Despite advancements in the development of synthetic fibers and materials that provide better insulation, fire ground burn injuries remain a significant issue. The current test methods for fire fighting clothing were investigated to determine their adequacy in evaluating the actual performance of clothing materials. This investigation uncovered several potential problems with the current test methods. A series of new, small scale, tests were used to evaluate the shortcomings of the current test methods and develop possible improvements. A small test apparatus, designed and donated by Ktech Corporation, was used to measure the thermal properties (thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity) of a series of fire fighting clothing materials. The thermal properties were estimated for single fabric layers, as well as ensembles, with various levels of moisture added to simulate actual end use conditions. In addition, a skin simulant sensor was used to assess the time to 2nd degree burn for exposures similar to those required in current standards for fire fighting clothing. A one dimensional heat conduction model was developed to predict the time to 2nd degree burn for the skin simulant sensor protected with outer shell materials that may be used as wildland fire fighting clothing, using the thermal property data obtained from earlier tests. An alternative method was developed to calculate the time to 2nd degree burn for ensembles evaluated with the new skin simulant sensor. The predictions for the time to 2nd degree burn obtained from the new skin simulant sensor were compared against results obtained using the sensor specified in the current test methods. The predictions for the skin simulant sensor were consistently shorter than those from the current test sensor. The current test sensor predictions for the time to 2nd degree burn were nominally 40% to 50% higher than the predictions from the skin simulant sensor during the evaluations of outer shell materials.

