Personal Protective Clothing Research Articles

Study on Sensing Properties of Electro-spun PEO/MWNT Non-woven Fabric

This paper presents a study on the sensing properties of a conductive polymer composite (CPC) that is processed by an electrospinning technique. The CPC is obtained by mixing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) with a poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix. Sensors made of this composite are characterised by measuring their electrical properties as a function of external stimuli. In particular, their responses to vapours of toluene, methanol and dioxan are investigated. As studied, the PEO/MWNT material shows high and stable sensitivity over three testing cycles for the selected vapours. An increase in electrical resistance is observed under the influence of chemical substances. This paper supports the concept that penetration of molecules of selected chemical substances leads to the partial disorder of contact between neighboured nanotubes located in the polymer matrix. The electro-spun non-woven fabric with a low amount of MWNT (3 wt.%) in the PEO matrix seems to be a good textile product for application as sensing membranes in personal protective clothing.

Challenges in Future Personal Protective Equipment – An Overview of Developments in User Needs

The challenges to military and first responder personnel have considerably changed over the last few decades. Complex environments which consist of multiple threats also impose larger demands to personal protective clothing and equipment. As military and first responder personnel not only need to be protected, but also to perform their work, the development of their clothing and equipment is challenging. This paper serves as an overview of the issues that currently exist in protective clothing and equipment for these groups, addresses the most important needs, and aims to signal trends in this area, to provide input for research and development.

Segurança no trabalho de preparo de calda no tanque de 2.000l do turbopulverizador com formulações líquidas de agrotóxicos registradas para a cultura de goiaba

Na atividade de preparo de caldas no tanque do turbopulverizador, há risco de intoxicação do trabalhador devido à exposição, à toxicidade e à concentração do ingrediente ativo tóxico na formulação. Objetivou-se quantificar as exposições dérmicas e respiratórias diárias às dez formulações líquidas de agrotóxicos registradas para a cultura da goiaba, na atividade de abastecimento de dez tanques de 2.000L do turbopulverizador, e a distribuição da exposição dérmica nas partes do corpo do trabalhador, avaliar a eficiência de dois conjuntos de vestimentas hidrorrepelentes, classificar as três condições de trabalho em seguras ou inseguras, e determinar as necessidades de controle das exposições e o número de preparos de caldas seguros. A exposição dérmica na atividade de preparo de caldas é de 13,35 mL de formulação/dia, e a respiratória, de 0, 000153 mL. Nesta atividade de preparo de caldas, as mãos do trabalhador são as partes do corpo mais expostas, com 70,6% da exposição dérmica. A eficiência do conjunto Agro Light, da empresa R&B, é de 92,8 % da exposição dérmica diária do preparador de caldas, e do Kit Tratorizado, da Azeredo, 94,2 %. As exposições dérmicas não controladas pelos conjuntos de proteção individual distribuem-se nas diversas partes do corpo do trabalhador. As atividades de preparo de caldas com as dez formulações líquidas de agrotóxicos registrados na cultura de goiaba são inseguras para o trabalhador. Com as vestimentas de proteção individual, apenas a atividade de preparo de caldas com o inseticida PROVADO (200 g de imidacloprido/L) é segura. Para as condições de trabalho inseguras, as necessidades de controle das exposições variam de 73,8 a 100% (sem proteção), de 26,9 a 99,7% (Agro Light) e de 9,4 a 99,6% (Kit tratorizado). O número de preparo de caldas seguro é de 0 tanques/dia sem proteção, de 0 a 5 ou 7 (Agro Light) ou a 7, 6 ou 9 (Kit Tratorizado).

