Introdução: Os campos de tecido de algodão constituem uma das barreiras contra a invasão de micro-organismos nos sítios cirúrgicos dos pacientes e para proteção dos profissionais de saúde contra a exposição a fluidos orgânicos. Utiliza-se para cada procedimento, no mínimo, um pacote padrão composto por seis campos cirúrgicos duplos de algodão, um campo cirúrgico simples de algodão e um campo duplo de algodão para embalagem, que são reprocessáveis, denominado LAP cirúrgico. Objetivo: Mapear as etapas e atividades referentes ao processo de reprocessamento de campos de tecido de algodão duplos e simples integrantes dos pacotes de LAP cirúrgico e identificar o custo direto do reprocessamento de campos de tecido de algodão duplos e simples integrantes dos pacotes de LAP cirúrgico. Método: Pesquisa quantitativa, exploratória, descritiva, do tipo estudo de caso único, realizada no Hospital Santa Lucinda (HSL), Hospital de Ensino da Pontifícia Universidade de São Paulo. Calculou-se o custo direto multiplicando-se o tempo despendido por profissionais envolvidos no reprocessamento do pacote de LAP cirúrgico (Camareiras, Auxiliares e Técnicos de Enfermagem) pelo custo unitário da mão de obra direta (MOD), somando-se ao custo dos materiais. Para a realização dos cálculos utilizou-se a moeda brasileira (R$). Resultados: Foram mapeadas e validadas quatro etapas relativas ao reprocessamento de campos de tecido de algodão: processamento das roupas por lavanderia terceirizada, recepção das roupas no Serviço de Rouparia, montagem e esterilização dos pacotes de LAP cirúrgico e armazenamento dos pacotes de LAP cirúrgico no Centro de Material e Esterilização. O custo direto do reprocessamento, por pacote de LAP cirúrgico, correspondeu a R$ 23,09, sendo o custo com materiais o mais representativo (R$ 20,70 - 92,50%). Os custos, unitário e total, dos campos de tecido de algodão (duplo, duplo para embalagem e simples) impactaram predominantemente no custo total final dos materiais (R$ 19,02 -91,90%) utilizados. A partir do agrupamento das cirurgias/procedimentos relativos às 14 especialidades atendidas no HSL, considerando três meses típicos, estimou-se o consumo médio mensal de 1139 pacotes de LAP cirúrgico, totalizando R$ 33.226,51. Conclusão: O conhecimento do custo direto do reprocessamento do pacote de LAP cirúrgico poderá auxiliar nas tomadas de decisões em relação aos recursos envolvidos evitando desperdícios ao contribuir com elementos que propiciem o gerenciamento de custos / Introduction: Drapes made of cotton constitute one of the barriers against the invasion of microorganisms into the surgical sites of patients, while protecting health professionals against exposure to organic fluids. Per procedure, at least one standard package is needed, consisting of six double cotton surgical drapes, one simple cotton surgical drape and one double cotton drape for packaging, which may be reprocessed, named surgical LAP. Objective: Map the stages and activities regarding the process of reprocessing double and simple cotton drapes, composing the surgical LAP packages, and identify the direct cost for this reprocessing. Method: Quantitative, exploratory, descriptive, single-case study conducted at Hospital Santa Lucinda (HSL), a teaching hospital of the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. The direct cost was calculated by multiplying the time spent by professionals involved in the reprocessing of surgical LAP packages (cleaners, nursing technicians and nursing aides) by the unitary cost of the direct workforce (DWF), added to the cost of the materials. The Brazilian currency (R$) was used in the calculations. Results: Four stages regarding the reprocessing of cotton drapes were mapped and validated: processing of clothes by an outsourced laundry, entry of the clothes into the Clothing Service, putting together and sterilizing surgical LAP packages and storing surgical LAP packages in the Material and Sterilization Center. The reprocessing direct cost, per surgical LAP package, corresponded to R$ 23.09, with the cost for materials being the most significant(R$ 20.70 - 92.50%). The costs, both unitary and total, for the cotton drapes (double, double for packaging and simple) had a predominant impact on the final total cost for the used materials(R$ 19.02 - 91.90%). Based on the grouping of surgeries/procedures regarding the 14 specialties available in the HSL, considering three typical months, a mean monthly consumption of 1139 surgical LAP packages was estimated, totaling R$ 33,226.51. Conclusion: Learning the direct cost for reprocessing surgical LAP packages may assist in making decisions regarding the resources involved in this process, thus avoiding waste by contributing with elements that enable the management of costs.

