ASTM F3031-17(2022)

Standard Practice for Range of Motion Evaluation of First Responder’s Protective Ensembles

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice can be used for the evaluation of the ROM of protective clothing ensembles worn under controlled conditions and can provide guidelines for the motion evaluation of PPE.  
4.1.1 This practice utilizes a space large enough to allow users to move freely during the tasks and a chair and a stretcher to measure certain body joint mobility.
Note 1: Since required range of motion values will be related to the work task to be done while wearing the protective ensemble, the end user should decide meaningfulness of the information provided by this standard for the performance of their job.  
4.2 This practice establishes general procedures for the evaluation based on the measurement of range of motion and subjective perceptions.  
4.2.1 The data obtained can be used to evaluate the ROM of the test participant while wearing a protective clothing ensemble.  
4.2.2 The data are also potentially useful in the research and development of advanced ensembles that are designed for optimal mobility and comfort or reduce strain on the wearer thereby reducing the potential injury associated with wearing the protective clothing ensemble.  
4.2.3 The data are also potentially useful for first responder organizations to compare the ROM while wearing different ensembles.  
4.2.4 This practice could also be used by consensus standards organizations in the development of ergonomic test criteria for protective ensembles.  
4.3 Departures from the instructions in this practice have the potential to lead to significantly different test results. Technical knowledge concerning mobility of body joints, subjective evaluations, and testing practices is needed to evaluate which departures from the instructions given in this practice are significant. All departures must be reported with the results.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice specifies the test equipment and procedures for assessing ROM on subjects wearing a protective clothing ensemble.  
1.2 This practice covers the ergonomic measurements of range of motion and subjective perceptions.  
1.3 To increase safety during testing, this practice requires the use of human participants who meet specific health and physical fitness requirements.  
1.4 This practice does not attempt to determine other clothing characteristics, such as thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of the protective clothing ensemble. Test Methods F1291 and F2370 can be used for these measurements.  
1.5 The values stated in this standard shall be SI units.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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 of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2022
• ICS: 61.020 - Clothes
• Technical Committee: F23 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F23.60 - Human Factors

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F1291-15 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Thermal Insulation of Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM F2370-15 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Evaporative Resistance of Clothing Using a Sweating Manikin
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM F1494-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1494-03(2011) - Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2011
• Refers: ASTM F1291-10 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Thermal Insulation of Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM F2370-10 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Evaporative Resistance of Clothing Using a Sweating Manikin
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM F2370-05 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Evaporative Resistance of Clothing Using a Sweating Manikin
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2005
• Refers: ASTM F1291-05 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Thermal Insulation of Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2005
• Refers: ASTM F1291-04 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Thermal Insulation of Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Refers: ASTM F1494-03 - Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003
• Refers: ASTM F1494-99 - Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2001
• Refers: ASTM F1494-01 - Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2001
• Refers: ASTM F1291-99 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Thermal Insulation of Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-1999

Overview

ASTM F3031-17(2022) is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International for the evaluation of the range of motion (ROM) of first responder protective ensembles. This standard aims to assess the ergonomic impact of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as firefighter turnout gear and HAZMAT suits on the mobility and comfort of the wearer. By measuring joint mobility and subjective perceptions under controlled laboratory conditions, ASTM F3031 provides essential guidelines for comparing and optimizing protective clothing design.

This practice is particularly significant for organizations and manufacturers focused on the safety, protection, and performance of first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and hazardous materials teams.

Key Topics

• Range of Motion (ROM) Evaluation: Specifies procedures and equipment for measuring how protective ensembles affect body joints during typical first responder tasks.
• Ergonomics and Comfort: Includes both quantitative and subjective assessments, capturing wearer perceptions of mobility, comfort, and overall fit.
• Controlled Testing Environment: Describes requirements for laboratory space, environmental controls (temperature, humidity, air velocity), and participant health and safety.
• Participant Selection: Outlines criteria for selecting volunteers, including physical fitness, age, gender balance, and adherence to necessary ethical and medical approvals.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Details approaches for statistically analyzing collected ROM data and ergonomic assessments for reporting and comparison purposes.
• Compliance and Safety: Emphasizes the importance of reporting any deviations from the standard procedure, and establishes responsibilities for user safety and regulatory compliance.

