Citation

Marszałek A, Młynarczyk M. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2020.1794370

PMID

32669046

Abstract

In addition to intense effort of firefighters during rescue operations and adverse thermal environment, the properties of clothing can hinder the performance of occupational activities, too. The heat load of firefighters during diversified effort in a climate chamber was compared in two types of protective clothing (barrack clothing - B and barrack under special-purpose clothing - S), at two levels of air temperature (20 and 30 °C). During testing, physiological parameters of heat strain were measured and subjective ratings were collected. There was a small increase in physiological parameters and subjective ratings at 20 °C in clothing S compared to the results in clothing B, whereas those differences were substantial at 30 °C. So, the structure of clothing S, which ensures protection of firefighters against high temperatures and flames, and its watertight layer make it significantly more difficult for the body to give off heat.

Language: en

Keywords

firefighters; physical effort; protective clothing; thermal comfort; thermal strain