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Kesler RM, Deaton AS, Ormond RB, Silverstein S, Donlin KL, Horn GP. Impact of firefighter hood design on range of motion, noise production and hearing. ERGONOMICS 2024; 67:1247-1256. [PMID: 38050378 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2290987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Firefighter hoods must provide protection from elevated temperatures and products of combustion while simultaneously being comfortable and limiting interference with firefighting movement or completion of fireground activities. This study was to quantify the impact of hood design (traditional knit hood vs. several models of particulate-blocking hoods) on wearability measures such as range of motion, noise production and hearing threshold. Firefighters' perceptions of wearability were also collected. In a controlled laboratory environment, 24 firefighters performed movement and hearing tests. Wearing particulate-blocking hoods resulted in decreased rotational range of motion, and thicker hoods reduced hearing ability. Design, but not necessarily the number of layers, affected noise production by the hood during head movement.Practitioner summary: Particulate-blocking hoods resulted in reduced rotational range of motion relative to the traditional design and the no-hood condition. Hoods with additional layers resulted in decreased hearing ability. Noise production was increased in designs of particulate-blocking hoods with a membrane-based blocking layer independent of the number of layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Kesler
- UL Research Institutes, Fire Safety Research Institute, Columbia, MD, USA
- University of Illinois, Fire Service Institute, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | - Robert Bryan Ormond
- North Carolina State University, Wilson College of Textiles, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Kathryn L Donlin
- University of Illinois, Fire Service Institute, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Gavin P Horn
- UL Research Institutes, Fire Safety Research Institute, Columbia, MD, USA
- University of Illinois, Fire Service Institute, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
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Wang S, Feng C, Chen X, Shan M, Niu W. A biomechanical evaluation of firefighters' musculoskeletal loads when carrying self-contained breathing apparatus in walking and running. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2023; 87:1-14. [PMID: 38081685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Musculoskeletal loading data are needed to design ergonomic intervention for firefighters. This study aimed to quantify the firefighters' musculoskeletal loads during self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) carriage and evaluate the effectiveness of shoulder strap length variation for the prevention of SCBA-related injuries. METHOD Twelve firefighters (height: 174.6 ± 2.4 cm, mass: 67 ± 3.5 kg, BMI = 22 ± 1 kg/m2) participated the walking and running protocols with no SCBA equipped and three varying-strapped SCBAs conditions. Joint range of motion and surface electromyography (sEMG) were synchronously measured. Subsequently, joint kinematics was inputted for subject-specific musculoskeletal modeling to estimate muscle forces and joint reaction forces, while the sEMG was used to validate the model. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for the main effects (p < 0.05). Independent samples t-test was performed to determine differences between walking and running. RESULTS Walking with SCBA increased the rectus femoris force and hip reaction force by 34.92% [F = 53.629; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.317] and 34.71% [F = 53.653; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.517], the growth rate was 54.2% [F = 76.487; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.418] and 51.19% [F = 69.201; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.652] during running, respectively. Running with SCBA significantly increased the knee reaction force by 63.04% [F = 83.960; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.797], while only 18.49% increase during walking. Adjusting SCBA shoulder strap length significantly altered the rectus abdominis force and L4/L5 reaction force during walking and running. CONCLUSIONS Results revealed that rectus femoris activity, hip and knee exertion was sensitive to SCBA carriage. The variation of shoulder strap length has potential to influence the risk of low back pain (LBP). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The findings suggest that fire services promote targeting physical training at firefighters' hip and knee regions. Test firefighters in this study were not advisable to adjust their shoulder strap at loose-fitting condition. The compatibility design of the trunk morphology and SCBA back-mounted frame was suggested for the management of LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shitan Wang
- Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China; Laboratory of Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chenglong Feng
- Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China; Laboratory of Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xinpeng Chen
- Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China
| | - Mianjia Shan
- Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China; Laboratory of Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wenxin Niu
- Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201619, China; Laboratory of Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Muenks D, Kyosev Y, Kunzelmann F. Potential and challenges of high-speed (4D) body scanning for mobility analysis of firefighter clothing: a methodical case study. EXCLI JOURNAL 2023; 22:1092-1103. [PMID: 38054203 PMCID: PMC10694343 DOI: 10.17179/excli2023-6101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, protective clothing for firefighters is analyzed using 4D body scanning and 3D hand scanning, with a focus on the experimental analysis of ergonomic comfort. In particular, German firefighting clothing is examined to discuss the possibilities and limitations of current scanning technologies for capturing firefighting clothing. For this purpose, various movements are recorded in the 4D scanner. In addition, a method for determining position changes of protective clothing at identified limits is presented. The initial results illustrated that the analysis of protective clothing for firefighters using 4D scanning is problematic due to specific materials, reflections, and surface properties. Improvements in the scanning process and optimization of algorithms are required to achieve more detailed and precise results. Concerning the ergonomic comfort related to the mobility under firefighting clothing use conditions, this methodical case study highlights the limits of current approaches, with a focus on the limitations of 4D scanning and potential improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Muenks
- Chair of Development and Assembly of Textile Products, ITM, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Yordan Kyosev
- Chair of Development and Assembly of Textile Products, ITM, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Kunzelmann
