Heat tolerance during uncompensable heat stress in men and women wearing firefighter personal protective equipment. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Renberg, Julie; Lignier, Maxime Jeanovitch; Wiggen, Øystein Nordrum; Færevik, Hilde; Helgerud, Jan; Sandsund, Mariann
• Is Part Of: Applied ergonomics. Volume 101(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Core temperature -- Occupational health -- Sex differences; CHS compensable heat stress -- HOTT occupational heat tolerance test -- HTT heat tolerance test -- MR metabolic rate -- NLIA Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority -- SS sensation of shivering and sweating -- TC thermal comfort -- TS thermal sensation -- UHS uncompensable heat stress; Human engineering -- Periodicals; 620.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103702
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-6870

Abstract

Abstract: Firefighters run a risk of heat strain during occupational tasks. The number of female firefighters has been increasing, but research relevant to this group is still scarce. We aimed to investigate whether there are any sex differences in heat tolerance or physiological responses during uncompensable heat stress while wearing firefighter personal protective equipment. Twelve female (28 ± 7 years, 66 ± 5 kg, 51.7 ± 4.7 mL kg −1 min −1 ) and 12 male (27 ± 7 years, 83 ± 8 kg, 58.8 ± 7.5 mL kg −1 min −1 ) participants performed walking (maximum of 60 min) at 6W·kg −1, 40 °C, and 14% relative humidity. No differences were observed between groups in heat tolerance, rectal temperature, heart rate, percent body mass loss, thermal sensation, and rate of perceived exertion. Thus, when personnel are selected using gender-neutral physical employment standards, sex is not an independent factor influencing heat tolerance when wearing firefighter personal protective equipment during uncompensable heat stress. Highlights: Firefighters run a risk of heat strain during occupational tasks. Sex differences in heat tolerance during uncompensable heat stress was examined. No differences in heat tolerance were observed between women and men. Large individual differences in heat tolerance were observed for both sexes. This study supports occupational heat tolerance testing for firefighters.