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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research

Table 5 Summary of major considerations for improved design

From: Assessment of Firefighters’ needs for personal protective equipment

Items

Issues to consider improvement of design

Fire gloves

Needs to improve dexterity

Oversized glove design

Lack of grips

Confusing sizing system and inconsistency in size among manufacturers

Potential heat hazards when gloves get wet

Turnout boots

Change in walking pattern in turnout boots

Frequent fall-offs due to poor fit

Coldness and lack of traction of rubber boots during winter

Strong preference for leather boots (snug fit, better tactile sensation & lightweight)

SCBA

Restricted movement of the head and arms

Greater negative on shorter firefighters

muscle soreness and pain in the back and shoulder

Hindrance in accessing pockets of turnout coat

Risk of serious injury when falling

Helmet, face mask and hood

Poor fit

Itching face mask when wet

Interface between equipment and turnout ensemble

Excessive bulkiness where the boots and gloves are connected with turnout ensemble

Exposure of calf to heat hazard resulting from the pants riding up