EFFECTS OF MATERIAL COMBINATIONS ON HEAT LOSS OF FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT CLOTHING EVALUATED BY AN ADVANCED SWEATING MANIKIN

摘要

The material used in firefighter clothing is the result of a compromise between protection and comfort. The heat exchange between the fire fighter and the environment is a crucial parameter that should be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of fire protective clothing. This study evaluated the thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of different material combinations used in firefighter turnout gear with a new generation sweating manikin. The moisture barrier and thermal liner were varied to measure their effects on heat loss. The opening at the wrist, neck, waist and leg were also sealed to compare heat and moisture transport properties with unsealed opening. This study shows the relative importance of the moisture vapor permeability of the moisture barrier on heat loss in firefighter clothing.