SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report
Sections
Status: Approved
Basic Information
- Project No. and Title: NC170 : Personal Protective Technologies for Current and Emerging Occupational and Environmental Hazards
- Period Covered: 10/01/2021 to 09/30/2022
- Date of Report: 10/21/2022
- Annual Meeting Dates: 10/20/2022 to 10/22/2022
Participants
Gang Sun Charles Freeman Chunhui Xiang Shu Hwa Lin Yingying Wu Elizabeth Bye Sumat Mandal Anugrah Shaw Guowen Song Dawn Michaelson Hang Liu
Accomplishments
Objective 1
With collaborators, CO developed a manuscript from data were collected from manufacturer-provided web communications regarding sizing and fit, user surveys (n = 74), and 1:1 interviews (n = 31) with U.S. female firefighters. This manuscript specifically addresses sizing and fitting process challenges experienced by female firefighter’s. COLLABORATORS: MO, CO, MN, IA, KS, OR, GA (Brenau)
OK Partially developed TASL at OSU to evaluate the protective and comfort performance of fabrics.
NY - The study on firefighters’ feet by sex and weight-bearing identified dynamic change in foot morphology that impacts comfort, fit and mobility. This data can be used to improve sizing system of fireboots for female and male firefighters.
Decontamination studies on materials used in cloth face masks quantified the impact of laundering, dishwasher cycles or microwave steam on the filtration efficiency and breathability of a range of woven, nonwoven and knit fabrics. Tightly woven cotton fabrics had unacceptably low breathability as measured by air permeability. Knit and nonwoven fabrics had the best balance of breathability and particle capture and could be suitable as layers in multilayer face masks. None of the materials tested were effective at capturing virus sized particles (0.3 μm) as a single layer filter. (Objective 1).
Objective 2
CO is currently processing body scans of female firefighters to extract body measurements. Collaborators developed the protocol for placing landmarks in the digital scan for the lower body. CO worked with KS to develop a parallel protocol for land marking the upper body. These data are landmarked and nearly ready to send off to collaborators at KS and FSU to extract measurements, develop the measurement sheet, and analyze the data.
NY - The study on facemasks developed and assessed new designs, material structure, size/fit assessment guidelines, and new realistic methods of evaluating filtration and comfort. The study on coveralls evaluated the fit of digital coveralls in static and animated poses created by 3D body scans of 35 men and women (Objectives 2 and 3).
Objective 3
WA - Met with Anugrah Shaw to discuss Washington State University’s involvement in the project. Polled contacts across the U.S. and found a program that provided information regarding categorizing hand-held applications for a global operator exposure database.
MA - Develop/revise and implement research-based performance guidelines and standards for items and systems of personal protective equipment and protective clothing. Participated in Project Group for revision of the spray test used in ISO 27065. Principal Investigator, as the Convenor of ISO/TC94/SC13/WG3 on chemical protective clothing is actively involved in the revision of other PPE standards.
Objective 4
WA has developed cotton and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based conductive fibers with intrinsically conductive polymers and fabricated both strain and chemical sensors. The sensing effects have been evaluated and the results showed promising applications for smart wearables.
MN developed a systematic process for improving the body-product relationship of mask fit. MN developed new facial anthropometry for predicting mask fit and the new measurements achieve 100% mask fit prediction accuracy for healthcare workers.
Over the last five years, MN and UO hand research has demonstrated a true need for detailed analysis of static and dynamic hand measurements. MN and UO team created a first of its kind large-scale 3D hand anthropometric database with over 800 hand scans. Exploring the application of new 3D hand data has been a top priority of the lab. We explored new technologies such as 3D simulation and digital prototyping which offer endless design opportunities for gloves and hand tools. The MN and UO anthropometric data and design research will inform functional glove and tool design for a range of fields and consumers.
KS - The work done by KS group has been centered on objective 1 & 2. The KS group investigated factors that impact the selection, use, care and maintenance of firefighting turnout coats and pants. Three-dimensional body scans of female firefighters were analyzed to understand female fighters’ body shape and size. Female firefighters’ concerns and needs of PPEs were also studies using surveys and interviews. A market analysis was also performed to understand the gap between user’s expectations/needs and what are available in the market. Besides, new designs of turnout coats and pants were developed based on the KS group’s research, and found to be of great potential for benefitting fire women.
