INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of environmental conditions on changes inthe mechanical properties of personal protective equipment (PPE). The paper includes a review ofthe literature on the subject as well as results of own research. The focus was on ageing, abrasionand service conditions. In addition, the effect of direct exposure of the equipment to harmful andhazardous factors specific to the operating environment was considered. The following personalprotective equipment (and/or materials used in their manufacture) was reviewed: special clothing,firefighter boots and firefighter helmet. Ageing processes, abrasion and operating conditionsdegrade the mechanical properties of PPE. The rate of degradation varies depending on thematerial used. Direct exposure to a humid environment degrades the properties of materials usedin the manufacture of firefighter helmets. The strength of the materials used in the manufactureof head protection and firefighter’s boots decreases when exposed to elevated temperatures. Incontrast, the shock absorption capacity of whole helmets when exposed to elevated and hightemperatures with low impact energy becomes improved. The puncture resistance of firefighterboots under reduced temperature exposure was found to be higher.