A Scandinavian Perspective on Human Factors Testing of Personal Protective Devices

Abstract

Whether the two demands such as protection performance and human factors are satisfied in personal protective devices (ppd) can be tested using standardized methodology. The standard methods for performance testing are used for certification of ppd. But it is unfortunate that testing methods for human factors or wearability testing of ppd are scarce and even the methods that have been developed are not always refined nor standardized. Both in hot and in cold environments thermal comfort is an important user need of ppd. To test the thermal characteristics of ppd, methods providing objective data are available but they are not always standardized. However for insulation testing of clothing, standard methods have been developed. The fit of ppd is also a priority need among wearers. Fit of clothing is often tested subjectively. The objective methods developed to test the fit of ppd and clothing require refinement and standardization. It is urgently needed to develop and standardize both objective and subjective testing methods of wearability of ppd. This paper provides insights into some testing methods on human factors of ppd that have found particularly useful over the years.