Citation

Marszałek A, Grabowska G, Łężak K. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2019; 25(2): 268-277.

Affiliation

Central Institute for Labour Protection , National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB) , Warsaw & Łódź , Poland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2018.1450546

PMID

29570426

Abstract

Research into newly developed ballistic vests to be worn by police officers under clothing was carried out with air temperature conditions of +20°C. A ballistic vest should incorporate protective features, comfort and ergonomics. The thermal strain on users who wore the vests was evaluated as an average (A) and individually (I), after they had been conditioned in high (+50°C), low (-40°C) or neutral (+20°C) air temperatures, while performing various occupational activities. Research involved six police officers aged 36-42, who wore civilian clothing used in moderate environmental conditions. During the tests, physiological parameters (the internal temperature, local skin temperatures and the amount of sweat secreted) were determined. The possibility of doing exercises while wearing the vests, vests service and level of discomfort in use were assessed. Research showed that the vests tested, both on average and individually, meet the requirements of standard PN-V-87000:2011 (clause 4.5).

Language: en

Keywords

ballistic vest; ergonomics; thermal strain