Contexte : les deux-roues motorisés (2RM) sont en forte évolution et la vulnérabilité de leurs usagers est de plus en plus manifeste. En 2013, dans le monde, les usagers de 2RM ont compté pour 23 % de la mortalité routière, devant les piétons (22 %). Dans ce contexte, la sécurité des usagers de 2RM est devenue une préoccupation sérieuse dans la plupart des pays. Contrairement à beaucoup de problèmes de santé publique, les principaux facteurs de l'insécurité routière en 2RM sont connus. L'enjeu d'aujourd'hui est surtout de quantifier leur effet sur la survenue d'accidents et d'évaluer les effets des quelques dispositifs de protection disponibles. Les objectifs de cette thèse sont de mieux connaitre les problèmes d'interaction entre les conducteurs de 2RM et les automobilistes selon différentes situations accidentelles (en particulier en intersection), de quantifier les effets des facteurs à l'origine de la survenue des accidents issus de la perte de contrôle du 2RM, et de mesurer l'efficacité des dispositifs de protection portés par les usagers de 2RM (casque intégral, blouson de moto, pantalon de moto, gants, bottes ou chaussures montantes et protection dorsale). Données : la réalisation des objectifs de la thèse s'appuie sur les données du projet VOIESUR, les données du Registre des accidents de la circulation du Rhône et les données recueillies au moyen d'une enquête postale réalisée auprès de 7 148 usagers de 2RM accidentés entre 2010 et 2014 identifiés par le Registre du Rhône. Résultats : Le problème de détectabilité des motos au niveau des intersections est confirmé. Dans la même situation d'interaction entre deux véhicules en intersection, un automobiliste a plus de difficulté à détecter une moto qu'à détecter un véhicule léger. Les facteurs suivants sont associés à la survenue des accidents de type perte de contrôle : alcool, type de moto, jour de l'accident, sinuosité de la route, adhérence de la route et vitesse. Nous soulignons le fait qu'une mauvaise adhérence de la route augmente considérablement le risque de perte de contrôle, en particulier lorsque la dégradation de l'adhérence est inattendue pour les motocyclistes en raison de la présence de gravillons, de corps gras, de nids de poule, etc. sur la route. En cas d'accident, les vêtements dédiés à la moto protègent les usagers des blessures. Ils sont efficaces pour éviter les dermabrasions et les plaies cutanées, mais ne semblent pas protéger des blessures plus graves telles que fracture, luxation ou entorse, sauf pour les bottes ou chaussures montantes qui réduisent le risque de fracture de la cheville ou du pied. Concernant les plaques dorsales, aucune efficacité n'a été montrée. Les casques intégraux protègent mieux le visage de l'usager du 2RM comparés aux non-intégraux, alors qu'aucune différence de protection du crâne ou du cerveau n'est mise en évidence entre les deux types de casques. Conclusion : Nos résultats mettent en évidence le problème de détectabilité d'un 2RM par les automobilistes en intersection et l'importance de l'état de la chaussée dans les accidents associés à une perte de contrôle du 2RM par son conducteur. Il est fortement recommandé pour les automobilistes de bien faire attention aux véhicules prioritaires venant de la gauche ou d'en face avant de tourner à gauche, particulièrement aux 2RM venant d'en face. L'amélioration de l'état de la chaussée et une signalisation adaptée représentent aussi un enjeu fort pour la sécurité des usagers de 2RM. Nos résultats soutiennent la recommandation faite par les organismes de sécurité routière du port plus systématique des équipements vestimentaires chez les usagers de 2RM. Enfin, nos résultats encouragent l'utilisation d'un casque intégral chez les usagers de 2RM afin de mieux protéger le visage / Background: Motorized two-wheelers (MTW) are evolving rapidly and the vulnerability of their users is becoming more obvious. MTW users were the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 23 % of all road traffic fatalities worldwide in 2013, in front of pedestrians (22 %). In this context, the safety of MTW users has become a serious concern in most countries. In contrast to many public health problems, the main factors of MTW road safety have been identified. The issue today is to quantify their effects on the occurrence of accidents and to measure the effects of protective devices. The present thesis aims to better understand the interaction problems between MTW drivers and automobilists according to different accident configurations (in particular at intersection), to identify and assess the effect of critical factors on the risk of MTW loss-of-control crashes, and to measure the effectiveness of protective clothing (motorcycle jacket, trousers, gloves, knee-high or ankle boots, back protection) for MTW users. Data: This study used MTW accident data collected in a French project VOIESUR, injury data from the Rhône Registry, plus data collected by means of a postal survey which was conducted among 7148 MTW riders injured between 2010 and 2014 and identified in the Rhône Registry. Results: We confirmed the problem of motorcycle detection for other road users. In the similar conditions, the motorists have more difficulty to detect a motorcycle than a car oncoming, in particular at intersections. The following factors are associated with the occurrence of motorcycle loss-of-control accidents: alcohol use, motorcycle type, weekend vs. weekday, road alignment, road adhesion and traveling speed. We emphasize that poor road adhesion significantly increases the risk of losing control, especially when deteriorated road adhesion is encountered unexpectedly, due to the presence of loose gravel, ice, oil, potholes, etc. on the roadway. In case of accident, motorcycle clothing protects users from injury. It can protect riders against injuries such as dermabrasion and laceration, but not against more serious injuries, such as fracture and sprain, except for boots, which reduce foot-and-ankle fracture risk. No effect of dorsal protectors was shown. Full-face helmets provide significantly greater protection against facial injury than do other helmets. However, no significant difference of protection against skull or brain injury is found between the two types of helmets. Conclusion: Our results highlight the problem of MTW detection for motorists at intersections and the important role of road conditions in the occurrence of accidents resulting from loss of control of MTW. It is recommended for motorists to pay extra attention to priority vehicles oncoming from their left or the opposite direction, before turning left at an intersection, especially to MTW. Regular road maintenance and immediate installment of appropriate warning signs concerning road deterioration are also highly recommended in consideration of MTW safety. Finally, our results support road safety organizations’ recommendation that protective clothing be worn: this should be more systematic for MTW users, the same for the use of full-face helmets

Failure to maintain thermal equilibrium can cause uncontrollable increases in body core temperature beyond critical upper limits. In selecting clothing, consideration must be given to the heat transfer properties of clothing that may restrict the cooling capacity of the human body under heat stress conditions, most importantly, apparent total evaporative resistance (Re,T,a). This study calculated and compared Re,T,a for five clothing ensembles under varying heat stress conditions, including three relative humidity (RH) levels and three stages of heat stress to determine if Re,T,a values varied or remained the same with changes in heat stress conditions. A four-way mixed model analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences for estimated Re,T,a values among ensembles, RH levels, heat stress stages, and interactions among ensembles and RH levels and ensembles and heat stress stages (p < 0.0001). No significant interaction among RH levels and heat stress stages was found (p = 0.67). A Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference multiple comparison test was used to identify where significant differences occurred (p < 0.05). The results of the study indicated that Re,T,a values do change with RH levels and stages of heat stress and that the theoretical framework for explaining heat-exchange in hot environments is not yet well-established. Also confirmed was the dominance of the convection pathway over the diffusion pathway in hot environments.

