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Tochihara Y, Lee JY, Son SY, Bakri I. Heat strain of Japanese firefighters wearing personal protective equipment: a review for developing a test method. ERGONOMICS 2023; 66:676-689. [PMID: 35959644 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2113150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to develop a test method for the evaluation of heat strain for structural firefighters wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in Japan. We analysed a series of our laboratory's questionnaires and experimental studies and reviewed international standards on test methods. We investigated the actual average working conditions (total firefighting time on one incidence, working time with full PPE, maximum temperature and humidity during firefighting) at structural firefighting site in Japan by conducting a large-scale questionnaire survey of Japanese firefighters. We discussed test subjects (firefighters vs. non-firefighters; body size; physical fitness), exercise intensity (absolutes vs. relative; light vs. heavy) and duration, experimental temperature and relative humidity, experimental clothing items including station uniforms (shorts vs. long), and measurement variables (physiological and subjective responses), and suggested a standard test method to evaluate the heat strain of firefighters in hot and humid environments.Practitioner summary: We reviewed studies on human wear trials of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) in hot environments and suggested a standard test method to evaluate the heat strain of firefighters. The test method can be internationally utilised to examine the comfort functions and heat stress of PPE in hot, humid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Tochihara
- Department of Human Science, Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Joo-Young Lee
- Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Graphene Research Center for Convergence Technology, Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Korea
| | - Su-Young Son
- Department of Home Economics Education Teachers College, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Ilham Bakri
- Industrial Engineering Department, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
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Ramezanifar S, Shakiba Z, Pirposhteh EA, Poursadeghiyan M, Sahlabadi AS. The effects of personal protective equipment on heart rate, oxygen consumption and body temperature of firefighters: A systematic review. Work 2023; 76:95-107. [PMID: 36776094 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fire extinguishing operations are carried out by firefighters equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) in dangerous environments. Although PPE protects firefighters, it can affect many physiological parameters. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of PPE on firefighters' heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (OC) and body temperature (BT). METHODS This systematic review thoroughly reviewed relevant articles in the reliable databases "Web of Science", "Embase", "IranDoc", "IranMedex", "SID", "Magiran", "Google Scholar", "PubMed" and "Scopus" from 2010 to 2021. Some of the used search terms were "firefighters", "personal protective equipment", "heart rate" and "oxygen consumption". RESULTS Out of the 405 studies identified through the systematic search, 18 articles were eligible according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist, among which 11 studies were conducted in North America, three in Asia, two in Europe, and two studies in Oceania. According to the review of studies, PPE increased HR, BT, and OC. The type of PPE components, the weight of the equipment, the kind of activity of firefighters, and weather conditions were among the influencing parameters on the extent of PPE's influence on these physiological parameters. CONCLUSION The results of the studies show that PPE separately and collectively affects the physiological parameters of HR, BT and OC. To reduce these effects, it is necessary to pay attention to several items, including the weight of PPE, the type of PPE ingredients in different weather conditions, and the type of activities of firefighters in PPE design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soleiman Ramezanifar
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Behest University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shakiba
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Akhlaghi Pirposhteh
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Poursadeghiyan
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Ali Salehi Sahlabadi
- Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Department of Occupational Health and Safety at Work, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Aliaño-González MJ, Montalvo G, García-Ruiz C, Ferreiro-González M, Palma M. Assessment of Volatile Compound Transference through Firefighter Turnout Gear. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063663. [PMID: 35329348 PMCID: PMC8953482 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
There is high concern about the exposure of firefighters to toxic products or carcinogens resulting from combustion during fire interventions. Firefighter turnout gear is designed to protect against immediate fire hazards but not against chemical agents. Additionally, the decontamination of firefighter personal protective equipment remains unresolved. This study evaluated the feasibility of a screening method based on headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) in combination with chemometrics (cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and linear discriminant analysis) for the assessment of the transference of volatile compounds through turnout gear. To achieve this, firefighter turnout gears exposed to two different fire scenes (with different combustion materials) were directly analyzed. We obtained a spectral fingerprint for turnout gears that were both exposed and non-exposed to fire scenes. The results showed that (i): the contamination of the turnout gears is different depending on the type of fire loading; and (ii) it is possible to determine if the turnout gear is free of volatile compounds. Based on the latest results, we concluded that HS-GC-IMS can be applied as a screening technique to assess the quality of turnout gear prior to a new fire intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Aliaño-González
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), University of Cadiz, The Wine and Food Research Institute IVAGRO, Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain; (M.J.A.-G.); (M.P.)
| | - Gemma Montalvo
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid–Barcelona km 33,600, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.); (C.G.-R.)
- Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), Calle Libreros 27, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen García-Ruiz
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid–Barcelona km 33,600, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.); (C.G.-R.)
- Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Policiales (IUICP), Calle Libreros 27, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ferreiro-González
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), University of Cadiz, The Wine and Food Research Institute IVAGRO, Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain; (M.J.A.-G.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-956-016355; Fax: +34-956-016460
| | - Miguel Palma
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), University of Cadiz, The Wine and Food Research Institute IVAGRO, Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain; (M.J.A.-G.); (M.P.)
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Woods S, Sosa EM, Kurowski-Burt A, Fleming M, Matheny K, Richardson A, Scott H, Perry B, Zornes I. Effects of wearing of metacarpal gloves on hand dexterity, function, and perceived comfort: A pilot study. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2021; 97:103538. [PMID: 34325355 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metacarpal gloves are commonly used in heavy-duty industries such as mining and are typically thicker and bulkier than manufacturing or assembly industrial gloves. This pilot study investigates the impact of wearing metacarpal gloves on hand dexterity, functional capabilities, and perceived comfort. Four types of commercially available metacarpal gloves were selected for evaluation in a randomized controlled trial. Evaluations included turning and placing tests, also grip, pinch, and screwdriver tests, and rating of the perceived level of effort. Dexterity test results showed that metacarpal gloves significantly reduced the ability to perform motor tasks requiring coordination compared to bare hands. Hand functions such as gripping, pinching, and forearm rotations were not significantly affected. However, the perceived level of effort needed to complete those hand functions increased as the metacarpal glove's bulkiness increased. High levels of mechanical protection typically offered by metacarpal gloves can inversely affect hand dexterity and hand exertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- SueAnn Woods
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA.
| | - Eduardo M Sosa
- Statler College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
| | - Amy Kurowski-Burt
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Marissa Fleming
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Kristen Matheny
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Ashlyn Richardson
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Heather Scott
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Brooke Perry
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Isabella Zornes
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
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Bhattacharjee S, Joshi R, Chughtai AA, Macintyre CR. Graphene Modified Multifunctional Personal Protective Clothing. ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES 2019; 6:1900622. [PMID: 32313805 PMCID: PMC7161773 DOI: 10.1002/admi.201900622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective clothing is intended to protect the wearer from various hazards (mechanical, biological, chemical, thermal, radiological, etc.) and inhospitable environmental conditions that may cause harm or even death. There are various types of personal protective clothing, manufactured with different materials based on hazards and end user requirements. Conventional protective clothing has impediments such as high weight, bulky nature, lack of mobility, heat stress, low heat dissipation, high physical stress, diminishing dexterity, diminishing scope of vision, lack of breathability, and reduced protection against pathogens and hazards. By virtue of the superlative properties of graphene, fabrics modified with this material can be an effective means to overcome these limitations and to improve properties such as mechanical strength, antibacterial activity, flame resistance, conductivity, and UV resistance. The limitations of conventional personal protective equipment are discussed, followed by necessary measures which might be taken to improve personal protective equipment (PPE), the unique properties of graphene, methods of graphene incorporation in fabrics, and the current research status and potential of graphene-modified performance textiles relevant to PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity ProgramThe Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesKensingtonSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringNoakhali Science and Technology UniversityNoakhali3814Bangladesh
| | - Rakesh Joshi
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of New South WalesKensingtonSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Abrar Ahmad Chughtai
- School of Public Health and Community MedicineUniversity of New South WalesKensingtonSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Chandini Raina Macintyre
- College of Public Service and Community Solutions and College of Health SolutionsArizona State UniversityTempeAZ85287USA
