Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:
Nothing Reported
Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Firefighter Gloves Currently on the Market: Analysis and Future Research Directions was presented at the 2020 International Textile and Apparel Association Conference (online). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Design fit testing method, based on literature review. Assess fit of currently available gloves.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
IMPACT: Wildland fires are a growing concern in the United States. For the first time in its 100+ year history, the Forest Service, part of the USDA, is spending more than 50% of its budget to suppress wildfires (USDA, n.d.). In the first eleven months of 2018 there were over 52,000 wildfires, with 56,186 reported in 2017 (Insurance Information Institute, 2018). Fire seasons are lengthening as fires grow larger than ever before and costs are skyrocketing as developments near forest boundaries place human lives at stake (NIFC, n.d.; USDA, n.d.). Wildland firefighters encounter multiple hazards while on the job. To protect them from such hazards, they rely on personal protective clothing (PPC) and equipment (PPE). The effectiveness of protective clothing is dependent on numerous factors, including textile properties, clothing design, and appropriate fit. The following issues with wildland firefighting protective clothing have been expressed by end users: heat stress, improper fit, reduced mobility, and garment durability. This project period, we made an assessment of existing knowledge of firefighter gloves. This included a thorough literature review and survey of products currently on the market. This knowledge will serve as the basis for future research activities to provide better-fitting and better protecting gloves to wildland firefighters. Objective 1... Assess and improve protection and performance of wildland firefighter protective clothing through user needs assessment, market assessment, and product development. A thorough literature review of glove fit analysis methods was conducted. Three main methods of glove fit analysis have been used in prior research: 1) self-perceived, 2) ability to do tasks while wearing the gloves, and 3) 3D scanning. This information will be useful in selecting a method to assess fit of currently available firefighter gloves. A market assessment of existing firefighter gloves was conducted. This will serve as a basis for understanding current glove technologies and improving future fit and protection of gloves. Objective 2...Investigate the feasibility of incorporating wearable technology for biophysical monitoring (i.e. heart rate, breathing rate, and skin temperature), carbon monoxide exposure, and GPS location tracking in wildland firefighting PPE to enhance health and safety. This objective was not worked on this year. Will begin next year.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Clow, E., McKinney, E., and Li, R. (Nov. 18-21, 2020). Firefighter Gloves Currently on the Market: Analysis and Future Research Directions. Proceedings of the ITAA Annual Conference, Denver, CO.
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