REGULATORY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR QUALITY INDICATORS AND QUALITY CONTROL METHODS OF FIRE BELTS AS A TOOL FOR ENHANCING FIRE SAFETY IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article analyzes the current regulatory legal acts in Ukraine and European standards that define the concept of "fire belts" and the requirements for their performance indicators and testing methods. Fire belts are a critical component of the personal protective equipment used by firefighters and rescuers to ensure their safety while working at height or under extreme conditions. The study identifies and systematizes the key testing methods that determine the quality and reliability of these belts.

The primary testing methods include: visual inspection and measurement of dimensions and weight; elongation under the influence of test static load; resistance to static and dynamic loads; measurement of the maximum force at the moment of a dynamic jerk; resistance to extreme operational temperatures, including exposure to 200 °C and thermal radiation; flame resistance of the belt strap material; resistance to water and surfactants; durability of the rope when exposed to 600 °C, thermal radiation, open flame, and contact with a hot object; stiffness of the rope; reliability indicators; and verification of compliance of materials and purchased components with the applicable technical requirements.

The results of the study show that a unified nomenclature of quality indicators for fire belts, developed on the basis of normative document analysis and expert ranking methodology, can serve as a foundation for improving design solutions, facilitating product certification, and creating a transparent and objective approach to evaluating the quality of fire rescue belts. Such an approach is essential for ensuring the individual protection of personnel from falling during emergency response and rescue operations. The findings may also support the development of national standards harmonized with European practices, strengthening the overall fire safety system in Ukraine.