Characteristics of Specialised Firefighter Clothing Used in Poland – the Thermal Parameters

Abstract

This paper describes the characteristic thermal parameters of firefighters’ personal protective clothing (FFPPC) used in Poland. The total thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of three different types of FFPPC were measured and used on a thermal manikin. Next, the results were compared. Based on the analyses and calculations of the test results, it was shown that FFPPC provides a barrier to the heat exchange between the user and the surrounding environment. Differences in the local thermal insulation can be triggered not only by the material used but they can also be attributable to clothes fitted on the manikin. The biggest differences can be noted on the segments forming part of the manikin’s trunk. No difference was found in the evaporative resistance between the clothes tested. In order to examine further the impact of the materials used on thermal parameters of protective clothing, it is necessary to carry out an analysis of the impact of individual layers.

Impact of Clothing Size on Thermal Insulation – A Pilot Study

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Cooling Effect of Phase Change Materials Applied in Undergarments of Mine Rescuers in Simulated Utility Conditions on Thermal Manikin

“…The design of the manikin allows both dry and wet heat transfer tests to be carried out. A detailed description of the manikin is contained in [ 18 , 19 ].…”

Lifestyle and environmental factors may induce airway and systemic inflammation in firefighters

“…The body’s heat load is influenced not only by the high external temperature, but also by the severity of the work performed, as well as the specific clothing used by firefighters. Tests of thermal parameters of special clothing for firefighters showed that clothing provides a barrier to heat exchange between the user and the surrounding environment (Młynarczyk and Zielińska 2020 ; Młynarczyk 2020 ). The special clothing for firefighters has a multilayer construction (Nayak et al 2014 ; Młynarczyk 2020 ), consists of: an external fabric layer; a membrane; a thermal insulation layer; and lining.…”

“…Tests of thermal parameters of special clothing for firefighters showed that clothing provides a barrier to heat exchange between the user and the surrounding environment (Młynarczyk and Zielińska 2020 ; Młynarczyk 2020 ). The special clothing for firefighters has a multilayer construction (Nayak et al 2014 ; Młynarczyk 2020 ), consists of: an external fabric layer; a membrane; a thermal insulation layer; and lining. It should be noted that the layers protect against: flame, heat, chemicals and mechanical injuries, against water and other liquids, like chemicals, blood-borne pathogens and also against environmental heat.…”