Maintenance of influenza virus infectivity on the surfaces of personal protective equipment and clothing used in healthcare settings

ObjectivesThe maintenance of infectivity of influenza viruses on the surfaces of personal protective equipment and clothing is an important factor in terms of controlling viral cross-infection in the environment and preventing contact infection. The aim of this study was to determine if laboratory-grown influenza A (H1N1) virus maintained infectivity on the surfaces of personal protective equipment and clothing used in healthcare settings.MethodsInfluenza A virus (0.5 mL) was deposited on the surface of a rubber glove, an N95 particulate respirator, a surgical mask made of non-woven fabric, a gown made of Dupont Tyvek, a coated wooden desk, and stainless steel. Each sample was left for 1, 8, and 24 h, and hemagglutination (HA) and 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50)/mL were measured.ResultsThe HA titer of this influenza A virus did not decrease in any of the materials tested even after 24 h. The infectivity of influenza A virus measured by TCID50 was maintained for 8 h on the surface of all materials, with the exception of the rubber glove for which virus infectivity was maintained for 24 h.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the replacement/renewal of personal protective equipment and clothing by healthcare professionals in cases of exposure to secretions and droplets containing viruses spread by patients is an appropriate procedure to prevent cross-infection.

Efficacy of sets of personal protective clothing used in applications of pesticides in sugar cane and citrus crops and just washed in the laboratory

Efficacy of sets of personal protective clothing used in applications of pesticides in sugar cane and citrus crops and just washed in the laboratory

Influence of Hydration Volume and Ambient Temperature on Physiological Responses in Personal Protective Clothing

Influence of Hydration Volume and Ambient Temperature on Physiological Responses in Personal Protective Clothing

Resistance of protective gloves materials to puncture by medical needles

Abstract The accidental injury by medical needles, even when wearing personal protective clothing, is a growing concern for an increasing number of workers. Therefore, an effort has been undertaken to study the interaction of medical needles with materials relevant to protective gloves. A first phase of the project had investigated the influence of needle characteristics on the resistance to puncture by medical needles of selected materials relevant to protective gloves. A step-by-step analysis of the mechanism of puncture by medical needles was proposed. This second paper studies the effect of sample thickness and test conditions on the resistance to needle puncture of various types of materials relevant to protective gloves. For elastomers and fabric-reinforced elastomers, the influence of the sample thickness and needle penetration angle can be described using the principles of fracture mechanics; the non-linear relationship between puncture force and sample thickness is attributed to the elliptical shape of the fracture surface, and the effect of the needle penetration angle on puncture force is reduced to a master curve when expressed in terms of the effective sample penetration thickness. On the other hand, more textile-based materials behave as discrete media. The study of the effect of probe displacement rate and temperature seems to indicate that the needle puncture process in all studied materials is of viscoelastic nature. It was also observed that the time-temperature superposition principle applies to neoprene resistance to medical needles. These results set the basis for the design of a test method relative to the resistance of materials to medical needles. It also provides information for the development of protective gloves with improved resistance to needlesticks.

Recent Developments in Australian Aluminium Casthouse Personal Protective Clothing

Abstract With the recent release of the Victorian WorkSafe Authority Foundries Compliance Code [1] it is appropriate that Australian Aluminium cast houses, die casting shops and foundries review the status of their personal protective clothing/ equipment (PPE) and practices. Since the issuing of the Foundry Code of Practice [2] in 1986 and the issuing of the new Compliance Code in September 2008 there has been a significant change in the range of PPE utilised in cast houses. This change has been brought about as a result of the advancement in the design and development of the materials used, extensive industry experience and collaboration. The choice of appropriate PPE is also guided by the range and impact of injuries sustained in cast houses. This paper aims to highlight the number of PPE advancements and range of experiences gained between the writing of the Foundry Code of Practice and Foundry Compliance Code as well as to serve as a reference for future improvements for the protection of cast house personnel.

Ballistic vests for police officers: using clothing comfort theory to analyse personal protective clothing

Police officers' clothing needs were analysed related to ballistic vests and ballistic vest aspects that influenced wearer comfort were identified. Branson and Sweeney's Clothing Comfort Model served as a framework to assess eight attributes of the person, clothing and environment that were identified in a previous study as possible comfort factors for police officers. Ninety-one police officers in a southeastern city completed the survey to determine their ballistic vest comfort related to the eight selected attributes. Two attributes had significant correlations with comfort: fit and vest properties.