NY - The study on wearable respiration and gait-monitoring systems can be further developed and commercialized for remote/real-time monitoring of health conditions for first responders, and vulnerable population including children and elderly citizens. (Objective 4) The study on convertible design of survival jackets made of post-use tent offers thermal protection for homeless with minimal alteration of post-use tent. (Objective 4)
OR - The University of Oregon has been actively collaborating with other NC-170 universities (Minnesota, Cornell, Florida State, Iowa State, Kansas State and Colorado State) to analyze qualitative and quantitative data and develop peer review papers to disseminate research related to female firefighter PPE (boots, gloves, coats, and pants). University of Oregon has specifically researched footwear traction characteristics for aging users indoors and outdoors, evaluated if human perception through touch can correlate with effusivity, and developed methods to landmark, measure and analyze 3D body scans with machine learning.
HI continued the work ECG on personal use and wearable sensors for monitoring health care.
FL - The study on female firefighter anthropometrics met objective one to investigate factors that impact the selection and use of protective clothing for an underserved workplace population (female firefighters). All other projects met objective two to assess and improve the performance of PPE and protective clothing for first responders, racing athletes, and vulnerable populations.
Impacts
- Colorado CO (with collaborators OR, MN, KS, IA) - Firewomen experience fit challenges when selecting turnout coats and pants, leading to concerns about mobility and safety. This research builds an understanding of specific fit problems on the ability of firewomen to do their challenging work in a safe and stress-free manner. Interview and survey data collected for the manuscript pinpointed experiences with the PPE sizing processes that led to poor fit. The data also identified previously undocumented knowledge gaps between NFPA size standards, commercialized products, and processes used by manufacturers and firehouses to fit female practitioners. With effective fire industry partnerships and future research, women can experience fewer injuries, and improved comfort, and work performance with their PPE while establishing equality with their male counterparts. Florida Conducted nationwide three-dimensional body scanning on female firefighters in relation to the fit of their PPE to produce the largest female firefighter-specific anthropometric database to date. Evaluated auto-racing suits, a sustainable tent jacket for the homeless, and structural firefighter turnout suits on a state-of-the-art sweating thermal manikin. Hawaii The development of adopting VitaSigns for monitoring firefighters has resulted in the applications in the vest for firefighters and health care applications. During the pandemic, Hawaii was experiencing the shortfall of resourcing materials and protective devices. Our goal was to provide instruction in such a way that all testing and construction could be done at home, allowing students to continue testing and making masks outside of school and opening the door for students and the community to teach others. Kansas During this reporting period, the K-State research group focused on the development of new firefighting Turnout coats and pants for firewomen. A new turnout coat and a new pair of turnout pants were designed and prototyped based on female firefighters’ body shape. The new designs, upon validation and finalization, has great potentials for a new patent and commercialization, therefore benefiting the domestic female firefighters’ onsite performance and safety to a great extent. Maryland Development of laboratory and field methods to measure decontamination and transfer of pesticide residues in garments worn by pesticide operators Methodology. The methodology can serve as baseline studies for future research. Minnesota MN has led the creation of six major 3D and 4D databases to aid in our understanding of the body-product relationship. We have collected data from over 1000 participants since 2016, utilizing hand-held, stationary, and 4D scanning systems. The landmarking, scanning, measurement, and analysis methods for each database were developed to improve the body-product relationship for specific wearable products. MN developed a systematic process for improving the body-product relationship of mask fit. MN developed new facial anthropometry for predicting mask fit and the new measurements achieve 100% mask fit prediction accuracy for healthcare workers. Over the last five years, MN and UO hand research has demonstrated a true need for detailed analysis of static and dynamic hand measurements. In 2019, the HDL team created a first of its kind large-scale 3D hand anthropometric database with over 800 hand scans. Exploring the application of new 3D hand data has been a top priority of the lab. We explored new technologies such as 3D simulation and digital prototyping which offer endless design opportunities for gloves and hand tools. The HDL anthropometric data and design research will inform functional glove and tool design for a range of fields and consumers. