Abstract:

This paper describes an investigation into protective clothing for fire-fighters, made of different material combinations, based on the demand for radiant protective performance (RPP) and heat-moisture transfer properties, which are closely associated with comfort performance. The outer shell and thermal barrier were changed to measure their effects on radiant protection and comfort performance. Also, we compared clothing assemblies which incorporated moisture-permeable and moisture- impermeable barriers. It was our intention to match different material combinations of clothing assemblies, in order not only to provide effective radiant protection but also to maintain a balance between heat and moisture. This study shows the relative importance of the moisture vapour permeability of the moisture barrier on comfort performance in fire-fighters’ protective clothing.