ASTM F2668-07(2011)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Determining the Physiological Responses of the Wearer to Protective Clothing Ensembles
Standard Practice for Determining the Physiological Responses of the Wearer to Protective Clothing Ensembles
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice can be used for the evaluation of the physiological response of a user to protective clothing ensembles worn under controlled conditions.
This practice utilizes a treadmill for the exercise protocol. This method is believed to be appropriate for the evaluation of the majority of protective clothing ensembles, especially where the user will be walking or performing similar activities. In certain situations, where a protective clothing ensemble is designed to be worn where the user is performing specialized functions (for example, sitting or standing with only arm movement), alternate exercise equipment (for example, arm cycle-ergonometer) or exercise protocols should be considered for use in determining the physiological response of the subject.
Where evaluations include the use of Personal Cooling Systems refer to Test Method F2300.
This practice establishes general procedures for the physiological evaluation based on the physiological measurement of core temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate, exposure time, oxygen consumption, and whole body sweat rate.
The data obtained can be used to evaluate the overall physiological response of the test participant while wearing a protective clothing ensemble.
The data may also be used in the research and development of advanced ensembles that are designed to reduce the physiological strain on the wearer thereby reducing the potential injury (for example, heat injury) associated with wearing the protective clothing ensemble. Workers may be able to wear a protective clothing ensemble for a longer duration due to a reduction in the physiological strain.
The data can also be used to compare similar classes of ensembles and can be used to evaluate protective clothing ensembles as a hazard to the wearer as compared to a baseline ensemble.
In addition, the practice could also be used by consensus standards organizations in the development of physiological test criteria for protective clothing ense...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice specifies the test equipment and procedures for determining the physiological responses of subjects wearing a protective clothing ensemble.
1.2 This practice covers the physiological measurement of internal body core temperature, skin temperature, exposure time, heart rate response, oxygen consumption, and whole body sweat rate, to assess the physiological responses of subjects wearing a protective clothing ensemble. This practice does not measure the musculoskeletal strain on the participant imposed by the protective clothing ensemble.
1.2.1 To increase safety during physiological testing, this dynamic test requires the use of human participants who meet specific health and physical fitness requirements.
1.3 The present standard does not attempt to determine important clothing characteristics, such as thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of the protective clothing ensemble. Test Methods F1291 and F2370 can be used for these clothing measurements.
1.4 The values stated in this practice shall be SI units.
1.5 It is the responsibility of the test laboratory to obtain the necessary and appropriate approval(s) required by their institution for conducting tests using human participants.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user, and the testing institution, to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use of this standard.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: F2668 − 07 (Reapproved 2011)
Standard Practice for
Determining the Physiological Responses of the Wearer to
Protective Clothing Ensembles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2668; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Protective clothing ensembles such as firefighter turnout gear, HAZMAT suits, and bomb suits may
impose a physiological strain on the wearer. This strain can take the form of heat stress and
cardiovascular and respiratory strain, which can result in injury to the wearer. This practice provides
information on the measurement of the physiological responses of a wearer to a protective clothing
ensemble. The protocol is designed to allow comparisons of the physiological responses of subjects
wearingdifferentprotectiveclothingensemblesofthesametype(forexample,firefighterturnoutgear)
and from different types (for example, firefighter ensemble vs. HAZMAT suit).
1. Scope responsibility of the user, and the testing institution, to consult
and establish appropriate safety and health practices and
1.1 This practice specifies the test equipment and proce-
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
dures for determining the physiological responses of subjects
use of this standard.
wearing a protective clothing ensemble.
1.2 This practice covers the physiological measurement of 2. Referenced Documents
internal body core temperature, skin temperature, exposure 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
time, heart rate response, oxygen consumption, and whole
F1291 Test Method for Measuring the Thermal Insulation of
body sweat rate, to assess the physiological responses of
Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
subjects wearing a protective clothing ensemble. This practice
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
does not measure the musculoskeletal strain on the participant
F2300 Test Method for Measuring the Performance of Per-
imposed by the protective clothing ensemble.
sonal Cooling Systems Using Physiological Testing
1.2.1 To increase safety during physiological testing, this
F2370 Test Method for Measuring the Evaporative Resis-
dynamic test requires the use of human participants who meet
tance of Clothing Using a Sweating Manikin
specific health and physical fitness requirements. 3
2.2 Other Standards:
ISO 8996 Ergonomics—Determination of Metabolic Heat
1.3 The present standard does not attempt to determine
important clothing characteristics, such as thermal insulation Production
ISO 9886 Ergonomics—Evaluation of Thermal Strain by
and evaporative resistance of the protective clothing ensemble.