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional N95 respirators were in short supply in the United States, MN led an interdisciplinary team of experts in the development of new mask designs that use repurposed filtration media and commercially available components. Filtration efficiency test results showed that the filtration media can be used for high quality facemasks and quantitative fit testing demonstrated that the new mask designs could be viable alternatives to traditional N95 respirators. In fact, our research demonstrated that the MNmask fit performance was superior to several N95 respirators currently on the market. MN created a process for quickly manufacturing the mask designs, and manufacturing viability was tested by utilizing an unskilled workforce to create 6000 masks over 10 days during the pandemic. This research has continued to produce a far-reaching body of knowledge around mask design, face anthropometry and mask fit prediction, mask usability, and differences in mask fit for occupational and general use. By integrating a systems approach to design, MN research has advanced our understanding and discovery of the body-product relationship, interdisciplinary mask design research, systematic causes of sizing, fit, and safety challenges with turnout gear, organizational and systems influence on the hospital gown. MN research expands the design process for human and global systems to address product inequities and industry shortcomings. New York Conducted nationwide three-dimensional scanning on female/male firefighters’ feet in relation to the fit and comfort of their fire boots to improve sizing systems of fire boots. Developed wearable respiration and gait monitoring system by engineering stretchable fiber-optic sensors. Also developed new design, testing method and material structure to improve comfort, fit and filtration of cloth facemasks. Developed convertible jackets made of post-use tent for thermal protection for homeless. Developed methods to evaluate virtual PPE coverall fit on animated body scans. Developed methods to evaluate the fit of facemasks by using virtual prototypes. Oklahoma Oklahoma State University (OK State) mainly focused on developing a Textile and Apparel Science Laboratory (TASL). The purpose of this laboratory will be to analyze the protective and comfort performance of textile materials through bench-/full-scale equipment and modeling. Oregon The University of Oregon has been actively participating on the NC-170 project with scanning/anthropometric research, data analysis, paper writing and conference presentations. Washington The development of side-by-side wet-spun conductive fibers has opened up a new technology paradigm to manufacture unspinnable polymers into fibers. The strain and chemical sensors fabricated from the side-by-side conductive fibers have great potential applications in smart wearables.
Publications
Cao, Q., Kim, S.C., Ou, Q., Chung, H.Y., Chen, W., Durfee, W., Arnold, S., Hillmyer, M., Griffin, L., & Pui, D., (2022) A Study on Common Respirator and Face Mask Materials Regarding Filtration Performance and Fiber Shedding Behaviors. Journal of Separation and Purification Technology. Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4132447. [5337]
Cloet, A. G, *Griffin, L., Yu, M. G, & Durfee, W. (2022) Design considerations for protective mask development: A remote mask usability evaluation. Applied Ergonomics. 102, 103751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103751 [9470]
Cloet, A. G, Yu, M. G, & *Griffin, L. (2022). Activity and Usability Evaluation of Alternative Protective Face Mask Designs. Accepted in Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. [4584]
Du Puis, J., Goodge, K., Forstenhausler, L., Maher, M., Frey, M., Baytar, F., & Park, H. (2022). Cloth Face Mask Fit and Functionality for Children 4-6 Years Old – Part I: Design Exploration, Fashion and Textiles, 9(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40691-022-00287-8
Galada, A. & Baytar, F., Developing a prediction model for crotch length measurement to improve bifurcated garment fit and enable mass customization (In Press). International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology
Goodge, K., Maher, M., Du Puis, J., Park, H, Baytar, F., & Frey, M. (In Press). Cloth Face Mask Fit and Functionality for Children 4-6 Years Old – Part II: Materials, Fashion and Textiles.
