2018 journal article

Relationship between novel design modifications and heat stress relief in structural firefighters' protective clothing

APPLIED ERGONOMICS, 70, 260–268.

co-author countries: United States of America πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
author keywords: Firefighter; Heat stress; Physiological comfort
MeSH headings : Adult; Benchmarking; Body Temperature Regulation; Equipment Design; Exercise / physiology; Exercise Test; Firefighters; Heart Rate; Heat Stress Disorders / physiopathology; Heat Stress Disorders / prevention & control; Hot Temperature; Humans; Male; Manikins; Occupational Health; Protective Clothing; Skin Temperature; Stress, Physiological; Sweating; Weight Loss
Source: Web Of Science
Added: August 6, 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate design modifications in structural firefighter turnout suits for their ability to reduce heat stress during firefighting activities. A secondary aim of this research established a benchmark for the manikin heat loss value necessary to achieve significant improvements in physiological comfort. Eight professional firefighters participated in five simulated exercise sessions wearing a control turnout suit and one of four turnout prototypes: Single Layer, Vented, Stretch, and Revolutionary. Physiological responses (internal core body temperature, skin temperature, physiological strain, heart rate, and sweat loss) were measured when wearing each turnout suit prototype. Results demonstrated a significant increase in work time and significant reductions in heat stress (core temperature, skin temperature, and physiological strain) when participants wore the Single Layer, Vented, and Revolutionary prototypes. An estimated garment heat loss value of 150 W/m2 was determined in order to achieve a significant reduction in heat stress.