SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 October 2012
STP104482

Methods for Measuring the Grip Performance of Structural Firefighting Gloves

Source

Grip evaluation methods are compared in tests made on structural firefighter gloves selected to represent a range of materials and constructions. An investigation of the effects of pulling force orientation and wetting on grip performance in rope and rod-type grip tests is discussed. A new method developed to measure grip by measuring torque generated in twisting an acrylic glass rod with gloved hands is described. Comparative studies show that the newly developed torque test provides lower subject variability and enhanced resolution among different gloves based on measured grip performance. Factors of glove construction that influence performance in the torque grip test are discussed, including slip-stick phenomena observed in tests on some wet gloves.

Author Information

Ross, Kevin
Textile Protection and Comfort Center, College of Textiles, NC State Univ., Raleigh, NC, US
Barker, Roger
Dept. of Textiles Engineering, Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, NC, US
Watkins, Jessica
Dept. of Textile Engineering, NC State Univ., Raleigh, NC, US
Deaton, A., Shawn
Center for Research on Textile Protection and Comfort, College of Textiles, North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, NC, US
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Details
Developed by Committee: F23
Pages: 371–391
DOI: 10.1520/STP104482
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7562-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7530-3