Clothing directly affects the level of heat stress exposure. Useful measures to express the thermal characteristics are WBGT (wet bulb globe temperature) clothing adjustment factor (CAF) or apparent total evaporative resistance (Re,T,a). The CAF is assigned through laboratory wear trials following a heat stress protocol in which the air temperature and humidity are progressively increased until the participant clearly loses the ability to maintain thermal equilibrium. The critical condition is the point of thermal transition and from these conditions both the CAF and Re,T,a are computed. The first objective of this study is to compare the thermal characteristics of a coverall made from a prototype fabric to work clothes and a commercial limited-use coverall using CAF and Re,T,a. A second objective is to demonstrate that the Re,T,a of work clothes is the same for progressive or steady-state heat stress protocols. Five participants (4 men and 1 woman) walked on a treadmill at 1.25 m/s at an average metabolic rate of 175 W/m2. Each participant completed at least one progressive heat stress protocols in work clothes, Tyvek® 1422A coveralls [Tyvek® is a registered trademark of DuPont], and a developmental nonwoven polyolefin prototype ensemble provided by DuPont. In addition, four participants completed steady-state protocol in work clothes. Participants did not complete an acclimation period prior to the trials and each trail was separated by at least 40 hours. There are no within participant differences in metabolic rate among ensembles and protocols. There are no differences between the critical WBGT in the current participants and previously acclimatized participants from other studies suggesting that the participants responded as if they were acclimatized. Based on a mixed effects model, there are significant differences between work clothes and Tyvek® 1422A for Re,T,a (0.0103 and 0.0141 m2/W kPa, respectively) and critical WBGT. The CAF for Tyvek is 2.3 °C-WBGT. For the DuPont prototype ensemble, the apparent total evaporative resistance is 0.013 m2kPa/W and the CAF is 0.5 °C. The prototype ensemble shows no difference from work clothes or Tyvek® 1422A in critical WBGT and no difference from work clothes in Re,T,a. Overall, the prototype coveralls exhibited thermal characteristics that would have a lower level of heat stress than the Tyvek 1422A and not significantly different from work clothes. The values for Re,T,a for work clothes were not different between the steady state and progressive protocols. The steady-state protocol near the critical condition can be used for determination of Re,T,a. This opens up the possibility of estimating Re,T,a from studies that do not use the progressive protocol.

Social and economical development of human society, in this case on the example of Czech republic, logicaly leads to improvement and invention of new individual protection instruments. Maximum protection in proportion to the lowest mobility limitation is the purpose. Diploma thesis explains, firstly, the basic concepts to make clear, what the issue concerns and getting better understanding for people.. It also deals with clothing comfort for firefighters. Clothing comfort can be divided into four groups and as the complex of essential for proper performance and convenience of trespassing firefighter. It is a condition where the optimal physiological functions of the body and neither clothing nor the environment does not create discomfort. Next section of diploma thesis describes the personal protective equipment to protect life and health trespassing firefighter and thereby increase its work in various special occurrences. Each unit of firefighters should be equipped with personal protection equipments, and instructed on how their use it, maintenance and periodic inspection. Another section of the theoretical part is devoted to the means of individual protection, which also protects the body of firefighter and his respiratory system. There are the types of breathing apparatus and a description of the knowledge that a firefighter must have to use the breathing apparatus to be optimized in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and do not endanger the life of the user. Term minute ventilation is there also explained. Each person has a unique minute ventilation, which is very individual and depends on the work performed. Next point is the kinds of chemical protection suits, which are used during interventions, where the environment is contaminated with hazardous substances. The work of firefighters affects also negative effects. This issue is discussed in the next chapter, which describes the negative effects caused by the occurrence itself and the negative effects caused by climatic conditions at the location. The particular hierarchy of the fire brigade described in the next section, that deals with the General Directorate of Fire Rescue, the Fire Corps Rescue of country and fire protection units and their categories. The types of hazardous substances under the Chemicals Act and in accordance with the Order of chemical services are the last point of the theoretical part. The experiment is described and evaluated in practical part of diploma thesis which was attended by seven firefighters from the firefighter station Petřiny. Firefighters had to gradually undergo a prescribed route, they passed each time using a different suit. In order to avoid skewing the results, the firefighters between attempts to allow sufficient time for stale and soothe the body. They were obtained evaluation parameters in this way that were in the part of result processed and evaluated for total and average air consumption. The values, that were obtained, were subsequently processed into tables and graphs and the results were solved by using comparison and statistical methods. Conclusion of the work is devoted to the evaluation of the optimal protection of the firefighters, proposing measures for improvement and verification of the hypothesis that the performance of member of Prague rescue service is limited by individual protective means in extreme climatic conditions and load performance.

