USITT 2017 Tech Expo Guide - 22

Tech EXPO 2017
Exhibit No. 7 Using a Thermal Imaging Camera to Quantify the Risk of Fire
By Jonathan Shimon

he history of theatre is littered with stories of fire
taking lives and structure; ideally we learn from
these mistakes and attempt to not repeat them.
Technology aids in many areas of theatre and fire
protection is no exception. The requirements for fire
curtains, doors that open out with panic hardware
(push bars), and sprinkler systems have all resulted
from tragic losses in the past.
Many organizations have their own rules in regards to proximity of curtains or other materials
to lighting. For example, if the lights are within 18
inches of a border, the use of a heat shield such as
Z-Tech is required. Although this is a reasonable
rule of thumb, it cannot account for every scenario
a production team may encounter, especially considering the different flammability of fabrics and
building materials. More data is needed.
Studies of the flammability of wood date back
to 1887 (Hill 1866), even in modern times it is
nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact temperature at which wood or other materials will ignite
(O'Halloran). Lack of specificity is due to variations
in moisture content of the material, air flow, size and
shape of material, rate of heating, and other variables. However, the Material Safety Data Sheet can
be used to analyze the potential outcome of close
proximity between scenic materials and lighting
fixtures. The document is required to have the fol-

Figure 1 - Surface temperature of a PAR
64 at startup.
22

United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc.

lowing relevant categories, which will help the user
identify the fire hazard; melting point, initial boiling
point, boiling range, flash point, and auto ignition
temperature (U.S. Department of Labor).
Thermal imaging cameras are commonly used
in many different professions. From industrial automation to law enforcement, this technology provides an area of temperature measurement. These
cameras are devices that do not require physical
contact with the surface of the material; instead,
they detect infrared energy (heat) and convert it
to produce a thermal image (Systems 2016). Cameras of this type are readily available from multiple
manufacturers at different price points. Some cameras act as an accessory for a tablet or smartphone.
There are many options for cameras, from varying
image resolutions and colors to internet control.
For as little as $20 one can purchase a laser thermometer; however, this less expensive option does
not give a full picture of heat exposure.
In a theatrical setting, it is very rare that an entire lighting rig would be brought to full intensity
and left on at full for an extended period of time.
Still, it behooves the production team to plan for
worst-case scenario. The status quo can be hundreds of different types of instruments all having
different heat outputs, especially once considering
the integration of LED fixtures. Electronic Theatre

Figure 2 - Surface temperature of a PAR
64 after 10 minutes.

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