| Document ID (ISN) | 69556 |
| CIS number |
97-1358 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0301-5548 - European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology |
| Year |
1995 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Louhevaara V., et al. |
| Title |
Maximal physical work performance with European standard based fire-protective clothing system and equipment in relation to individual characteristics |
| Bibliographic information |
1995, Vol.71, p.223-229. Illus. 21 ref. |
| Abstract |
The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of fire-protective clothing designed to fulfil European standard EN 469 used over standardized (Nordic) clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) on maximal physical work performance. Twelve healthy firemen aged 26-46 years were examined. The maximal tests without (control) and with the fire-protective clothing system and SCBA were carried out on a treadmill in a thermoneutral environment. When compared to the control test, the decrease in the maximal power output in terms of maximal working time and walking speed averaged 25%, varying from 18% to 34% with the fire-protective clothing system and the SCBA. At maximum, no significant differences were found in pulmonary ventilation, absolute oxygen consumption, the respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, the rate-pressure product, mechanical efficiency and the rating of perceived exertion between the tests with and without the tested equipment. The reduction in power output was related to the extra mass of the fire-protective clothing and the SCBA. In physically demanding fire fighting and rescue work all possible means to decrease the mass of both the protective clothing and SCBA need to be considered for maintaining sufficient power output. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
fire fighting; physical workload; fire resistant fabrics; personal protective equipment; respirators; work capacity |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
Finland; comment on standard; occupational physiology |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Germany; Finland |
| Subject(s) |
Fire and explosions
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Physiology, ergonomics
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Personal protection
Fires
Respiratory protection
|