Department of Advanced Nursing Science / MCur / This study was carried out to assess the use of protective clothing among health care workers in selected hospitals of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Protective clothing is the corner stone of health care facilities and it remains the most cost effective measure which is currently available in public health intervention. Although personal protective clothing is one of the best lines of protection against hazardous exposures, many healthcare workers either shun this protective apparel or do not wear it in an appropriate manner at the appropriate time. The purpose of the study was to assess the use of protective clothing of health care workers in selected hospitals of the Vhembe District, in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The study followed a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional design. The population comprised of all health care workers in purposefully selected hospitals and the sample was 205 health care workers who were 21 years and older. A questionnaire was selfdesigned in English, translated into Tshi-Venda, Se-Sotho and Xi-Tsonga languages. Data was collected by the researcher in selected hospitals of Vhembe District. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 25) was used to analyse the collected data. Validity and reliability were ensured. Permission to conduct research was obtained from the University of Venda Higher Degree Committee, Department of Health in Limpopo Province for Ethical Clearance, and the institutions where the study was conducted. The use of protective clothing among health care workers was found to be relatively low (8, 3%) probably due to unavailability of protective clothing in the hospitals, allergic reactions and ignorance. Lack of knowledge regarding the use of protective clothing could also explain the low yield of the detected cases for not using protective clothing while on duty in this study. Based on the findings, the study conclusions and recommendations were that all health care workers should follow the stipulated policy on protective clothing and periodic awareness campaigns to be held to conscientise workers on the importance of wearing personal protective clothing. / NRF

Nuestra iniciativa de iniciar este proyecto se debe a la actual crisis de salud que atraviesan el Perú y el mundo. Por ello, hemos desarrollado un proyecto de investigación, con el fin de poder implementar y colocar en el mercado del sector textil perteneciente a la categoría de artículos de protección personal, una prenda denominada "mameluco" confeccionada con materiales que garanticen una buena protección y comodidad para los clientes, también queremos que este proyecto sea escalable y rentable en el tiempo. Mamelook está dirigido a hombres y mujeres entre 18 y 60 años que necesiten salir a buscar una actividad que se encuentren en un nivel socioeconómico A, B y C y vivan en Lima. Nuestra propuesta de valor es poder ofrecer la variedad de diseños en cuanto a colores y diseños creados por costureras independientes que trabajan desde casa con la oportunidad de que puedan ganar dinero en esta difícil situación que venimos atravesando. Adicionalmente, Asimismo, el canal de contacto directo con el cliente empleado para este proyecto son las redes sociales. Para iniciar el proyecto se requerirá invertir S / 75,463 (setenta y cinco mil cuatrocientos sesenta y tres soles), estos tendrán la estructura de capital con aporte de los accionistas y un préstamo de microfinanzas. El proyecto genera una Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) de 31.06% y un Valor Actual Neto de S / 44,977.39. Antes mencionado, se puede concluir que el proyecto es viable. / Our initiative to start this project is because of the current health crisis that Peru and the world are facing. For this reason, we have developed a research project, in order to be able to implement and place in the market of the textile sector belonging to the category of personal protection items, a garment called "mameluco" made with materials that guarantee good protection and comfort to the customers, also we want this project be scalable and profitable over time . Mamelook is aimed at men and women between the ages of 18 and 60 who need to go out and look for an activity those are in a socioeconomic level A, B and C and live in Lima. Our value proposal is to be able to offer the variety of designs in terms of colors and designs created by independent seamstresses who work from home with the opportunity that they can make money in this hard situation that we have been facing. In addition, the way of selling our product to the costumers for this project is the social. To start the project, it will be required to invest S / 75,463 (Seventy-five thousand four hundred and sixty-three soles), these will have the capital structure with contribution from the stockholders and a microfinance loan. The project generates an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 31.06% and a Net Present Value of S / 44,977.39. Above mentioned, it can be concluded that the project is viable. / Trabajo de investigación

