Anti-flash gear

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.

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] 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.

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.