Organic−Inorganic Hybrids as Transparent Coatings for UV and X-ray Shielding

This work reports the synthesis of new polymer-titania hybrids, where the organic phase is constituted by polyesters such as poly(-caprolactone), poly(d,l-lactic acid), and poly(l-lactic acid). In these hybrids, very strong interaction between the organic and inorganic domains is obtained through transesterification of ester moieties by titanium atoms, which leads to organotitanium esters. The influence of the structure of the polyester on the mode of its interaction with titania is also investigated. Hybrids with a range of solid-state properties, which depend on the starting polymer characteristics and on the inorganic-phase content, are obtained. Hybrids are applied as coatings on a variety of substrates. They show intrinsic optical transparency and the ability to completely block UV radiation in the range UVB and UV-A2. In particular, when applied to different textiles, the hybrids impart radiopacity to the fabrics, opening new perspectives in the field of personal protective clothing and equipment.

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides: Blood Cholinesterase Activity in a Farming Community in Ghana

A survey was undertaken to establish the extent of pesticide exposure in a farming community. Cholinesterase (ChE) activity in whole blood was used as a marker for assessing exposure to pesticides. Complete data were gathered for 63 farmers at Akumadan (exposed) and 58 control subjects at Tono, both prominent vegetable-farming communities in Ghana, by means of a questionnaire and blood cholinesterase analyses (acetylcholine assay). Although whole-blood ChE was significantly lower in the exposed than the control participants, it was not significantly correlated with either confounders of age, sex, body weight, and height or high-risks practices. The high-risks practices revealed during the survey included lack of use of personal protective clothing, short reentry intervals, and wrong direction of spraying of pesticides by hand or knapsack sprayer. About 97% of exposed participants had experienced symptoms attributable to pesticide exposure. The frequent symptoms were reported as weakness and headache. There is the need to review safety precautions in the use and application of pesticides in Ghana.

Personal protective clothing and safety of firefighters near a high intensity fire front

The main objective of this work is the establishment of useful guide lines for secure fighting of high intensity fires, namely the determination of the influence of the personal protective clothing properties on safety during wildland firefighting operations. The physiological reaction of men exposed to these extreme conditions is obtained by numerical simulation of the heat and the mass transfer from an individual in the proximity of a fire line, as representative of a typical situation of a firefighter suppressing a high intensity fire. It is obvious that the impinging flux density depends on flame's dimensions and its properties as well as on the distance between the flame and those involved in fire suppression activities. The results obtained were calculated using a computer program based on a modified version of the Stolwijk thermoregulation model. Taking into account the time evolutions of skin, rectal and hypothalamus temperatures, a parametric study is presented about the importance of clothing properties, activity level and other external parameters in order to avoid the risk of significant undesired thermophysiological reactions within the firefighters. The results clearly show that, besides the improvement of personal protective clothing properties, the safety of firefighters is essentially related to good control of the exposure times to these high intensity radiation fluxes.

Protecting Poultry Workers from Exposure to Avian Influenza Viruses

Emerging zoonotic diseases are of increasing regional and global importance. Preventing occupational exposure to zoonotic diseases protects workers as well as their families, communities, and the public health. Workers can be protected from zoonotic diseases most effectively by preventing and controlling diseases in animals, reducing workplace exposures, and educating workers. Certain avian influenza viruses are potential zoonotic disease agents that may be transmitted from infected birds to humans. Poultry workers are at risk of becoming infected with these viruses if they are exposed to infected birds or virus-contaminated materials or environments. Critical components of worker protection include educating employers and training poultry workers about occupational exposure to avian influenza viruses. Other recommendations for protecting poultry workers include the use of good hygiene and work practices, personal protective clothing and equipment, vaccination for seasonal influenza viruses, antiviral medication, and medical surveillance. Current recommendations for protecting poultry workers from exposure to avian influenza viruses are summarized in this article.