This project developed, analyzed, and quantified the thermal environment for four fire scenarios created in a modified standard room. Eight propane burners were placed in four different configurations while temperature and flux measurements were collected. Fire environments were intended to simulate flashover, indirect flame exposure, and wildland fires. The results will be used for the selection of a fire environment for a full-scale garment flammability test for the Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility.

Orientador: Abílio Garcia dos Santos Filho / Banca: Manoel Lima de Menezes / Banca: Marizilda dos Santos Menezes / Resumo: Esta pesquisa trata da relação corpo-vestuário de proteção - ambiente, com o objetivo de evidenciar as principais demandas ergonômicas do vestuário de proteção para a aplicação de agrotóxicos com foco no conforto sensorial-tátil e conforto térmico. Para isto, realizou-se um levantamento bibliográfico sobre a Ergonomia, Vestuário e Conforto Sensorial-Tátil, Conforto térmico e Avaliação do Conforto Térmico e sobre os Materiais Têxteis abordando e comparando as propriedades das fibras, fios e tecidos para selecionar o mais indicado para compor o vestuário de proteção melhorando o desempenho dos produtos em relação ao conforto, segurança, proteção, facilidade de uso e manutenção. Na pesquisa, exploratória e descritiva, realizou-se a Avaliação do Conforto Térmico com base nas aferições das variáveis climáticas do ambiente selecionando, uma plantação de laranja, e nas variáveis individuais dos participantes, 04 (quatro) aplicadores de agrotóxico, para isto contou-se com o auxílio de um software específico e das respostas dos usuários para calcular o PMV, o PPD e as sensações térmicas subjetivas. Também foi realizada uma entrevista, com base no protocolo desenvolvido pela autora, que busca compreender a Relação Usuário x EPI, Relação do Usuários x Vestuário de Proteção e Relação Usuário x Camiseta Funcinoal em 100% poliamida. Os resultados salientaram a influência do vestuário no conforto térmico, sensorial-tátil e mobilidade dos usuários. Observou-se que a camiseta em 100% poliamida é adequada e eficiente para ser utilizada como vestuário interior melhorando o desempenho do vestuário de proteção e indicada para compor vestuários de alto desempenho / Abstract: This research deals with the relationship between the body - perspective clothing - environment, aiming to hhighlight the main demands of ergonomic protective clothing for pesticide application with a focus on sensory-tactile comfort and thermal comfort. For this, was performed a bibliographical survey on Ergonomics, Clothing and Comfort, Sensory Tactile Comfort and Thermal Comfort Evaluation and focusing on the Textille Materials and comparing the properties of filbers, yarns and fabrics to select the most suitable to form the protective clothing to improve the performance of products in relation to comfort, safety, security, ease of use and maintenance. In the reserach, exploratory and descriptive, held on the Termal Comfort Evaluation based on measurements of climatic variables of the environment selected, an orange plantation, and the individual variables of the participants, 04 (four) pesticide applications, for it told with the aid of specific software and users' responses to calculate the PMV, PPD and subjective thermal sensations. Also an interview was conducted, based on protocol develop by the author, who seeks to understand the User x PPE, User x Protective Apparel and User x T--shirt Functional composed by 100% polyamide. The results highlighted the influence of clothing on thermal comfort, sensory-tactile and user mobility. It was observed that the t-shirt composed by 100% polyamide is efficient and suitable for use as underwear improving the performance of protective apparel and shown to form high-performance garments / Mestre

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 / The purpose of this study was to establish whether PPE were used effectively, and to determine the knowledge about, attitude towards and practices of PPE by SLM employees. A quantitative research study was conducted using a questionnaire to gather data from employees who were working in a production area and who were exposed to possible occupational injuries and diseases. Two hundred and six employees responded to the questionnaire. The findings revealed that employees demonstrated inadequate knowledge about PPE and compliance while using PPE was not satisfactory. Conclusion There was an inappropriate response to the majority of the questions which indicated that the respondents had little understanding of PPE. They also demonstrated a negative attitude, and non-use of PPE. Key words: knowledge, attitude, practice, personal protective equipment

No description available.

