Optimizing Protective Clothing Design for Hot Outdoor Environments

Abstract

Thermal manikin tests were performed on selected protective garments to assess their heat transfer properties during exposure to infrared heat radiation. Comparing a newly developed Infrared (IR) Heat Radiation attenuatuion vest with a standard winter jacket, it could be seen that that the IR Vest provided a thermal comfort benefit above a heat radiation exposure level of 150 Watts while the winter jacket provided a thermal benefit above a 450 Watt heat radiation exposure level. The study identified important temperature cross-over points which define the thermodynamic properties and also characterize the heat radiation attenuation and heat insulation properties of garments. The evaluation method is seen as a new design tool for optimizing garment comfort and safety.