Lung/skin connections in occupational lung disease

Exposure to occupational and environmental agents can cause a spectrum of lung diseases that are predominantly immune-mediated. Research and prevention have focused primarily on the respiratory tract. Recent studies, however, suggest that the skin may also be an important route of exposure and site of sensitization. This article highlights key findings, focusing on isocyanate asthma and chronic beryllium disease. Occupational lung diseases such as isocyanate asthma and chronic beryllium disease continue to occur despite reduced airborne exposures. Although challenging to quantify, recent studies have documented isocyanate and beryllium skin exposure, even with the use of personal protective clothing. Factors that impair skin barrier function, such as trauma, may promote sensitization to such agents. Animal studies demonstrate that skin exposure to isocyanates and protein allergens is highly effective at inducing sensitization, with subsequent inhalation challenge eliciting asthmatic responses. Limited clinical studies suggest a similar role for human skin exposure to certain sensitizing agents. Recent findings support a greater focus on the role of skin exposure in the development of certain occupational and environmental lung diseases. Although further research is needed, it is prudent to reduce both skin and inhalation exposures.

Optimizing the Performance of Phase-Change Materials in Personal Protective Clothing Systems

Phase-change materials (PCM) can be used to reduce thermal stress and improve thermal comfort for workers wearing protective clothing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PCM in protective clothing used in simulated work situations. We hypothesized that it would be possible to optimize cooling performance with a design that focuses on careful positioning of PCM, minimizing total insulation and facilitating moisture transport. Thermal stress and thermal comfort were estimated through measurement of body heat production, body temperatures, sweat production, relative humidity in clothing and subjective ratings of thermal comfort, thermal sensitivity and perception of wetness. Experiments were carried out using 2 types of PCM, the crystalline dehydrate of sodium sulphate and microcapsules in fabrics. The results of 1 field and 2 laboratory experimental series were conclusive in that reduced thermal stress and improved thermal comfort were related to the amount and distribution of PCM, reduced sweat production and adequate transport of moisture.

Attitudes and behaviours regarding use of crop protection products—A survey of more than 8500 smallholders in 26 countries

Current practices and attitudes and behaviour of small-scale farmers towards the use of crop protection products were determined using a questionnaire in 26 countries. The survey of at least 250 users per country of portable equipment, predominantly knapsack sprayers with various types of pesticide, aimed at revealing the extent of safe use knowledge attitudes and behaviour. This can then be used to target specific gaps by future training programmes particularly where problems existed. The vast majority of users were aware of the need for personal protection and the simple steps for avoiding exposure. The extent of wearing appropriate personal protective clothing did vary with some due to their attitude to the risk of poisoning and the lack of availability or cost of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Relatively few incidents arising from the use of pesticides were reported, and those that required hospital treatment were largely following the use of organophosphate insecticides. Overall, most small-scale users of pesticides had a working knowledge of the requirements for safe use and a high proportion of them were able to achieve this as indicated by the low numbers of incidents affecting their health. Key areas for further training include the provision of secure stores and improvements in disposal of used containers.

