International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research
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 |