- Chair of Development and Assembly of Textile Products, ITM, TU Dresden, Germany
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Wolffe TAM, Clinton A, Robinson A, Turrell L, Stec AA. Contamination of UK firefighters personal protective equipment and workplaces. Sci Rep 2023; 13:65. [PMID: 36627304 PMCID: PMC9832125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Firefighters' personal protective equipment (PPE) is a potential source of chronic exposure to toxic contaminants commonly released from fires. These contaminants have also been found in fire stations. However, little research characterises the routes via which fire contaminants travel back to fire stations. The UK Firefighter Contamination Survey provides information on firefighters' PPE provision, decontamination, and storage practices. All serving UK firefighters were eligible to take part in the survey, which comprised 64 questions. A total of 10,649 responses were included for analysis, accounting for roughly 24% of the UK's firefighting workforce. Results revealed that most firefighters (84%) de-robe contaminated PPE/workwear after re-entering the appliance cab. There was a significant decreasing tendency to send PPE for cleaning after every incident with increasing seniority of role, length of service, and fire attendance frequency. Around one third of firefighters cleaned PPE after every incident. A number of issues were linked to external professional cleaning services, e.g. shrinkage, fit, turn-around time, and stock of reserve/pooled PPE. PPE storage was found to be a potential source of cross contamination, with almost half of firefighters (45%) indicating clean and dirty PPE is not stored separately. More than half of firefighters (57%) stored fire gloves (an item sent for professional decontamination by only 19% of firefighters, and never cleaned by 20%) within other items of PPE such as helmets, boots and tunic/trouser pockets. The survey's results can be used to target gaps in decontamination measures within UK Fire and Rescue Services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A. M. Wolffe
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843Centre for Fire and Hazards Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2HE UK
| | - Anna Clinton
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843Centre for Fire and Hazards Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2HE UK
| | - Andrew Robinson
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843Centre for Fire and Hazards Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2HE UK ,grid.440181.80000 0004 0456 4815Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, Lancashire PR2 9HT UK
| | - Louis Turrell
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843Centre for Fire and Hazards Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2HE UK ,grid.440181.80000 0004 0456 4815Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, Lancashire PR2 9HT UK
| | - Anna A. Stec
- grid.7943.90000 0001 2167 3843Centre for Fire and Hazards Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2HE UK
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Brisbine BR, Radcliffe CR, Jones MLH, Stirling L, Coltman CE. Does the fit of personal protective equipment affect functional performance? A systematic review across occupational domains. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278174. [PMID: 36449531 PMCID: PMC9710848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) fit on functional performance across a range of occupational domains. BACKGROUND PPE introduces an ergonomic, human systems integration, and mass burden to the wearer, and these factors are thought to be amplified if PPE is ill-fitting. However, few studies have considered the role of fit (static, dynamic, and cognitive) when evaluating PPE-related performance detriments in occupational settings. METHOD A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies, which were then critically appraised based on methodological quality and collated to compare key findings and present evidence-based recommendations for future research directions across a range of occupational domains. RESULTS 16 published studies met the inclusion criteria, 88% of which found that the fit of PPE had a statistically significant effect on occupational performance. Poorly sized PPE resulted in slower or increased reaction time; decreased range of motion or mobility; decreased endurance or tolerance; decreased pulmonary function; and altered muscle activation. Limited research met the inclusion criteria and those that did had risks of bias in methodology quality. CONCLUSION Future research evaluating the effect of PPE on performance in occupational settings should aim to recruit a more representative population; consider sex as a covariate; quantify and evaluate PPE fit and performance when integrated with all relevant equipment items; include outcome measures related to all three categories of fit (static, dynamic, cognitive); and assess performance of operationally relevant tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke R. Brisbine
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ceridwen R. Radcliffe
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Monica L. H. Jones
- University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Leia Stirling
- Industrial and Operations Engineering Department, Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Celeste E. Coltman
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Davidson S, Jahnke S, Jung AM, Burgess JL, Jacobs ET, Billheimer D, Farland LV. Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels among Female Firefighters. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5981. [PMID: 35627519 PMCID: PMC9141260 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Female firefighters have occupational exposures which may negatively impact their reproductive health. Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is a clinical marker of ovarian reserve. We investigated whether AMH levels differed in female firefighters compared to non-firefighters and whether there was a dose-dependent relationship between years of firefighting and AMH levels. Female firefighters from a pre-existing cohort completed a cross-sectional survey regarding their occupational and health history and were asked to recruit a non-firefighter friend or relative. All participants provided a dried blood spot (DBS) for AMH analysis. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between firefighting status and AMH levels. Among firefighters, the influence of firefighting-related exposures was evaluated. Firefighters (n = 106) and non-firefighters (n = 58) had similar age and BMI. Firefighters had a lower mean AMH compared to non-firefighters (2.93 ng/mL vs. 4.37 ng/mL). In multivariable adjusted models, firefighters had a 33% lower AMH value than non-firefighters (-33.38%∆ (95% CI: -54.97, -1.43)). Years of firefighting was not associated with a decrease in AMH. Firefighters in this study had lower AMH levels than non-firefighters. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which firefighting could reduce AMH and affect fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Davidson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (S.D.); (A.M.J.); (E.T.J.); (D.B.)