Applications

The ASTM F3031-17(2022) standard is widely applicable in scenarios where evaluating the ergonomic impact of protective PPE is crucial:

• First Responder Agencies: Fire departments, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials units can use the standard to assess the mobility impact of new or existing protective ensembles, enabling informed purchasing and specification decisions.
• Protective Clothing Manufacturers: Designers and producers can utilize ROM and ergonomic data to refine and enhance PPE for optimal comfort, functionality, and reduced injury risk.
• Research & Development: Enables comparative studies between different classes or models of protective ensembles, supporting the development of advanced clothing systems with improved mobility and reduced wearer fatigue.
• Standards Development Organizations: Provides a reference for establishing ergonomic test criteria in related national and international standards targeting PPE performance and compatibility.
• Training & Performance Assessment: Supports training programs that simulate real-world conditions and verify that protective ensembles do not hinder required mobility for critical response tasks.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive assessment of protective clothing, related standards may be used alongside ASTM F3031:

• ASTM F1291 – Test Method for Measuring the Thermal Insulation of Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
• ASTM F2370 – Test Method for Measuring the Evaporative Resistance of Clothing Using a Sweating Manikin
• ASTM F1494 – Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• BS EN 469 – Protective Clothing for Firefighters – Performance Requirements
• BS 8469 – Personal Protective Equipment for Firefighters – Assessment of Ergonomic Performance and Compatibility
• ISO 10551 – Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment – Assessment of the Influence of the Thermal Environment Using Subjective Judgement Scales

Practical Value

By adopting ASTM F3031-17(2022), organizations can:

• Ensure that PPE selection and procurement prioritize both protection and operational mobility.
• Support compliance with health, safety, and ergonomics best practices.
• Enhance the safety, effectiveness, and well-being of first responders by minimizing physical strain and maximizing comfort.
• Facilitate data-driven improvements in protective ensemble design and deployment.