Goodge, K.; Frey, M. Cloth Face Coverings: Effect of Decontamination Method on Fabric Performance. AATCC Journal of Research 2022. https://doi.org/10.1177/24723444221132051
Griffin, L., Cloet, A. G, & Bye, E. (Fall 2022) A model for compression textile design considerations based on dynamic female body measurements. In K. Nimesh (Editor), Compression textiles for medical, sports, and allied applications, Taylor and Francis. [8380]
Griffin, L., Juhnke, B. G, Pokorny, C. G, Seifert, E. G, Savvateev, E. G, & Yu, M G. (Accepted, In Press) The Body-Product Relationship for Aging Women Examined through the Lens of Functional Anthropometry, [Special Issue on Anthropometrics]. Ergonomics in Design: The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications. (Accepted, in press) [5730]
Griffin, L., Yu, M. G, Cloet, A. G, Arnold, S., Carlson, N., Hillmyer, M., Ou, Q., Pei, C., Cao, Q., Pui, D., Franklin, R., and Durfee, W. (2022). Protective masks utilizing non-endangered components. ASME. J. Med. Devices. 16(1): 015001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4053720 [6126]
Jo, J., Sokolowski, S., McQuerry, M., Griffin, L. & Park, H. (2022). Firefighters’ feet: differences by sex and weight-bearing. Applied Ergonomics, 102, DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103753
Jo, J., Xu, A., Mishra, A. K., Bai, H., Derkovorkian, A., Rabinovitch, J., Park, H., & Shepherd, R. (2022), Advanced Materials Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202200437
Lin, S., Boorady, L. M., & Pate, S.S. (2022). "The Current and Future Use of RFID by Apparel Retailers," SSRG International Journal of Polymer and Textile Engineering, 9(3), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.14445/23942592/IJPTE-V9I3P101
Lin, S., Boorady, L., & Kang, J. (2022). Experiencing body scan and computer simulation virtual fitting. International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology. 10 (7), 21-29. https://doi.org/10.14445/22312803/IJCTT-V70I7P105
Liu, W., Chang, Y. C., Zhang, J., & Liu, H. (2022). Wet-Spun Side-by-Side Electrically Conductive Composite Fibers. ACS Applied Electronic Materials, 4(4), 1979-1988.
Liu, X., Wu, Y., & Wu, H. (2022, July). Machine Learning Enabled 3D Body Measurement Estimation
Using Hybrid Feature Selection and Bayesian Search. Applied Sciences.
Mandal, S., Song, G. (2022) Characterizing steam penetration through thermal protective fabric materials. Textiles, 2(1), 16-28.
Mandal, S., Song, G., & Grover, I. B. (2022). Modeling of hot-water and steam protective performance of fabrics used in firefighters’ clothing. Fire and Materials, 46(2), 463-475.
Mazumdar, N., Mandal, S., Agnew, J. R., Petrova, A., Boorady, M, L., Song, G. (2022). Characterizing the tensile Strength of the fabric materials used in firefighters’ protective clothing under radiant heat exposure. Polymers, 14(2), 296.
Mazumdar, N., Mandal, S., Boorady, M, L., Knoepfli, K. (2022). Homemade textile-based masks during COVID-19 pandemic – An Innovative Solutions to Meet Needs of the Residences in an US Community. International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI) Annual Conference Proceedings Fashioning Resurgence, 23, 41-47.
McQuerry, M. & Easter, E. (2022). Wildland firefighting personal protective clothing cleaning practices in the United States. Fire Technology, 58(3), 1667-1688, DOI: 10.1007/s10694-021-01212-z (Impact 2.239)
McQuerry, M., Easter, E., & Cao, A. (2021). Disposable versus reusable medical gowns: a performance comparison. American Journal of Infection Control, 49(5), 563-570, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.10.013 (Impact 2.294)
Moraes, A.S.P., Carvalho, M.A.F., Boldt, R.S., Ferreira, F.B.N., Ashdown, S.P., Griffin, L. (2022). Firefighters’ Anthropometrics: A Comparison Between Two Portuguese Fire Brigades. In: Black, N.L., Neumann, W.P., Noy, I. (eds) Proceedings of the 21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association. IEA 2021. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 223. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-74614-8_12 [3778]
Morrissey, M., Casa, D., Brewer, G., Adams, W., Hosokawa, Y., Benjamin, C., Grundstein, A., Hostler, D., McDermott, B., McQuerry, M., Stearns, R., Filep, E., DeGroot, D., Fulcher, J., Flouris, A., Jacklitsch, B., Jardine, J., Lopez, R., McCarthy, R., Pitisladis, Y., Pryor, R., Schlader, Z., Smith, C., Smith, D., Spector, J., Vanos, J., Williams, W.J., Vargas, N., & Yeargin, S. (2021). Heat safety in the workplace: modified delphi consensus to establish strategies and resources at the organizational level to protect U.S. workers. GeoHealth, 5(8), 1-32, DOI: 10.1029/2021GH000443 (Impact: 4.53)
Pettys-Baker, R. G, Smith, J. U, Clarke, M. G, Cook, E. G, Xiong, B. U, Yu, M. G, & *Griffin, L. (2022). A contemporary investigation into anthropometric dimensions and applications for design 70 years after the publication of "The Average Man." Accepted in Proceedings of the Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics 2022. [3808]
Psikuta, A., Sherif, F., Mert, E., Mandal, S., Annaheim, S. (2022). Clothing air gaps in various postures at firefighters work. doi: 10.1007/s00484-022-02391-2 International Journal of Biometeorolgy.
