ILO Home
Go to the home page
Site map | Contact us Français | Español

CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)45615
CIS number 86-492
ISSN - Serial title 0002-8894 - American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
Year 1985
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Smolander J., Louhevaara V., Korhonen O.
Title Physiological strain in work with gas protective clothing at low ambient temperature
Bibliographic information Dec. 1985, Vol.46, No.12, p.720-723. Illus. 15 ref.
Abstract Wearing an impermeable gas protective suit and a self contained breathing apparatus totalling 27 kg, 7 experienced firemen and one mechanic performed simulated repair and rescue tasks in a chemical plant. The operations took place outdoors at an ambient temperature of 2°C and a wind velocity of 0-4 m/s; total work time averaged 37 min. During tasks of search, handling vents and sawing and replacing bolts, the mean heart rates for each of the tasks were 146, 148 and 147 beats/min respectively. The mean rectal temperature increased 0.8°C over the whole work period. Weight loss due to sweat averaged 300g. In conclusion the marked physiological strain observed emphasized the need to evaluate periodically the physical fitness of workers who may have to use gas protective clothing.
Descriptors (primary) heat load; biological effects; gas protective clothing; pulse rate
Descriptors (secondary) physical fitness
Document type D - Periodical articles
Subject(s) Personal protection
Broad subject area(s)
Browse category(ies) Cardiovascular diseases
Heat and cold
Protective clothing