Influence of Undergarment Structure on the Parameters of the Microclimate under Hermetic Protective Clothingel
Research and development
Author:
- Bartkowiak Grażyna
Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB), Łódź, Poland
 Full text | Abstract: Work in conditions dangerous for the human being requires appropriate protective clothing. Working in hermetic protective clothing is connected with a considerable heat burden for the user’s organism. The condition of the organism is influenced not only by the external protective clothing but also by the underwear worn directly on the body. On the basis of an analysis of hydrothermical conditions under hermetic protective clothing during physical activity, a model of two-layer fabric for undergarments, which should facilitate the elimination of sweat from the user’s skin, has been developed. Tests of underwear made using a model fabric system consistent with the model developed were conducted on young men in a microclimatic chamber, the results of which were compared with traditional cotton underwear, showing that the microclimate under the hermetic protective clothing was more favourable in the case of the model system. The results of the tests indicate that it is possible to reduce discomfort associated with work in hermetic protective clothing by providing workers with appropriate undergarments actively involved in sweat elimination from the user’s skin. |
Tags: hermetic protective clothing, undergarment, underwear, thermal comfort, under – clothing microclimate.
Citation: Bartkowiak G.; Influence of Undergarment Structure on the Parameters of the Microclimate .under Hermetic Protective Clothing. FIBRES & TEXTILES in Eastern Europe 2010, Vol. 18, No. 4 (81) pp. 82-86.