the cab of your fire apparatus without decontaminating it and giving it a thorough cleaning.
Follow your TI manufacturer’s specifications for care and maintenance and ensure that users fully understand how to clean and maintain it. Your personal protection from self-contamination is a must. Wear disposable surgical type gloves before you clean the outside of your TI. Use mild soap or detergent and a clean, soft cloth with water to wash your TI and wipe the display and front lens. To help remove stubborn stains, use cleaning products such as Fantastik, Lysol, and isopropyl alcohol. Do not use any solvents or paint thinners, as these could damage or degrade the outer case or display lens.
