Review of Research Studies of Ergonomic Aspects of Selected Personal Protective Equipment

Abstract

This article is a review of research studies conducted in the Central Institute for Labour Protection (CIOP) on ergonomic aspects of personal protective equipment (PPE) design and use. Research was related to, among other things, a comparison of body strain and work time limitation for users wearing gas-tight and drill suits. Some other studies were connected with the biophysical properties of clothing materials for medical use. On the basis of the measurement results, a proposal of clothing construction with an optimum combination of protection and comfort was created. Research leading to the development of test methodology concerning automatic welding filters with switchable luminous transmittance is also conducted in CIOP. The article also brings up the subject of designing new PPE assuring a high level of comfort. A model of material to be used under tight protective clothing, an inflammable harness for working at a height, and a model of intelligent clothing that will assist human thermoregulation processes during physical effort are examples of new PPE.

Subjective perceptions and ergonomics evaluation of a liquid cooled garment worn under protective ensemble during an intermittent treadmill exercise

“…Another significant finding of the present study was that wearing a LCG underneath the ensemble did not cause any significant decrements in the subjects' perceived ergonomic features or usability. While the use of a PPE ensemble is of great benefit among workers/personnel who are at risk of exposure to hazardous materials and/or conditions in their occupational sites, several studies have voiced concerns about ergonomic limitations imposed by PPE ensembles (Huck 1988, 1991, Akbar-Khanzadeh et al 1995, Stull 2000, Szczecinska and Lezak 2000, Coca et al 2008. As previous studies have pointed out, improper selection or poor designs of PPE can lead to reduction in fit, possibly restrict wearers' mobility and movement and adversely affect their comfort (Huck 1988, 1991, Akbar-Khanzadeh et al 1995.…”

Effect of semipermeable membranes on skin barrier repair following tape stripping

“…The design of clothing geared for specific terrestrial climates and human activities must be tailored to the perception and sensory feedback of the user [29][30][31]. Vapor-permeable water-repellent fabrics, for example, alter the skin microenvironment and directly impact consumer perception.…”

Ergonomic comparison of a chem/bio prototype firefighter ensemble and a standard ensemble

“…Wearers can perceive differences between ensembles based on feelings of heat and skin wetness that determine their comfort level wearing the outfit (Barker et al 2000;Stull and Duffy 2000). Comfort and mobility are important issues related to user acceptance and safety and thus must be considered in the overall evaluation of an ensemble (Szczecinska and Lezak 2000).…”