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Colburn D, Russo L, Burkard R, Hostler D. Firefighter protective clothing and self contained breathing apparatus does not alter balance testing using a standard sensory organization test or motor control test in healthy, rested individuals. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2019; 80:187-192. [PMID: 31280804 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a high rate of injury associated with firefighting: in 2016, 21% of all fireground injuries were attributed to falls, jumps and slips. Examining factors related to balance, including experience in wearing firefighter gear, may assist in reducing injury related to falls. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of wearing firefighter gear on postural balance in firefighters and non-firefighters in a rested condition. METHODS Each subject attended two sessions. In session 1, informed consent was obtained, a threshold audiogram was collected, and the sensory organization test (SOT) and motor control test (MCT) were administered with the subject dressed in street clothes. The second session was comprised of three different conditions with the order of testing randomized across subjects: street clothing, firefighter protective garments (coat, pants, helmet, hood) with breathing apparatus but no facemask, and firefighter protective garments with breathing apparatus and facemask. Twenty subjects participated: ten firefighters (8 males) and sex and age-matched non-firefighters (8 males) completed the study. RESULTS SOT scores were obtained for each sub-condition, including the overall performance score and sensory weightings. For the MCT, latency and amplitude data were obtained for the three forward and three reverse translation conditions. A significant difference was found for large forward surface translations in the MCT in firefighters. CONCLUSION In spite of the altered center of balance created by breathing apparatus and the altered visual cues created by the facemask, wearing firefighter gear did not substantively affect anterior-posterior postural stability or motor response to linear translation in rested, healthy individuals. Firefighters and non-firefighters performed similarly across all except one of the experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Colburn
- University at Buffalo, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Lindsey Russo
- University at Buffalo, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Center for Research and Education in Special Environments, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert Burkard
- University at Buffalo, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - David Hostler
- University at Buffalo, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Center for Research and Education in Special Environments, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Wang S, Park J, Wang Y. Cross-cultural comparison of firefighters' perception of mobility and occupational injury risks associated with personal protective equipment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2019; 27:664-672. [PMID: 30975043 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2019.1607027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of personal protective equipment (PPE) on firefighters' perceptions of mobility and their experienced occupational injury risks between China and the USA. Materials and methods. An online survey was conducted and a total of 328 firefighters, including 203 Chinese firefighters and 125 US firefighters, participated in the survey. Results. Both Chinese and US firefighters ranked mobility restriction as the most dissatisfactory characteristic of the current PPE. US firefighters reported the upper body as the most restricted region and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as the most dissatisfactory item. Chinese firefighters ranked boots as the leading cause of dissatisfaction, but they did not indicate any particular discomfort region. Moreover, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were the most prevalent occupational injury reported by both Chinese and US firefighters. Restricted mobility while wearing PPE was closely related to the risk of MSDs. Conclusions. The findings suggested that PPE design for US firefighters should consider a balance in the weight distribution of SCBA and the overall interface of turnout gear and equipment. For Chinese firefighters' PPE, flexibility of materials for boots should be emphasized to increase mobility and reduce the risks of MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shitan Wang
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China
| | - Juyeon Park
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, USA.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, USA
| | - Yunyi Wang
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Clothing Design and Technology, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China
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Wiszomirska I, Iwańska D, Tabor P, Karczewska-Lindinger M, Urbanik C, Mastalerz A. Postural stability pattern as an important safety factor of firefighters. Work 2019; 62:469-476. [PMID: 30909262 DOI: 10.3233/wor-192881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighting is a hazardous profession that involves high fall risk and is crucial component for the safety of people. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify factors that impact on postural stability patterns of firefighters. METHODS The study examined 177 Polish firefighters from the National Firefighting and Rescue System (NFRS) aged 31.9±10.1 years, with body height of 179.6±5.93, body mass of 83.9±11.0 and BMI of 26.0±3.03. Postural stability was evaluated by means of the Balance System SD (Biodex USA) set at the level 12 of instability, in a sportswear, bunker gear, with and without visual input. The fall risk test (FRI) was also performed. Four indices were analysed: overall stability index (OSI), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI), and fall risk index (FRI). RESULTS Mean results for fall risk index (FRI) were in the normal range for all age groups regardless of the type of clothing the firefighters were wearing. Individual results obtained in the fall risk test, 128 firefighters were in the normal range for their age, furthermore, 10 firefighters obtained better results than the normal range, 34 firefighters had worse results and 5 people failed to complete the test. Postural stability with eyes closed was found to decline with age. Wearing bunker gear did not have an effect on postural stability. CONCLUSIONS Balance tests should be integrated into the firefighting training routines in order to improve balance and support fall prevention. Exercises with reduced visual input should also be incorporated into the training methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Wiszomirska