Firefighters’ coats and pants, referred to as firefighters’ protective clothing in this research, are made of similar fabrics and often include three layers: an outer shell, a moisture barrier, and a thermal liner. Minimum requirements of firefighters’ protective clothing performance have been clearly established by various national and international standards for new clothing to ensure the reasonable safety of firefighters. However, there are no clear guidelines on the requirements for continuing performance of firefighters’ protective clothing. In general, the protection offered by firefighters’ protective clothing is expected to deteriorate over time, but it is still uncertain how destructive different exposures are and how long a piece of firefighters’ protective clothing can continue to protect a firefighter to an acceptable level. Non-destructive techniques are preferable in order to investigate how the performance of protective clothing may change with time since this allows firefighters’ protective clothing to return to service after a test. These non-destructive methods, which could be used to monitor the level of deterioration in firefighters’ protective clothing performance and to make decisions on retirement of individual pieces of protective clothing, would be extremely useful for fire departments in Canada and other countries. Thermal exposure is an important factor in ageing of firefighters’ protective clothing during firefighting operations. Outer shell and moisture barrier specimens made of common fabrics used in construction of firefighters’ protective clothing, and of different colours, were exposed to different levels of thermal exposure simulated using a cone calorimeter in single and multiple stages. Tensile strength of outer shell specimens, and tear strength, water vapour transmission rate, and water penetration pressure of moisture barrier specimens, which are critical aspects of performance of firefighters’ protective clothing, were measured. In order to explain the changes in performance after thermal exposure, the temperature profile of specimens during each thermal exposure was recorded. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis for each specimen material was carried out and images of the surface of specimens were obtained using scanning electron microscope. The test results demonstrated that tensile strength of outer shell specimens deteriorated faster than other aspects of performance. Two non-destructive techniques, colour measurement and near infrared spectroscopy, were implemented to correlate tensile strength of outer shell specimens with discoloration and reflectance spectrum. Two types of correlation between tensile strength and colour change were identified among the tested fabrics, depending on the initial fabric colour, which could be a basis to develop numerical models to predict tensile strength of outer shell specimens. Linear predictive equations were developed using a numerical code based on regression analysis, which correlated tensile strength with reflectance of outer shell specimens within the wavelength region of 1500-2500 nm. A three-variable model predicted tensile strength of thermally aged test specimens, the tensile strength of which were 600 N and higher, with a relative error of up to 10%. For test specimens with tensile strength of about 300 N, the relative error was 55%. The difference in error percentage was related to a gap in training data points for the model within the tensile strength range of 300 - 600 N.

There is an increase in HIV/AIDS and other blood borne diseases. Health care workers are often exposed to blood and body fluids and thus prone to blood borne infections. Preventative measures can be taken to prevent health workers from contracting these diseases. However, health care workers need to stringently apply these measures. Universal precautions against blood borne infections include diligent hygiene practices, such as hand washing and drying, appropriate handling and disposal of sharp objects, prevention of needle stick or sharp injuries, appropriate handling of patient care equipment and soiled linen, environmental cleaning and spills management, appropriate handling of waste as well as protective clothing such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks and protective eyewear. This study is aimed at investigating compliance with universal precautions in operating theatres in Northern KwaZulu–Natal as well as perceptions of registered nurses working in these operating theatres regarding factors influencing compliance in order to contribute to measures to limit the risk of infection to patients and health care workers. A sequential explanatory design, mixed–method (quantitative and qualitative) was used to explore the use of universal precautions in operating theatres in the Northern Kwa–Zulu Natal. In the first phase, the sample consisted of practices in operating theatres of six hospitals and one regional hospital in area 3 of Kwa–Zulu Natal. The adapted structured checklist based on an established document developed by the MASA Committee for Science and Education (1995) was pilot tested. The collected data was statistically analysed and interpreted with the help of a statistician using SPSS. The results of Phase 1 were used as a base for the Phase 2 questions. Three focus group interviews were conducted with professional nurses who were observed during Phase 1 at the selected hospitals. Findings from quantitative data show that although health care workers take precautions to prevent infections, they do not attain full compliance to universal precautions. The qualitative data indicated that the reasons for non–compliance amongst others were the lack of knowledge of universal precautions, communication factors, resources, including maintenance of equipment, lack of supplies and shortage of human resources and attitudes of health care workers. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