| | - Sara Jahnke
- Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research, NDRI-USA, Inc., Leawood, KS 66224, USA;
| | - Alesia M. Jung
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (S.D.); (A.M.J.); (E.T.J.); (D.B.)
- Department of Community, Environment & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
| | - Jefferey L. Burgess
- Department of Community, Environment & Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA;
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Elizabeth T. Jacobs
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (S.D.); (A.M.J.); (E.T.J.); (D.B.)
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Dean Billheimer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (S.D.); (A.M.J.); (E.T.J.); (D.B.)
| | - Leslie V. Farland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (S.D.); (A.M.J.); (E.T.J.); (D.B.)
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine-Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Preventing and Monitoring Work-Related Diseases in Firefighters: A Literature Review on Sensor-Based Systems and Future Perspectives in Robotic Devices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189723. [PMID: 34574646 PMCID: PMC8469039 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the necessity to prevent work-related diseases has led to the use of sensor-based systems to measure important features during working activities. This topic achieved great popularity especially in hazardous and demanding activities such as those required of firefighters. Among feasible sensor systems, wearable sensors revealed their advantages in terms of possibility to conduct measures in real conditions and without influencing the movements of workers. In addition, the advent of robotics can be also exploited in order to reduce work-related disorders. The present literature review aims at providing an overview of sensor-based systems used to monitor physiological and physical parameters in firefighters during real activities, as well as to offer ideas for understanding the potentialities of exoskeletons and assistive devices.
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Stirling L, Kelty-Stephen D, Fineman R, Jones MLH, Daniel Park BK, Reed MP, Parham J, Choi HJ. Static, Dynamic, and Cognitive Fit of Exosystems for the Human Operator. HUMAN FACTORS 2020; 62:424-440. [PMID: 32004106 DOI: 10.1177/0018720819896898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define static, dynamic, and cognitive fit and their interactions as they pertain to exosystems and to document open research needs in using these fit characteristics to inform exosystem design. BACKGROUND Initial exosystem sizing and fit evaluations are currently based on scalar anthropometric dimensions and subjective assessments. As fit depends on ongoing interactions related to task setting and user, attempts to tailor equipment have limitations when optimizing for this limited fit definition. METHOD A targeted literature review was conducted to inform a conceptual framework defining three characteristics of exosystem fit: static, dynamic, and cognitive. Details are provided on the importance of differentiating fit characteristics for developing exosystems. RESULTS Static fit considers alignment between human and equipment and requires understanding anthropometric characteristics of target users and geometric equipment features. Dynamic fit assesses how the human and equipment move and interact with each other, with a focus on the relative alignment between the two systems. Cognitive fit considers the stages of human-information processing, including somatosensation, executive function, and motor selection. Human cognitive capabilities should remain available to process task- and stimulus-related information in the presence of an exosystem. Dynamic and cognitive fit are operationalized in a task-specific manner, while static fit can be considered for predefined postures. CONCLUSION A deeper understanding of how an exosystem fits an individual is needed to ensure good human-system performance. Development of methods for evaluating different fit characteristics is necessary. APPLICATION Methods are presented to inform exosystem evaluation across physical and cognitive characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard Fineman
- 2167 Harvard-MIT Health Science and Technology Program, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Monica L H Jones
- 1259 University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | - Matthew P Reed
- 1259 University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Joseph Parham
- 155353 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
| | - Hyeg Joo Choi
- 155353 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
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