Towards a thermal characterization of a firefighter's protective cloth-ing

In the present work, an unsteady analysis is carried out for the thermal characterisation of a firefighter protective clothing. Coupled radiative and conduction heat transfers are considered inside the clothing with a focus on the thermal level on the first skin layer. The protective garment is modelled as a 1D solid medium, featuring three layers of tissues, separated by several air-gaps. A parametric analysis is performed in the aim to predict the effect of conductive and radiative tissue's properties fluctuation on the first skin's layer temperature. The thermal balance equations are written in a finite element (FE) formulation and solved using the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. Predictions were provided for the temperature and heat flux distributions in the fabric, skin, and air-gap as a function of time, as well as the time to receive skin burn injuries. The results obtained were compared with stationary 2-D calculations, and faced to unsteady simulations, based on the finite volume method. A 50% relative reduction in the absorptivity of the skin (in the case of wearing a fine knitted fabric) makes it possible to reduce the surface temperature of the skin to a tolerable value.

A critical review of female firefighter protective clothing and equipment workplace challenges

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenging barriers faced by female firefighters, which limit workplace entrance and performance. Design/methodology/approach Occupational barriers from both psychological and physiological viewpoints were explored based on previous literature and the reported experiences of female firefighters. Findings A comprehensive review of literature synthesizes previous studies pertaining to gender anthropometric differences, female firefighters’ experiences in the work environment and protective clothing issues. The physical capabilities of men and women in specific relation to performing firefighting activities are also examined. Issues of greatest concern are identified for personal protective clothing (PPC) and equipment, which have traditionally been designed for the male human form. This leads to a lack of protection, an increased risk of onsite injury, reduction in mobility and poorer comfort for female firefighters. Originality/value This review provides an original overview of the critical workplace challenges faced by female firefighters. The need for female-specific PPC and equipment is specifically addressed to retain the growing number of women entering the male-dominated firefighting profession.