TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2004//
TI  - Effectiveness of a light-weight ice-vest for body cooling while wearing fire fighter's protective clothing in the heat
JO  - International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics
A1  - Holmer, Ingvar
A1  - Nilsson, Helene
A1  - Gavhed, Desiree
A1  - Kuklane, Kalev
A1  - Smolander, J.
SP  - 111
EP  - 117
VL  - 10
IS  - 2
N2  - The aim of the study was to examine the effects of wearing an ice-vest (ca 1 kg) on physiological and subjective responses in fire fighters. The experiments were carried out on a treadmill in a hot-dry environment. The physical cooling effect of the ice-vest was measured with a thermal manikin. The ice-vest effectively reduced skin temperatures under the vest. On average, heart rate was 10 beats/min lower, the amount of sweating was reduced by 13%, and subjective sensations of effort and warmth were lower during work with the ice-vest compared to work without it. Thermal manikin tests indicated that the useful energy available from the vest for body cooling was rather high (58%). In conclusion, the ice-vest reduces physiological and subjective strain responses during heavy work in the heat, and may promote efficient work time by 10%.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1080-3548
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -