9 - Evaluation of protective clothing systems using manikins

Abstract

Compared to typical apparel, protective garments are made with specialized materials, innovative fastening systems, and unique designs. Protective clothing systems are often complex and require user training to don and doff them correctly. Therefore, life-size manikins are being used increasingly in standard test methods to evaluate the performance of protective clothing systems. Manikins have been used to measure the flame and heat protection provided by different types of protective clothing and the integrity of chemical suits to leaks. Manikins have also been used to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of personal cooling systems worn under protective garments. This chapter discusses the use of manikins to evaluate the heat transfer properties of protective clothing systems. Protective clothing systems are usually designed to protect the wearer from hazards in the environment. The development or selection of a particular type of protective clothing depends upon many factors, some of which may be affected by standards. Thermal manikins will continue to be used to measure the thermal resistance and evaporative resistance of clothing systems. They are a valuable tool in the development of protective clothing systems. They can be used to evaluate protective clothing under steady-state and transient conditions and predict the comfort of the wearer.