ASTM F2668-16(2022)
(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
4.1 This practice can be used for the evaluation of the physiological response of a user to protective clothing ensembles worn under controlled conditions.
4.1.1 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.
4.1.2 Where evaluations include the use of personal cooling systems, refer to Test Method F2300.
4.2 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.
4.2.1 The data obtained can be used to evaluate the overall physiological response of the test participant while wearing a protective clothing ensemble.
4.2.2 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.
4.2.3 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.
4.2.4 In addition, the practice could also be used by consensus standards organizations in the development of phys...
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 SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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 of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 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
Relations
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: F2668 − 16 (Reapproved 2022)
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 versus HAZMAT suit).
1. Scope 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This practice specifies the test equipment and proce-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
dures for determining the physiological responses of subjects
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
wearing a protective clothing ensemble.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2 This practice covers the physiological measurement of
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
internal body core temperature, skin temperature, exposure
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
time, heart rate response, oxygen consumption, and whole
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
body sweat rate to assess the physiological responses of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
subjects wearing a protective clothing ensemble. This practice
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
does not measure the musculoskeletal strain on the participant
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
imposed by the protective clothing ensemble.
1.2.1 To increase safety during physiological testing, this
2. Referenced Documents
dynamic test requires the use of human participants who meet
2.1 ASTM Standards:
specific health and physical fitness requirements.
F1291 Test Method for Measuring the Thermal Insulation of
1.3 The present standard does not attempt to determine
Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
important clothing characteristics, such as thermal insulation
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
and evaporative resistance of the protective clothing ensemble.
F2300 Test Method for Measuring the Performance of Per-
Test Methods F1291 and F2370 can be used for these clothing
sonal Cooling Systems Using Physiological Testing
measurements.
F2370 Test Method for Measuring the Evaporative Resis-
tance of Clothing Using a Sweating Manikin
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 2.2 Other Standards:
ISO 8996 Ergonomics—Determination of Metabolic Heat
standard.
Production
1.5 It is the responsibility of the test laboratory to obtain the
ISO 9886 Ergonomics—Evaluation of Thermal Strain by
necessary and appropriate approval(s) required by their insti-
Physiological Measurements
tution for conducting tests using human participants.
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 service@astm.org. 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 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as F2668 – 16. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
DOI:10.1520/F2668-16R22. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2668 − 16 (2022)
The Commission for Thermal Physiology of the Interna- 3.1.9.1 Discussion—These deep tissues comprise the most
tional Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS Thermal thermally protected tissues of the body and are most critical to
Commission) Glossary of Terms for Thermal Physiology temperature regulation. The thermal core is distinct from
changes in heat transfer to the environment that affects the
appendages and other tissues of the body.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: 3.1.10 thermal strain, n—anydeviationofbodytemperature
induced by sustained thermal stress that cannot be fully
3.1.1 acclimation, n—physiological adaptations occurring
within an organism, which reduce the strain or enhance compensated by temperature regulation.
endurance of strain, caused by artificially or experimentally
3.1.10.1 Discussion—Thermal strain results in the activa-
induced stressful changes in particular environmental condi-
tion of thermoeffector activities that causes sustained changes
tions.
in the state of non-thermal regulatory systems. Thermal strain
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Acclimation describes the adaptive
is measurable by an increased heart rate and whole body sweat
changes that occur within an organism in response to artifi-
rate, as determined by pre and post nude mass loss.
cially induced changes in particular climatic factors such as
3.1.11 thermal stress, n—any thermal change between a
ambienttemperatureandhumidityinacontrolledenvironment.
temperature regulator and its environment, which if uncom-
3.1.2 acclimatization, n—physiological adaptations occur-
pensated by temperature regulation, would result in hyperther-
ring within an organism, which reduce the strain or enhance
mia.
endurance of strain, caused by stressful changes in the natural
3.1.11.1 Discussion—Thermal stress is often referred to as
environment.
heat stress.
3.1.3 clothing ensemble, n—a group of garments worn
3.2 IUPS Thermal Commission document was referenced
together on the body at the same time.
forthemodifieddefinitionsrelatedtothermalphysiologylisted
3.1.4 core temperature, n—the mean temperature of the
above. For terms related to protective clothing used in this
thermal core.
practice, refer to Terminology F1494.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—Core temperature is commonly repre-
sentedbyrectaltemperature,orbythemorerapidlyresponding
4. Significance and Use
esophageal temperature. Core temperature is also measured by
4.1 This practice can be used for the evaluation of the
ingested telemetric thermometers in the form of a capsule.
physiological response of a user to protective clothing en-
3.1.5 garment, n—a single item of clothing (for example,
sembles worn under controlled conditions.
shirt).
4.1.1 This practice utilizes a treadmill for the exercise
3.1.6 maximum oxygen consumption (VO ), n—the high-
2max
protocol. This method is believed to be appropriate for the
est rate at which an organism can take up oxygen during
evaluation of the majority of protective clothing ensembles,
aerobic metabolism.
especiallywheretheuserwillbewalkingorperformingsimilar
3.1.6.1 Discussion—Determination of VO requires very
2max
activities. In certain situations where a protective clothing
high motivation of the individual and is expressed in millilitres
ensemble is designed to be worn where the user is performing
per minute or as a term relative to body mass in millilitres per
specialized functions (for example, sitting or standing with
kilogram per minute. Maximum oxygen consumption is often
only arm movement), alternate exercise equipment (for
referred to as maximal aerobic power (MAP).
example, arm cycle-ergonometer) or exercise protocols should
3.1.7 metabolic rate, n—the rate of transformation of
be considered for use in determining the physiological re-
chemical energy into heat and mechanical work by aerobic and
sponse of the subject.
anaerobic activities within an organism.