Effects of Hoods and Flame-Retardant Fabrics on WBGT Clothing Adjustment Factors

Personal protective clothing (PPC) may include hoods and flame-retardant (FR) fabrics that may affect heat transfer and, thus, the critical wet bulb globe temperature (WBGTcrit) to maintain thermal equilibrium. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in WBGT crit for hooded vs. nonhooded versions of particle barrier and vapor barrier coveralls as well as for coveralls made of two flame-retardant fabrics (INDURA cotton and Nomex). Acclimated men (n = 11) and women (n = 4) walked on a treadmill in a climatic chamber at 180 W/m 2 wearing four different ensembles: limited-use, particle barrier coveralls with and without a hood (Tyvek 1427), and limited-use vapor barrier coveralls with and without a hood (Tychem QC, polyethylene-coated Tyvek). Twelve of the participants wore one of two flame-retardant coveralls. All participants wore standard cotton clothing. Progressive exposure testing at 50% relative humidity (rh) was designed so that each subject established a physiological steady-state followed by a clear loss of thermal equilibrium. WBGT crit was the WBGT 5 min prior to a loss of thermal equilibrium. Hooded ensembles had a lower WBGT crit than the nonhooded ensembles. The difference suggested a clothing adjustment of 1°C for hoods. There were no significant differences among the FR ensembles and cotton work cloths, and the proposed clothing adjustment for FR coveralls clothing is 0°C.

Evaluation of Asbestos Exposures during Firewood-Harvesting Simulations in Libby, MT, USA—Preliminary Data

Research was conducted in order to assess potential exposure to asbestos while harvesting firewood from amphibole-contaminated trees near Libby, MT, USA. Three firewood-harvesting simulations took place in the summer and fall of 2006 in the Kootenai Forest inside the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricted zone surrounding the former W.R. Grace vermiculite mine. Another simulation was conducted near Missoula, MT, USA, which served as the control. The work practices following each simulation were consistent throughout each trial. Personal breathing zone (PBZ) asbestos concentrations were measured by phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Surface wipe samples of personal protective clothing were measured by TEM. The mean (n = 12) PBZ PCM sample time-weighted average (TWA) concentration was 0.29 fibers per milliliter, standard deviation (SD = 0.54). A substantial portion (more than five fibers per sample) of non-asbestos fibers (cellulose) was reported on all PBZ samples (excluding field blanks) when analyzed by TEM. The mean (n = 12) PBZ TEM sample TWA concentration for amphibole fibers <5-microm long was 0.15 fibers per milliliter (SD = 0.21) and the mean (n = 12) PBZ TEM concentration for amphibole fibers >5-microm long was 0.07 fibers per milliliter (SD = 0.08). Substantial amphibole fiber concentrations were revealed on Tyvek clothing wipe samples. The mean concentration (n = 12) was 29 826 fibers per square centimeter (SD = 37 555), with 91% (27 192 fibers per square centimeter) comprised fibers <5-microm long. There were no significant differences in PBZ and wipe sample concentrations among the tasks performed by four investigators. Each of these three simulations were consistent in demonstrating that amphibole fibers are released from tree reservoirs during firewood-harvesting activities in asbestos-contaminated areas and that the potential for exposure exists during such activities.

