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Document ID (ISN)103309
CIS number 04-436
ISSN - Serial title 1545-9624 - Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
Year 2004
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Selkirk G.A., McLellan T.M., Wong J.
Title Active versus passive cooling during work in warm environments while wearing firefighting protective clothing
Bibliographic information Aug. 2004, Vol.1, No.8, p.521-531. Illus. 42 ref.
Abstract This study examined whether active or passive cooling during intermittent work reduced the heat strain associated with wearing firefighting protective clothing (FPC) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in the heat (35°C, 50% relative humidity). Fifteen male Toronto firefighters participated in the study. Subjects walked at 4.5km/h with 0% elevation on an intermittent work (50min) and rest (30min) schedule. Work continued until rectal temperature reached 39.5°C or heart rate (HR) reached 95% of maximum or exhaustion. One of three cooling strategies, forearm submersion in water, mister, and passive cooling were employed during the rest phases. Findings suggest that there is a definite advantage when utilizing forearm submersion compared with other methods of active or passive cooling while wearing FPC and SCBA in the heat.
Descriptors (primary) fire fighting; regulation of body temperature; heat protective clothing; self-contained breathing apparatus; heat load
Descriptors (secondary) body-core temperature; male workers; pulse rate; cooling; Canada
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceCanada
Subject(s) Heating, ventilation and climate
Broad subject area(s) Physical hazards
Browse category(ies) Protective clothing
Heat and cold
Fires
Respiratory protection