Test Methods F1291 and F2370 can be used for these clothing Physiological Measurements
The Commission for Thermal Physiology of the Interna-
measurements.
tional Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS Thermal
1.4 The values stated in this practice shall be SI units.
Commission)—Glossary of Terms for Thermal Physiol-
1.5 It is the responsibility of the test laboratory to obtain the
ogy
necessary and appropriate approval(s) required by their insti-
tution for conducting tests using human participants. 3. Terminology
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 Definitions:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
F23.60 on Human Factors. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2011. Published March 2012. Originally Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F2668 - 07. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
DOI:10.1520/F2668-07R11. The Japanese Journal of Physiology, Vol. 51, No. 2, 2001.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2668 − 07 (2011)
3.1.1 acclimation, n—physiological adaptations occurring tion of thermoeffector activities that causes sustained changes
within an organism, which reduce the strain or enhance in the state of non-thermal regulatory systems. Thermal strain
endurance of strain, caused by artificially or experimentally is measurable by an increased heart rate and whole body sweat
induced stressful changes in particular environmental condi- rate, as determined by pre and post nude mass loss.
tions.
3.1.11 thermal stress, n—any thermal change between a
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Acclimation describes the adaptive
temperature regulator and its environment, which if uncom-
changes that occur within an organism in response to artifi-
pensated by temperature regulation, would result in hyperther-
cially induced changes in particular climatic factors such as
mia.
ambienttemperatureandhumidityinacontrolledenvironment.
3.1.11.1 Discussion—Thermal stress is often referred to as
3.1.2 acclimatization, n—physiological adaptations occur- heat stress.
ring within an organism, which reduce the strain or enhance
3.2 IUPS Thermal Commission document was referenced
endurance of strain, caused by stressful changes in the natural
forthemodifieddefinitionsrelatedtothermalphysiologylisted
environment.
above. For terms related to protective clothing used in this
3.1.3 clothing ensemble, n—a group of garments worn
practice, refer to Terminology F1494.
together on the body at the same time.
4. Significance and Use
3.1.4 thermal core, n—the deep tissues of the brain, neck
and torso, whose temperatures are not changed in their rela-
4.1 This practice can be used for the evaluation of the
tionship to each other by circulatory adjustments.
physiological response of a user to protective clothing en-
3.1.4.1 Discussion—These deep tissues comprise the most
sembles worn under controlled conditions.
thermally protected tissues of the body and are most critical to
4.1.1 This practice utilizes a treadmill for the exercise
temperature regulation. The thermal core is distinct from
protocol. This method is believed to be appropriate for the
changes in heat transfer to the environment that affects the
evaluation of the majority of protective clothing ensembles,
appendages and other tissues of the body.
especiallywheretheuserwillbewalkingorperformingsimilar
activities. In certain situations, where a protective clothing
3.1.5 core temperature, n—the mean temperature of the
ensemble is designed to be worn where the user is performing
thermal core.
specialized functions (for example, sitting or standing with
3.1.5.1 Discussion—Core temperature is commonly repre-
only arm movement), alternate exercise equipment (for
sentedbyrectaltemperature,orbythemorerapidlyresponding
example, arm cycle-ergonometer) or exercise protocols should
esophageal temperature. Core temperature is also measured by
be considered for use in determining the physiological re-
ingested telemetric thermometers in the form of a capsule.
sponse of the subject.
3.1.6 garment, n—a single item of clothing (for example,
4.1.2 Where evaluations include the use of Personal Cool-
shirt).
ing Systems refer to Test Method F2300.
3.1.7 maximum oxygen consumption (VO ), n—the high-
2max
4.2 This practice establishes general procedures for the
est rate at which an organism can take up oxygen during
physiological evaluation based on the physiological measure-
aerobic metabolism.
ment of core temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate,
3.1.7.1 Discussion—Determination of VO requires very
2max
exposure time, oxygen consumption, and whole body sweat
high motivation of the individual and is expressed in millilitres
rate.
per minute or as a term relative to body mass in millilitres per
4.2.1 The data obtained can be used to evaluate the overall
kilogram per minute. Maximum oxygen consumption is often
physiological response of the test participant while wearing a
referred to as maximal aerobic power (MAP).
protective clothing ensemble.
3.1.8 metabolic rate, n—the rate of transformation of
4.2.2 The data may also be used in the research and
chemical energy into heat and mechanical work by aerobic and
development of advanced ensembles that are designed to
anaerobic activities within an organism.
reduce the physiological strain on the wearer thereby reducing
3.1.8.1 Discussion—Metabolic rate, as with VO ,is
2max the potential injury (for example, heat injury) associated with
commonly measured by indirect calorimetry, during long-term
wearingtheprotectiveclothingensemble.Workersmaybeable
steady-state work. Metabolic rate, also referred to as energy
to wear a protective clothing ensemble for a longer duration
expenditure, is usually expressed in terms of unit area of the
due to a reduction in the physiological strain.
total body surface (W/m ) or of total body mass (W/kg).
