An Analysis on the Moisture and Thermal Protective Performance of Firefighter Clothing Based on Different Layer Combinations and Effect of Washing on Heat Protection and Vapour Transfer Performance

Ozgur Atalay,Senem Kursun Bahadir,Fatma Kalaoglu

doi:10.1155/2015/540394

Ozgur Atalay, Senem Kursun Bahadir + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/540394

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Abstract

Fabric assemblies for firefighting clothing have been tested for heat protection and comfort. The constituent materials and fabric structures have been specifically selected and tailored for firefighters’ clothing. In order to do this, four types of outer shell fabrics, four types of moisture barrier fabrics, and four types of heat barriers with different weights and material compositions were used to make a multilayered fabric assembly. Heat transfer (flame), heat transfer (radiant), and water vapour resistance tests were conducted according to the latest EN469 test standard which also recommends washing tests. These tests reveal that material content and material brand have considerable effect on the required performance levels of heat protection. In addition, while washing tests have improved water vapor transfer properties, they have a deteriorating effect on heat protection performance. Considering heat protection and moisture comfort properties, the optimal assemblies are thereby identified.

Highlights

Body temperature is one of the four vital signs that are standard in medical settings along with heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate
The effects of different material combinations on heat and moisture performance of the firefighter clothing were investigated using heat transfer, heat transfer, and water vapor resistance tests according to the EN469 test standard
While washing test has detrimental effect on heat protection performance, it improved water vapor transmission of the samples that is beneficial for the comfort of the wearers

Summary

Introduction

Body temperature is one of the four vital signs that are standard in medical settings along with heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Thermal stress generally occurs due to a failure of the thermoregulatory system to keep body core temperature within its boundaries [2]. Heat capacity and moisture absorption have effect on heat stress. The parameters affecting this rate are thermal resistance (Rct) and moisture vapour resistance (Re) [4]. At this stage, if the situation is not treated quickly, it may lead to a deadly form of heat illness called heat stroke which might occur when the core body temperature exceeds 40∘C [5, 6]

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