International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research
Table 11 Actionable directives that the NFPA could integrate to turnout sizing and fit
NFPA actionable directives | Justification | |
|---|---|---|
1 | Provide more transparent communications to firehouse gear managers and female firefighters that women’s size-specific coats/pants are available, per NFPA requirements | Female firefighter's adoption of fire coats/pants in women's sizes is poor (< 50%) |
2 | Develop clear measurement definitions that are understood by anyone involved with sizing/fitting turnout coats/pants | Currently, the NFPA standard provides no measurement definitions |
3 | Include more measurements to help size women into coats/pants better | The current NFPA measurement requirements do not capture women's challenges with sizing/fitting fire coats/pants (e.g., hip circumference and lengths) |
4 | Develop training modules and tools for manufacturers to use for sizing/fitting the female body into fire coats/pants, boots, and gloves | In this study, women reported that manufacturer representatives did poorly at sizing them |
5 | Mandate sizing/fit communication methods and compliance across manufacturers | Manufacturers inconsistently communicate their sizing and fit methods |
6 | Require accurate boot volume size conversions to Brannock device or related measurement tool | Boots inconsistently fit across manufacturers |
7 | Mandate that all firehouses and manufacturers provide Brannock devices or related measurement tools to size/fit firefighters into boots | None of the participants in this study used a Brannock device to size/fit into boots |
8 | Build new requirements for after-market insoles | After-market insoles can be made of low-melt point materials, so there may be a need to specify materials next to the foot for safety |
9 | Require female-specific glove sizing | Currently, the NFPA does not require women’s glove sizes. More than 50% of the subjects in this study experienced physical glove fit issues |
10 | Mandate all firehouses and manufacturers provide glove sizing tools to size/fit firefighters | None of the participants in this study used the NFPA index finger and handbreadth measurement guide |
11 | Sponsor an anthropometric study to understand the female firefighter-specific body, foot/calf, and hand measures (static and dynamic) | Current measures used to make fire turnout gear are not based upon female firefighter bodies. Additionally, better grading increments based on anthropometry data are needed |