4.1.2 Where evaluations include the use of personal cooling
3.1.7.1 Discussion—Metabolic rate, as with VO ,is
2max systems, refer to Test Method F2300.
commonly measured by indirect calorimetry, during long-term
4.2 This practice establishes general procedures for the
steady-state work. Metabolic rate, also referred to as energy
physiological evaluation based on the physiological measure-
expenditure, is usually expressed in terms of unit area of the
ment of core temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate,
total body surface (W/m ) or of total body mass (W/kg).
exposure time, oxygen consumption, and whole body sweat
3.1.8 protective ensemble, n—the combination of protective
rate.
clothingwithrespiratoryprotectiveequipment,hoods,helmets,
4.2.1 The data obtained can be used to evaluate the overall
gloves, boots, communication systems, cooling devices, and
physiological response of the test participant while wearing a
other accessories intended to protect the wearer from a
protective clothing ensemble.
potential hazard when worn together.
4.2.2 The data may also be used in the research and
3.1.9 thermal core, n—the deep tissues of the brain, neck,
development of advanced ensembles that are designed to
and torso, whose temperatures are not changed in their rela-
reduce the physiological strain on the wearer, thereby reducing
tionship to each other by circulatory adjustments.
the potential injury (for example, heat injury) associated with
wearingtheprotectiveclothingensemble.Workersmaybeable
to wear a protective clothing ensemble for a longer duration
The Japanese Journal of Physiology, Vol 51, No. 2, 2001. due to a reduction in the physiological strain.
F2668 − 16 (2022)
4.2.3 The data can also be used to compare similar classes 5.2 Treadmill—A treadmill shall be used with a physical
of ensembles and can be used to evaluate protective clothing structure that accommodates the smallest and the largest
ensembles as a hazard to the wearer as compared to a baseline participant safely and comfortably.
ensemble. 5.2.1 Treadmill Characteristics—The treadmill running sur-
4.2.4 In addition, the practice could also be used by con- face shall be not less than 1.8 m by 0.6 m. The treadmill shall
sensus standards organizations in the development of physi- have a calibrated analog scale or digital indicator of speed and
ological test criteria for protective clothing ensemble certifica- angle of inclination (degrees or % grade). Elevation shall be
tion. variable over a range of at least 0 to 20 % grade. The speed
shall be variable from 2 to 20 km/h in increments of 0.2 km/h.
4.3 Departures from the instructions in this practice may
The speed and incline of the treadmill shall be calibrated prior
lead to significantly different test results. Technical knowledge
to each series of tests or study. The control mechanism must
concerning thermoregulatory responses, physiological and en-
provide for error of less than 1.0 % of the testing load both
vironmental temperature measurement, and testing practices is
during the test and between tests (that is, 0.15 % grade at 15 %
needed to evaluate which departures from the instructions
treadmill grade).
given in this practice are significant. All departures must be
reported with the results. 5.3 Equipment for Measuring Body Temperature—The core
and skin temperatures shall be measured with temperature
transducers (that is, point sensors) which shall be calibrated
5. Materials
prior to use.
5.1 Controlled Environmental Chamber—Achamber that is
5.3.1 TemperatureSensors—Thetemperaturemeasurements
large enough to accommodate a treadmill, the test participant,
shall be carried out with thermocouples, resistance temperature
and at least two people at the same time.Also, the test chamber
devices (RTD), or thermistors. The sensors shall provide an
must provide uniform conditions, both spatially and tempo-
accuracy of 60.1 °C between the range of 30 to 42 °C for core
rally.
temperature and 25 to 40 °C for skin temperature. Their
5.1.1 Spatial Variations—Spatial variations shall not exceed
response time to 90 % of the value must be the lowest possible
the following: air temperature 61.0 °C, relative humidity
and less than 10 s. Skin temperature measurements shall be
65 %, and air velocity 650 % of the mean value. In addition,
takenatfour,eight,or14differentlocations.RefertoISO 9886
the mean radiant temperature shall not be more than 1.0 °C
for the location of the various measurement sites and the
different from the mean air temperature.The spatial uniformity
weighting 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
temperature sensor. Laboratories must follow specific biohaz-
above at heights of 0.6, 1.0, 1.4, and 1.8 m above the floor at
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-
able sensors are available for measurement of core tempera-
ity 65 %, air velocity 620 % of the mean value for data
ture. Disposable sensors are strongly recommended but not
averaged over 5 min.
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
between trials for the same participant and then discarded once
humidity and a repeatability of 63 % to be acceptable (for
the participant has completed all test conditions. Sensors shall
example, wet bulb/dry bulb, dew point hygrometer). At least
only be used by one individual and shall be cleaned and
one location shall be monitored during a test
...
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