Keywords: ASTM F3031-17, range of motion, first responder, protective ensembles, PPE standards, ergonomic evaluation, firefighter turnout gear, HAZMAT suit evaluation, personal protective clothing, mobility assessment, PPE comfort.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3031 − 17 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Practice for
Range of Motion Evaluation of First Responder’s Protective
Ensembles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3031; 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 ensembles such as firefighter turnout gear, HAZMAT suits, etc., may impose a negative
ergonomic impact on the wearer. This impact may involve restriction of movement and overall
discomfort to the wearer. The possible increased restrictions of mobility during the use of protective
ensemblesmayresultininjuriestothemusculoskeletalsystem,decreasedperformance,anddecreased
comfort. It is up to the end user to decide the meaningfulness of the information provided with the use
of this standard for the performance of his/her job. This ergonomic standard practice is to determine
and report the range of motion (ROM) of the protective ensemble or base ensemble, or both, and has
been designed to allow for comparisons of the ROM between ensembles of the same class (firefighter
turnout gear) and from different classes (firefighter ensemble versus HAZMAT suit).
1. Scope priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This practice specifies the test equipment and proce-
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dures for assessing ROM on subjects wearing a protective
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
clothing ensemble.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.2 This practice covers the ergonomic measurements of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
range of motion and subjective perceptions.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.3 To increase safety during testing, this practice requires
the use of human participants who meet specific health and
2. Referenced Documents
physical fitness requirements.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.4 This practice does not attempt to determine other
F1291 Test Method for Measuring the Thermal Insulation of
clothing characteristics, such as thermal insulation and evapo-
Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
rative resistance of the protective clothing ensemble. Test
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
Methods F1291 and F2370 can be used for these measure-
F2370 Test Method for Measuring the Evaporative Resis-
ments.
tance of Clothing Using a Sweating Manikin
1.5 The values stated in this standard shall be SI units.
2.2 BSI Standards:
1.6 It is the responsibility of the test laboratory to obtain the
BS EN 469 Protective Clothing for Firefighters – Perfor-
necessary and appropriate approval(s) required by their insti-
mance Requirements for Protective Clothing for Firefight-
tution for conducting tests using human participants.
ing
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
BS 8469 Personal Protective Equipment for Firefighters –
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Assessment of Ergonomic Performance and Compatibility
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
– Requirements and Test Methods
1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
F23.60 on Human Factors. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published February 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2017. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as F3031 – 17. DOI: Available from British Standards Institution (BSI), 389 Chiswick High Rd.,
10.1520/F3031-17R22. London W4 4AL, U.K., http://www.bsigroup.com.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3031 − 17 (2022)
2.3 ISO Standard: 5.1.1 Relative Humidity Measurement—Use a humidity-
ISO 10551 Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment – sensing device and have an accuracy of 65 % relative humid-
Assessment of the Influence of the Thermal Environment ity and a repeatability of 63 % to be acceptable (for example,
Using Subjective Judgement Scales wet bulb/dry bulb, dew point hygrometer).
5.1.2 Air Temperature Sensors—Use shielded air tempera-
3. Terminology
ture sensors. The sensor shall have an overall accuracy of
3.1 Definitions:
60.15 °C (for example, resistance temperature detectors
3.1.1 Refer to Terminology F1494 for definitions of terms
(RTDs), thermocouple, sensor). The sensor shall have a time
used in this practice.
constant not exceeding 1 min.
3.1.2 clothing ensemble, n—forfirstresponders,aprotective
5.2 Measuring Mobility—Standard instruments include a
ensemble.
flexible tape measure, circumference tape, washable marker,
and platform scale to perform anthropometric measurements.
4. Significance and Use
Use specific ergonomic assessment equipment during ergo-
4.1 This practice can be used for the evaluation of the ROM
nomic assessments: large- and small-joint goniometer or
of protective clothing ensembles worn under controlled condi-
electro-goniometer, flex tester sit-and-reach flexibility test box,
tions and can provide guidelines for the motion evaluation of
and skinfold caliper.
PPE.
5.3 Measuring Subjective Perceptions—Assess subjective
4.1.1 This practice utilizes a space large enough to allow
perceptions, as it relates to ROM. Refer to ISO 10551 for the
userstomovefreelyduringthetasksandachairandastretcher
instructions on creating and using judgement scales.
to measure certain body joint mobility.
5.4 ParticipantClothingEnsembles—Chooseandwearbase
NOTE 1—Since required range of motion values will be related to the
work task to be done while wearing the protective ensemble, the end user ensemble clothing (of identical design and construction) that is
should decide meaningfulness of the information provided by this
appropriate for all of the different ensembles that are being
standard for the performance of their job.
evaluated. If the base ensemble is not specified, then a T-shirt,
4.2 This practice establishes general procedures for the athletic shorts, socks, and underwear shall be used as the
evaluation based on the measurement of range of motion and
