The thermoneutral zone when wearing aircrew protective clothing

摘要

The aim of this study was to determine the thermoneutral zone (TNZ) in subjects wearing aircrew protective clothing. TNZ were first defined in naked subjects to a temperature range of 28-31 degreesC. Wearing aircrew protective clothing caused a displacement of the TNZ to 10-14 degreesC ambient temperature (T-a) Discomfort increased at ambient temperatures above this range, as a result of increases in metabolic rate, mean skin temperature (MST) and sweating. The practical implication of this study is that cockpit temperature in Sea King helicopters should be regulated to lie between 10 C and 14 degreesC (T-a) in order to prevent heat stress in pilots when wearing aircrew protective clothing.