SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 2000
STP14467S

Effect of Measured Heat Loss through Turnout Materials on Firefighter Comfort and Heat Stress. Part I: Performance in a Mild Environment

Source

This research studied the relationship between heat transfer measured using a guarded sweating hot plate test method and the actual comfort and heat stress performance of firefighter turnout clothing. Controlled environment wear trials were conducted using the climate chamber available at the Center for Research on Textile Protection and Comfort (T-PACC) in the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. Seven professional firefighters participated in these studies. Two different wear test protocols were performed to simulate two levels of work activity, climate conditions, and clothing and equipment variables: One protocol featured light to moderate work activity in a mild climate (21°C, 65% RH). Subjective and objective measures of human psychological and physiological response were applied to quantify and rate performance in several categories. A separate study was conducted to determine the heat stress experienced by firefighters performing moderate work activities in a warm environment (39°C, 35% RH).

Author Information

Barker, R
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Myhre, L
Alamo Physiological Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
Scruggs, B
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Shalev, I
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Prahsarn, C
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Miszko, T
Alamo Physiological Research Institute
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: F23
Pages: 519–534
DOI: 10.1520/STP14467S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5434-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2869-9