defaultbaseensembleandshallbeconstructedof100 %cotton
subjective perceptions.
where possible. Sock selection shall be based on the type of
4.2.1 The data obtained can be used to evaluate the ROM of
footwear used (for example, boot socks with boots). The
the test participant while wearing a protective clothing en-
participant must wear identical base ensemble clothing and
semble.
shoes for all the tests for which they are involved, even if the
4.2.2 The data are also potentially useful in the research and
test sessions occur on different days. The base ensemble worn
development of advanced ensembles that are designed for
must be recorded each session.
optimal mobility and comfort or reduce strain on the wearer
5.4.1 If intended to be reused or laundered, launder en-
thereby reducing the potential injury associated with wearing
semble in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Set
the protective clothing ensemble.
the number of laundering cycles to be consistent with the
4.2.3 The data are also potentially useful for first responder
objectives of the testing.
organizations to compare the ROM while wearing different
5.4.2 Athletic Shoes—Wear athletic shoes with a soft rubber
ensembles.
sole during testing, unless the protective ensemble includes
4.2.4 This practice could also be used by consensus stan-
footwearaspartoftheensembleorifitsinstructionsforuselist
dards organizations in the development of ergonomic test
a required type of footwear.
criteria for protective ensembles.
5.4.3 As needed between wear test sessions, protective
clothing ensembles shall be cleaned in accordance with the
4.3 Departuresfromtheinstructionsinthispracticehavethe
manufacturer’s instructions. The number of cleanings/
potential to lead to significantly different test results. Technical
launderings shall be recorded and reported.
knowledge concerning mobility of body joints, subjective
evaluations, and testing practices is needed to evaluate which
6. Sampling, Participants, and Familiarization Period
departures from the instructions given in this practice are
significant. All departures must be reported with the results.
6.1 Sampling—Test a minimum of eight different partici-
pants to evaluate the performance of each protective clothing
5. Apparatus
ensemble.
5.1 Laboratory Space with Environmental Measures—A
6.2 Test Participants—Individuals who participate in this
room that is large enough to accommodate the tasks that the
test shall do so strictly on a volunteer basis. Test laboratories
testparticipantwillperform.Also,theroomconditionsshallbe
shall adhere to all internal regulations regarding human testing
stable and recorded during testing. Use standard lab equipment
and obtain the required human testing approval from their
to measure the ambient environmental conditions under which
respective institutions. Participants shall be informed of all the
the testing occurs.
details of this standard practice and the associated risks and
benefits prior to providing their informed written consent.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Complete anonymity and confidentiality shall be given to each
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org. participant.
F3031 − 17 (2022)
6.2.1 Select test participants either from a general popula- 7.2.1.1 Static ROM—Assess ensemble impact by measuring
tion or a specific target population (for example, firefighters). the degrees of maximal displacement/flexibility of different
6.2.2 Medical Evaluation—If the respective institutional
body joints.
review committee’s rules and regulations for ergonomic re-
7.2.1.2 Shoulder Flexion:
search require a medical evaluation or screening, have one
Start Position:The subject is supine.The arm is at the side,
completed for each test subject prior to the evaluation.
with the palm facing medially.
6.2.3 Participant Gender—Unless a specific target popula-
End Position: Subject remains supine, dominant humerus
tion is being evaluated, select participants of either gender.
has moved anteriorly and dominant shoulder is fully flexed
6.2.4 Participant Age and Stature—Unless a specific target
(without shoulder elevation). See Appendix X1.
populationisbeingevaluated,selectadultsbetweentheagesof
Goniometer Position: Place the goniometer axis at the
18 and 55 years. If testing males, the body mass of the
center and at the lateral aspect of the humeral head. This is
participants shall be between 65 and 100 kg (143 and 220 lb)
approximately 2.5 cm inferior to the lateral aspect of the
and body height between 1.70 and 1.95 m (67 and 77 in.). If
acromion process. Place the stationary arm lateral to the
testing females, the body mass of the participants shall be
subject’s dominant side in the sagittal plane, running along the
between 50 and 90 kg (110 and 198 lb) and body height
mid-axillarly line, and pointing toward the floor. Place the
between 1.60 and 1.85 m (63 and 73 in.).
movable arm parallel to the humeral longitudinal axis, and
NOTE 2—Other heights and weights should be considered if a specific pointing toward the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The
group of individuals is the main focus of the ergonomics evaluation.
assessed value shall be the total degrees of movement from the
6.2.5 Ensemble Sizing—Choose protective ensembles for starting to the ending position.
each test subject based on sizing information provided by the
7.2.1.3 Shoulder Abduction:
garment manufacturer.
Start Position: Subject is standing in anatomical position.
6.2.6 Test Sessions—Commit participants to multiple test
EndPosition:Thedominantarmhasmovedlaterallytofull
sessions as needed depending on the number of ensembles to
shoulder abduction without elevating the shoulder or flexing
be evaluated.
the elbow. See Appendix X1.
Goniometer Position: Place the goniometer axis at the
6.3 Familiarization Period—Provide a test familiarization
midpoint of posterior aspect of the glenohumeral joint. This is
sessionpriortotheactualtestingforthepurposeofintroducing
approximately 1.3 cm inferiolateral to the coracoid process.
individuals to the test protocol and allowing them to become
familiar with the protective clothing ensemble, the measure- Place the stationary arm parallel to the coronal plane, on the
posterior aspect of the humerus
...