Sizing Firefighters

Abstract

Objective This article reports new anthropometric information of U.S. firefighters for fire apparatus design applications (Study 1) and presents a data method to assist in firefighter anthropometric data usage for research-to-practice propositions (Study 2). Background Up-to-date anthropometric information of the U.S. firefighter population is needed for updating ergonomic and safety specifications for fire apparatus. Method A stratified sampling plan of three-age by three-race/ethnicity combinations was used to collect anthropometric data of 863 male and 88 female firefighters across the U.S. regions; 71 anthropometric dimensions were measured (Study 1). Differences among original, weighted, and normality transformed data from Study 1 were compared to allowable observer errors (Study 2). Results On average, male firefighters were 9.8 kg heavier and female firefighters were 29 mm taller than their counterparts in the general U.S. population. They also have larger upper-body builds than those of the general U.S. population. The data in weighted, unweighted, and normality transformed modes were compatible among each other with a few exceptions. Conclusion The data obtained in this study provide the first available U.S. national firefighter anthropometric information for fire apparatus designs. The data represent the demographic characteristics of the current firefighter population and, except for a few dimensions, can be directly employed into fire apparatus design applications without major weighting or nonnormality concerns. Application The up-to-date firefighter anthropometric data and data method will benefit the design of future fire apparatus and protective equipment, such as seats, body restraints, cabs, gloves, and bunker gear.

Assessment of Firefighters’ needs for personal protective equipment

“…Considering that the equipment is a critical component of firefighters' protection for their extremities and their head, as well as an essential interface between their body and their job environment, it is imperative to understand user experiences and needs for further design improvements. Moreover, a recent survey of 951 firefighters conducted by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported firefighters' perceived impact of protective equipment on their work efficiency and comfort (Hsiao et al 2014). Based on the research gap and the actual need for improvement, this study assessed firefighters' perception of their needs for protective equipment (gloves, boots, SCBA and helmet) through a survey and focus group interview (FGI).…”

Seat and seatbelt accommodation in fire apparatus: Anthropometric aspects

“…Similarly, the 95th percentile male firefighter weighs 120 kg with a waist circumference of 1165 mm. By contrast, according to MIL-STD-1472 and FMVSS, the 95th percentile male weighs 97.5 kg with a waist circumference of 1080 mm (Hsiao et al, 2014). Now that the NIOSH national firefighter anthropometry study has been completed, there are sufficient data to systematically evaluate the current design specifications of seats and seatbelts.…”

“…Firefighters wear equipment and clothing that weigh, on the average, 11.9 kg for men and 10.5 kg for women (Hsiao et al, 2014). The seats and seatbelt systems designed for general purpose would not accommodate firefighters well.…”

The ability of UK offshore workers of different body size and shape to egress through a restricted window space

“…In addition to the underlying trends for size to increase, certain professions are associated with larger individuals, such as truck drivers (Guan & Hsaio, 2012) and firefighters (Hsaio et al, 2014). Whether or not such enlarged dimensions arise via preferential recruitment of larger candidates, or result from wider cultural aspects of the role, these will add to any size burden imposed by the secular trend, and may present specific challenges for ergonomic applications such as accessibility, signage or comfort.…”