| Keywords |
Firefighter; Firefighter’s personal protective equipment; Performance evaluation method; Test method improvement; Questionnaire |
| Abstract |
This study investigated Korean firefighters’ requirements for newly-added test methods of personal protective equipment(PPE) through questionnaire. One hundred forty four firefighters were participated in two different surveys(38 at the 1st and 106 at the 2nd questionnaire). The results showed that 1) 97% of the firefighters replied that a test method using the newly-developed hand flame manikin needs to be added to the current test methods; 2) a protective item most needing improvements was protective gloves(32%). followed by self-contained breathing apparatus(13%) and bunker jacket and pants(13%); 3) Over 86% of firefighters agreed that human wear trials to evaluate thermal strain, metabolic burden and mobility in dry, wet, or smoky conditions need to be added to the current test methods. 4) Firefighters dissatisfied with comfort functions(80.2%) more than protective functions (54.7%) of PPE in current use. 5) Firefighters who dissatisfied more with comfort functions expressed more requirements for the adding of human wear trials to the current test methods. In conclusion, the current test methods, which consist of mostly material tests, need to be improved in terms of human wear trials to test comfort functions. |