The purpose of this study was to find out problems encountered by Foskor Mine workers in Phalaborwa with the use of personal protective equipment and also to find out how these problems can be prevented or solved. A quantitative research study was done using a questionnaire as a data gathering tool on workers who are exposed to occupational injuries and illnesses and who use personal protective equipment for their protection. The findings revealed that even though workers were using personal protective equipment they still got occupational injuries and illnesses. They also had problems with their protective equipment like incompatible types of personal protective equipment, such as weight where heavy personal protective equipment like boots were issued and very hot or cold personal protective equipment incompatible with the temperature of the environment. Some personal protective equipment like gloves were of a wrong size and caused allergy. In some instances unavailability of or unsuitable personal protective equipment posed challenges to these workers. / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)

Proefskrif ten opsigte van die voldoening aan die vereistes vir die graad: Doctor Technologiae: Omgewingsgesondheid in die Fakulteit Toegepaste Wetenskappe aan die Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013 / The economical impact of occupation-related diseases and injuries places an immense financial burden on the inhabitants of a country and its industry. There is little doubt that the human factor is the single most important contributing factor to critical work-related accidents. Safety measures in the field of occupational health and safety are normally implemented according to a specific hierarchy, whereby the use of personal protective equipment is seen as the last outcome to protect workers against accidents and disease. However, there is little doubt that the correct use of personal protective equipment can protect a worker against injury and even death. The purpose of this research was to address a limitation through the development of a risk model that is specifically aimed at the application of personal protective equipment in the field of occupational health and safety. This model informed the factors influencing the use of personal protective equipment, and is instrumental in the prevention of unsafe behaviour at work. This documented method of research analysed various risk models from previous research studies in order to develop a new model, the Factor Integration Model (FIM). This model consists of five components each with its own specific elements that are interrelated. Each element has a specific value that was determined by 20 local and international experts in the field of occupational health and safety. The 54 elements of the model were used to create an electronic Excel®-based questionnaire, namely the Electronic Risk Categorising Package (ERK). The ERK can be utilised to categorise the worker`s use of personal protective equipment into a low, low medium, high medium and high risk scale. The utilisation and efficiency of ERK were tested at six different industries by comparing the categorisation of ERK with that of the supervisors. In order to prevent research bias, neither the researcher nor the supervisors were familiar with each other’s categorisations. The results were compared and the ERK showed a correct categorisation of the use of personal protective equipment in 75% of the cases. It was further found that in the cases where the prediction was not 100% correct, the ERK noted the borderline cases and the human factor of wrong prediction by the supervisor had to be considered. The research concluded that the use of personal protective equipment is influenced by various factors and should not be seen in isolation. The role of both management of a company and human behavioural change should never be underestimated. The ERK is a useful aid to predict risk behaviour as well as the use of personal protective equipment in the occupational health and safety field.

The purpose of this study was to find out problems encountered by Foskor Mine workers in Phalaborwa with the use of personal protective equipment and also to find out how these problems can be prevented or solved. A quantitative research study was done using a questionnaire as a data gathering tool on workers who are exposed to occupational injuries and illnesses and who use personal protective equipment for their protection. The findings revealed that even though workers were using personal protective equipment they still got occupational injuries and illnesses. They also had problems with their protective equipment like incompatible types of personal protective equipment, such as weight where heavy personal protective equipment like boots were issued and very hot or cold personal protective equipment incompatible with the temperature of the environment. Some personal protective equipment like gloves were of a wrong size and caused allergy. In some instances unavailability of or unsuitable personal protective equipment posed challenges to these workers. / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)