Skip to Main Content
Skip Nav Destination
ASTM Selected Technical Papers
Performance of Protective Clothing: Global Needs and Emerging Markets: 8th Volume
By
PD Yarborough
PD Yarborough
Senior Research Chemist
1
E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc.
?
Richmond, Virginia Symposium Co-Chairperson and Editor
Search for other works by this author on:
CN Nelson
CN Nelson
Editor
Search for other works by this author on:
ISBN-10:
0-8031-3488-6
ISBN:
978-0-8031-3488-1
No. of Pages:
619
Publisher:
ASTM International
Publication date:
2005

A series of six focus groups in five U.S. cities was conducted as a component in a 3-year project to develop a prototype personal cooling system for first responders. The target user was a HAZMAT worker wearing level A and B ensembles, with a 30-min mission and an average body heat dissipation of 180 W. The purpose of the focus groups was to determine user needs, wants, and concerns early and progressively throughout the development of the prototype system to serve as design input. The first two focus groups provided information on the use of HAZMAT ensembles and thermal comfort problems associated with wearing the ensembles while working an incident, and reaction to a mock-up cooler system. Focus groups 3–6 provided user feedback on an alpha prototype system. All groups confirmed the need for a cooling system and the problem with moisture build-up within level A and B encapsulated suits. Reaction to the liquid-cooled vest was positive. An exterior location for the cooler unit was acceptable if users' concerns were addressed adequately.

1.
Press Release (retrieved
11
2003
).
Supporting First Responders Strengthening Homeland Security
, http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=119. para. 1 & 2.
2.
Hohl
,
B.
Selecting the Right Protective Clothing
,”
Plant Engineering
,
07
2001
, pp. 64–68.
3.
Ruhl
,
C.
EPA Region 6: Risk Management Programs
,”
Seventh Annual Fire Protection and Safety Symposium
, pp. 1–15.
4.
EPA Levels of Protection (retrieved November, 2003).
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
, http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_viii/otm_viii_1.html.
5.
Touliatos
,
J.
, and
Compton
,
N. H.
,
Research Methods
,
Ames, IA
:
Iowa State University Press
,
1988
.
This content is only available via PDF.
You do not currently have access to this chapter.
Close Modal

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal