Fashion & Textile Research Journal (한국의류산업학회지)

The Society of Fashion and Textile Industry (한국의류산업학회)
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Mobility and Thermal Comfort Assessment of Personal Protective Equipment for Female Healthcare Workers: Impact of Protective Levels and Body Mass Index

감염병 대응 개인보호복의 동작성 및 열적 쾌적성: 보호 수준 및 여성 착용자 체격의 영향

  • Do-Hee Kim (Research Institute for Human Ecology, Seoul National University) ;
  • Youngmin Jun (KOTITI Testing & Research Institute) ;
  • Ho-Joon Lee (Department of Fashion and Textiles, Seoul National University) ;
  • Gyeongri Kang (Department of Fashion and Textiles, Seoul National University) ;
  • Cho-Eun Lee (Department of Fashion and Textiles, Seoul National University) ;
  • Joo-Young Lee (Research Institute for Human Ecology, Seoul National University)
  • Received : 2024.01.15
  • Accepted : 2024.01.25
  • Published : 2024.02.29
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Abstract

This study aimed to assess the mobility and thermal comfort of personal protective equipment (PPE) among female healthcare workers, taking into account wearers' physique and PPE protection levels. A total of 16 participants (age: 26.3 ± 8.3 y, height: 161.5 ± 7.3 cm, body weight: 57.1 ± 11.0 kg, BMI: 21.9 ± 3.6), representing diverse body types, underwent four PPE conditions: L (Low_Plastic gown ensemble), M (Medium_Tyvek 400), H (High_Tyvek 800J with Powered Air Purifying Respirator [PAPR]), and E (Extremely high_Tychem 2000 with PAPR, Bib apron, and Chemical-resistant gloves). The mobility protocol consisted of 10 different tasks in addition to donning and doffing. The 10 tasks were repeated twice at an air temperature of 24.3 ± 0.1℃, 59±4%RH. Findings revealed a disproportionate relationship between PPE protection and wearer discomfort. Significant differences in clothing microclimate and total sweat rate were observed between the lowest (L) and highest (E) protection levels (p < 0.01), while distinctions among medium levels were inconclusive. Subjective evaluations favored conditions H and L over M and E (p < 0.05), indicating reduced heat, and humidity, increased comfort, and lower exertion. Instances of mobility discomfort, specially in the small body type group, underscored the need for a suitable PPE size system for Korean adult female medical workers. Furthermore, enhancements in gloves, shoe cover, and PAPR hood designs are essential for improving ease of movement and preventing hindrance.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구에서 진행한 실험에 피험자로 참여해 주신 분들께 감사의 인사를 전합니다. 이 논문은 산업통상자원부 국가기술표준원 한국산업기술평가관리원 국가표준기술력향상사업(과제번호 20017330) 및 한국연구재단 과학기술정보통신부의 기초연구사업(2022R1A4A5034046)의 지원을 받아 수행되었습니다.

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