There is an increase in HIV/AIDS and other blood borne diseases. Health care workers are often exposed to blood and body fluids and thus prone to blood borne infections. Preventative measures can be taken to prevent health workers from contracting these diseases. However, health care workers need to stringently apply these measures. Universal precautions against blood borne infections include diligent hygiene practices, such as hand washing and drying, appropriate handling and disposal of sharp objects, prevention of needle stick or sharp injuries, appropriate handling of patient care equipment and soiled linen, environmental cleaning and spills management, appropriate handling of waste as well as protective clothing such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks and protective eyewear. This study is aimed at investigating compliance with universal precautions in operating theatres in Northern KwaZulu–Natal as well as perceptions of registered nurses working in these operating theatres regarding factors influencing compliance in order to contribute to measures to limit the risk of infection to patients and health care workers. A sequential explanatory design, mixed–method (quantitative and qualitative) was used to explore the use of universal precautions in operating theatres in the Northern Kwa–Zulu Natal. In the first phase, the sample consisted of practices in operating theatres of six hospitals and one regional hospital in area 3 of Kwa–Zulu Natal. The adapted structured checklist based on an established document developed by the MASA Committee for Science and Education (1995) was pilot tested. The collected data was statistically analysed and interpreted with the help of a statistician using SPSS. The results of Phase 1 were used as a base for the Phase 2 questions. Three focus group interviews were conducted with professional nurses who were observed during Phase 1 at the selected hospitals. Findings from quantitative data show that although health care workers take precautions to prevent infections, they do not attain full compliance to universal precautions. The qualitative data indicated that the reasons for non–compliance amongst others were the lack of knowledge of universal precautions, communication factors, resources, including maintenance of equipment, lack of supplies and shortage of human resources and attitudes of health care workers. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

There are many situations where workers are required to wear personal protective clothing (PPC), to protect against a primary hazard, such as heat or chemicals. But the PPC can also create ergonomic problems and there are important side effects which typically increase with rising protection requirements. The most extensively studied side effect is that of increased heat strain due to reduced heat and vapour transfer from the skin. Less studied is the extra weight, bulk and stiffness of PPC garments which is likely to increase the energy requirements of the worker, reduce the range of movement and lead to impaired performance. Current heat and cold stress standards assume workers are wearing light, vapour permeable clothing. By failing to consider the metabolic effects of actual PPC garments, the standards will underestimate heat production and therefore current standards cannot be accurately applied to workers wearing PPC. Information on the effect of the clothing on the wearer and the interactions between PPC, wearer and environment is limited. Data was collected to quantify the effect of PPC on metabolic load based on the properties of the PPC for the EU THERMPROTECT project (GERD-CT-2002-00846). The main objective of the project was to provide data to allow heat and cold stress assessment standards to be updated so that they need no longer exclude specialised protective clothing. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the effect of PPC and its properties on energy consumption during work. For this purpose, the effects of a range of PPC garments (Chapter 3), weight (Chapter 4), number of layers and material friction (Chapter 5) and wet layers (Chapter 6) on energy consumption whilst walking, stepping and completing an obstacle course were studied. The impact of PPC on range of movement in the lower limbs was also investigated (Chapter 7). The main findings were; a) Increased metabolic cost of 2.4 - 20.9% when walking, stepping and completing an obstacle course in PPC compared to a control condition. b) An average metabolic rate increase of 2.7% per kg increase in clothing weight, with greater increases with clothing that is heavier on the limbs and in work requiring greater ranges of movement. c) 4.5 to 7.9% increase in metabolic cost of walking and completing an obstacle course wearing 4 layers compared to a single layer control condition of the same weight. d) Changes in range of movement in PPC due to individual behavioural adaptations. e) Garment torso bulk is the strongest correlate of an increased metabolic rate when working in PPC (r=0.828, p<0.001). f) Garment leg bulk (r=0.615), lower sleeve weight (r=0.655) and weight of the garment around the crotch (r=0.638) are also all positively correlated with an increased metabolic rate. Total clothing weight and clothing insulation had r values of 0.5 and 0.35 respectively. This thesis has confirmed the major effect of clothing on metabolic rate, and the importance of including this effect in standards and models.

Thesis (M.A.-Res.)--University of Wollongong, 2008. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references: leaf 137-145.