Riedy, R. & McQuerry, M. (in revision). Thermal comfort analysis of auto-racing suits using a sweating thermal manikin. Journal of Industrial Textiles (14 pages)
Sokolowski, S. L. & Zou. (2022). Workflow Analysis to Understand Ease of Importing, Stitching and Dressing Existing N95 Mask Patterns with Current 3D Apparel Modeling Software Programs for Sizing and Fit. International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). DOI: 10.31274/itaa.13487
Sokolowski, S. L., & Bettencourt, C. (2022). Understanding Footwear Traction Performance to Reduce the Risk of Outdoor Falls and Improve Mobility for the Aging Population. Interdisciplinary Practice in Industrial Design, 48, 108-116. DOI:10.54941/ahfe1002022
Sokolowski, S. L., Searcy, J. A., Calabrese, D., and Zou, Y. (2021, October). Exemplar 3D Faces and N95 Pleated Mask Measurement Comparison by Sex and Race. Proceedings of
Sokolowski, S., Griffin, L., Wu, Y., McKinney, E., Morris, K., & Bettencourt, C. (2022). Examination of current U.S. female firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) sizing and fitting process challenges: an opportunity to improve fit. Fashion and Textiles, 9 (40). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40691-022-00314-8
Sokolowski, S., Griffin, L., Wu, Y., McKinney, E., Morris, K., & Bettencourt, C. (Accepted, In Press). Examination of current U.S. female firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) sizing and fitting process challenges: An opportunity to improve safety. Fashion and Textiles. [9921]
Sokolowski, S., Marks, M., Park, H., Griffin, L., & McQuerry, M., (2022). Visual, volumetric and anthropometric measurements comparisons between boot interior and 3d foot scans to improve firefighters safety. Interdisciplinary Practice in Industrial Design, AHFE International, 48, 91-99, DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1002020 (Impact: 1.49)
Sokolowski, S., Park, H., Griffin, L., & McQuerry, M. & Tuttle, J. (2022). Visual, volumetric, and anthropometric measurements comparisons between boot interior and 3D foot scans to improve firefighters safety. Interdisciplinary Practice in Industrial Design, AHFE International, 48, 91-99, DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1002020
Sokolowski, S., Park, H., Griffin, L., McQuerry, M., & Tuttle, J. (2022). Visual, Volumetric and Anthropometric Measurement Comparisons Between Boot Interior and 3D Foot Scans to Improve Female Firefighter Safety. Accepted in Proceedings of the Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics 2022.[3135]
Sokolowski, S.L., Karolidis, E., Hakimian, A., Ackermann, S. (2022). Measuring Cool Touch of Key Sports Performance Apparel T-Shirt Materials Using a Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS) Sensor to Inform Future Technology Development. In: TMS 2022 151st Annual Meeting & Exhibition Supplemental Proceedings. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series. Springer, Cham. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92381-5_126
Song, H.K., Baytar, F., Ashdown, S. & Kim, S. (2021). 3D anthropometric analysis of women’s aging bodies: upper body shape and posture changes. Fashion Practice, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1080/17569370.2021.1879463
Yu, M. G & Griffin, L. (2022). A Pilot Study of Healthcare Workers’ Experience With Personal Protective Equipment. Accepted in Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. [3865]
Yu, M. G & Griffin, L. (2022). User-Centered Design of a Face Shield for Healthcare Workers. Accepted in Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. [3549]