4.2.3 The data can also be used to compare similar classes
3.1.9 protective ensemble, n—the combination of protective of ensembles and can be used to evaluate protective clothing
ensembles as a hazard to the wearer as compared to a baseline
clothingwithrespiratoryprotectiveequipment,hoods,helmets,
gloves, boots, communication systems, cooling devices, and ensemble.
4.2.4 In addition, the practice could also be used by con-
other accessories intended to protect the wearer from a
potential hazard when worn together. sensus standards organizations in the development of physi-
ological test criteria for protective clothing ensemble certifica-
3.1.10 thermal strain, n—anydeviationofbodytemperature
tion.
induced by sustained thermal stress that cannot be fully
compensated by temperature regulation.
4.3 Departures from the instructions in this practice may
3.1.10.1 Discussion—Thermal strain results in the activa- lead to significantly different test results. Technical knowledge
F2668 − 07 (2011)
concerning thermoregulatory responses, physiological and en- to each series of tests or study. The control mechanism must
vironmental temperature measurement, and testing practices is provide for error of less than 1.0 % of the testing load both
needed to evaluate which departures from the instructions during the test and between tests (that is, 0.15 % grade at 15 %
given in this practice are significant. All departures must be treadmill grade).
reported with the results.
5.3 Equipment for Measuring Body Temperature—The core
and skin temperatures shall be measured with temperature
5. Materials
transducers (that is, point sensors) which shall be calibrated
5.1 Controlled Environmental Chamber—Achamber that is prior to use.
5.3.1 TemperatureSensors—Thetemperaturemeasurements
large enough to accommodate a treadmill, the test participant,
and at least two people at the same time.Also, the test chamber shall be carried out with thermocouples, resistance temperature
devices (RTD), or thermistors. The sensors shall provide an
must provide uniform conditions, both spatially and tempo-
rally. accuracy of 60.1°C between the range of 30 to 42°C for core
temperature and 25 to 40°C for skin temperature. Their
5.1.1 Spatial Variations—Spatial variations shall not exceed
the following: air temperature 61.0°C, relative humidity response time to 90 % of the value must be the lowest possible
and less than 10 s. Skin temperature measurements shall be
65 %, and air velocity 650 % of the mean value. In addition,
taken at 4, 8, or 14 different locations. Refer to ISO 9886 for
the mean radiant temperature shall not be more than 1.0°C
the location of the various measurement sites, and the weight-
different from the mean air temperature.The spatial uniformity
ing coefficients to determine overall skin temperature.
shall be verified at least annually or after any significant
5.3.2 Core Temperature Sensor Cleaning—Special require-
modifications are made to the test chamber. Spatial uniformity
ments are to be made concerning the hygiene of the core
shall be verified by recording values for the conditions stated
above at heights of 0.6, 1.0, 1.4, and 1.8 m above the floor at temperature sensor. Laboratories must follow specific biohaz-
ard control procedures as stipulated by their institution for the
the location occupied by the participant.
use and disposal of sensors.
5.1.2 Temporal Variations—Temporal variations shall not
5.3.2.1 Core Temperature Sensors—Reusable and dispos-
exceed the following: air temperature 60.5°C, relative humid-
ity 65 %, air velocity 620 % of the mean value for data able sensors are available for measurement of core tempera-
ture. Disposable sensors are strongly recommended but not
averaged over five minutes.
required for core temperature measurements. If reusable sen-
5.1.3 Relative Humidity Measurement—Ahumidity-sensing
sors are used, the sensors shall be cleaned and disinfected
device shall be used and have an accuracy of 65 % relative
humidity and a repeatability of 63 % to be acceptable (for between trials for the same participant and then discarded once
the participant has completed all test conditions. Sensors shall
example, wet bulb/dry bulb, dew point hygrometer). At least
one location shall be monitored during a test to ensure that the only be used by one individual and shall be cleaned and
disinfected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
temporal uniformity requirements are met.
between trials. Refer to ISO 9886 for additional information.
5.1.4 Air Temperature Sensors—Shielded air temperature
sensorsshallbeused.Thesensorshallhaveanoverallaccuracy
5.4 Measuring Heart Rate—Heart rate can be measured
of 60.15°C (for example, RTD, thermocouple, sensor). The
with either a portable heart rate monitor or by using an
sensor shall have a time constant not exceeding one minute.
electrocardiogram (ECG).
The sensor(s) shall be 0.5 to 1.0 m in front of the participant.
5.5 Data Acquisition Systems—All physiology laboratories
If a single sensor is used it shall be 1.0 m above the floor. If
shall be equipped with data acquisition hardware and software.
multiple sensors are used, they shall be spaced at equal height
A maximum sampling rate of 5 s can be used; however, rates
intervals and their readings averaged.
of15,30or60sarealsoadequate.Thiswilldependonthedata
5.1.5 Air Velocity Indicator—An omni-directional anemom-
acquisition system and the physiological variable
...
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