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Iwańska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Tabor
- Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Czesław Urbanik
- Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mastalerz
- Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
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Spratford W, Vu V, Ball N, Walker A. Protective firefighting boots and their impact on the lower body and injury: A narrative review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.3233/oer-170246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Spratford
- Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Vy Vu
- Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nick Ball
- Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Anthony Walker
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Australian Capital Territory Fire and Rescue, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Lindberg AS, Oksa J, Antti H, Malm C. Multivariate statistical assessment of predictors of firefighters' muscular and aerobic work capacity. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118945. [PMID: 25775243 PMCID: PMC4361601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical capacity has previously been deemed important for firefighters physical work capacity, and aerobic fitness, muscular strength, and muscular endurance are the most frequently investigated parameters of importance. Traditionally, bivariate and multivariate linear regression statistics have been used to study relationships between physical capacities and work capacities among firefighters. An alternative way to handle datasets consisting of numerous correlated variables is to use multivariate projection analyses, such as Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structures. The first aim of the present study was to evaluate the prediction and predictive power of field and laboratory tests, respectively, on firefighters’ physical work capacity on selected work tasks. Also, to study if valid predictions could be achieved without anthropometric data. The second aim was to externally validate selected models. The third aim was to validate selected models on firefighters’ and on civilians’. A total of 38 (26 men and 12 women) + 90 (38 men and 52 women) subjects were included in the models and the external validation, respectively. The best prediction (R2) and predictive power (Q2) of Stairs, Pulling, Demolition, Terrain, and Rescue work capacities included field tests (R2 = 0.73 to 0.84, Q2 = 0.68 to 0.82). The best external validation was for Stairs work capacity (R2 = 0.80) and worst for Demolition work capacity (R2 = 0.40). In conclusion, field and laboratory tests could equally well predict physical work capacities for firefighting work tasks, and models excluding anthropometric data were valid. The predictive power was satisfactory for all included work tasks except Demolition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Lindberg
- Sports Medicine Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Winternet, Boden, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Juha Oksa
- Physical Work Capacity-team, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Finland
| | - Henrik Antti
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christer Malm
- Sports Medicine Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Winternet, Boden, Sweden
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LEE JY, PARK J, PARK H, COCA A, KIM JH, TAYLOR NA, SON SY, TOCHIHARA Y. What do firefighters desire from the next generation of personal protective equipment? Outcomes from an international survey. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2015; 53:434-44. [PMID: 26027710 PMCID: PMC4591136 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2015-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate smart features required for the next generation of personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters in Australia, Korea, Japan, and the USA. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 167 Australian, 351 Japanese, 413 Korean, and 763 U.S. firefighters (1,611 males and 61 females). Preferences concerning smart features varied among countries, with 27% of Korean and 30% of U.S. firefighters identifying 'a location monitoring system' as the most important element. On the other hand, 43% of Japanese firefighters preferred 'an automatic body cooling system' while 21% of the Australian firefighters selected equally 'an automatic body cooling system' and 'a wireless communication system'. When asked to rank these elements in descending priority, responses across these countries were very similar with the following items ranked highest: 'a location monitoring system', 'an automatic body cooling system', 'a wireless communication system', and 'a vision support system'. The least preferred elements were 'an automatic body warming system' and 'a voice recording system'. No preferential relationship was apparent for age, work experience, gender or anthropometric characteristics. These results have implications for the development of the next generation of PPE along with the international standardisation of the smart PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Young LEE
- Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design,
Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| | - Joonhee PARK
- Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design,
Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Huiju PARK
- Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design, Cornell
University, USA
| | - Aitor COCA
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
USA
| | - Jung-Hyun KIM
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
USA
| | - Nigel A.S. TAYLOR
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiology, School of Medicine,
University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Su-Young SON
- Human Engineering and Risk Management Research Group,
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan
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