HEALTH HAZARDS AMONG FIRE FIGHTERS

Background: Fire fighting is a physically demanding hazardous occupation. Fires are fought in a dynamic, changing, uncontrolled environment exposing workers to potentially toxic agents. The hazards of firefighting are classified as chemical, biological, physical, psychological and ergonomical. Objective: The aim of the present study was: (1) To investigate some of the health hazards among fire fighters with special emphasis on cytogenetic study and ventilatory functions. (2) To monitor the biological, psychological, reproductive and musculo-skeletal hazards. Subjects andmethodology: This study was conducted in a fire fighting station in El Omrania ElSharkia in Giza. The study was accomplished during the month of March 2007. The studied group comprised 24 workers in the fire fighting station. They were adult men aged between 18-33 years (23.20 ± 4.09), working on the basis of 12 hours/day with no day off. None of the workers used any protective equipment during working hours. They worked according to the need for help, and not all the time, bearing in mind that the worker may be exposed to frequent shifts or may be not exposed for several days.A referent group of 20 males matched for age [that ranged from 21-35 yrs., (23.40 ±4.05) ] , sex, socio-economic status and smoking habit , selected from relatives of the Kasr El Eini hospital patients, were also enrolled in our study. The following investigations were performed after taking individual consent: (A) All workers were interviewedusing a special questionnaire including occupational history; and full clinical examination was performed. (B) Ventilatory function tests were evaluated using aportable spirometer connected to a portable computer using the soft ware ZAN program,measuring FVC (Forced vital capacity), SVC (Slow vital capacity), FEV1%(Forced expiratory volume in the 1st second), FEV1/FVC %, PEF (Peak expiratoryflow) and (Mid expiratory flow 25-75%) MEF 25-75%. (C) Serological tests: a-HBV: Using enzyme linked immuo-sorbent assay (ELISA) HBsAg using BIORADMonolisa HBsAg ultra , Lot 7C0029 Monoclonal kit. b-HCV: Anti HCV using 3rdgeneration enzyme linked immuno sorbent-assay (ELISA) Innotest HCV Abs, Lot 165678. (D) Cytogenetic study Results: showed a statistically significant difference between the exposed and the control groups as regards spirometric evaluation. Ourresults revealed also a statistically significant difference between the exposed and the control groups as regards the chromosomal study, bearing in mind that the difference was in structural form not the numerical form. There was also a statistically significant difference between both groups as regards the occurrence of accidents, but there was no statistically significant difference between both groups as regards the psychological or reproductive hazards. Our research showed a statistically significant difference between the exposed and the control groups as regards HBV and HCV infections.Our results showed that there was a statistically significant correlation between the duration of exposure to toxins and hazardous agents in fire fighting and ventilatory function parameters. Our work illustrated that there was a statistically significant correlation between duration of exposure to toxins and hazardous agents in fire fighting and the appearance of gap and unbalanced re-arrangement in the romosomalstudy, but there was no statistically significant correlation as regards the rest of thechromosomal study. We emonstrated also that there was no statistically significantcorrelation between the age of the workers and the chromosomal aberrations. Recommendations:From the present study we recommend pre-employment and eriodicmedical examinations that should be performed to exclude those susceptible to lung diseases. Personal protective clothes and respiratory protective equipment should be used by fire fighters. Health education programs of workers about hazards of exposure to harmful agents and proper measures for protection is essential and this includestraining programs to raise awareness among fire fighters. Vaccination program should be applied to cover all the fire fighters specially against (HBV) . Rapid prophylactic treatment to injured workers and reporting system is mandatory. Finally follow recommended shift work pattern.

Review of Chamber Design Requirements for Testing of Personal Protective Clothing Ensembles

This review focuses on the physical requirements for conducting ensemble testing and describes the salient issues that organizations involved in the design, test, or certification of personal protective equipment (PPE) and protective clothing ensembles need to consider for strategic planning. Several current and proposed PPE ensemble test practices and standards were identified. The man-in-simulant test (MIST) is the primary procedure used by the military to evaluate clothing ensembles for protection against chemical and biological warfare agents. MIST has been incorporated into the current editions of protective clothing and equipment standards promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). ASTM has recently developed a new test method (ASTM F 2588-06) for MIST evaluation of protective ensembles. Other relevant test methods include those described in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. The primary differences among the test methods were the choice of test challenge material (e.g., sulfur hexafluoride, methyl salicylate, sodium chloride particles, corn oil, fluorophore-impregnated silica) and the exercise protocol for the subject(s). Although ensemble test methods and standards provide detailed descriptions of the test procedures, none give specific requirements for chamber design. A literature survey identified 28 whole-body exposure chambers that have been or could potentially be used for testing protective clothing ensembles using human test subjects. Median chamber size, median floor space, and median volume per subject were calculated from 15 chambers (involving human test subjects), where size information is available. Based on the literature survey of existing chambers and the review of the current and proposed standards and test methods, chamber design requirements will be dictated by the test methods selected. Due to widely different test conditions for aerosol/particulate and vapor ensemble testing, it is unlikely that a single chamber could accommodate all types of ensemble testing. With increasing use of the MIST protocol by NFPA for CBRN certification of structural firefighting gear and protective ensembles for first responders, the need for MIST laboratory capability is clear. However, existing chambers can likely be adapted to accommodate MIST with some modifications.