NC_old170: Personal Protective Technologies for Current and Emerging Occupational and Environmental Hazards

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/27/2018] [09/30/2019] [10/13/2020]

Date of Annual Report: 09/27/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/02/2018 - 08/03/2018
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2018 - 09/30/2018

Participants

Attendees:
• Susan Sokolowski, University of Oregon
• Anugrah Shaw, UMES
• Hang Li, Washington State University
• Shu-Haw Lin, Hawaii
• Elizabeth Bye, UMN
• Linsey Griffin, UMN
Yingying Wu, Kansas State University
• Mary Ruppert-Stroescu, Washington University, St. Louis
• Susan Ashdown, Cornell (attended evening and day 2)
• Beverly Samuel (USDA NIFA, National Program Leader)
Virtual Attendees:
• Kristen Morris, U of Missouri
• Gang Sun, UC-Davis
• Lyn Boorady-State University New York-Buffalo
Huiju Park, Cornell University
• Juyeon Park, Colorado State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

2018 Annual Meeting Minutes.docx

Accomplishments

Anthropometric study of firefighter hands, feet and the female body: UMN, Cornell, U-Oregon, Iowa State, Colorado, SUNY-Buff, Hawaii, Missouri, Florida State, Kansas State, Washington-St. Louis, OSU Twelve collaborators in the United States have been identified to participate in the SizeFF (Size Fire Fighter) anthropometric study, including two locations in the northeast, one in the south, six in the central states, two in the west, and one in Hawaii; a collaborator has also been recruited in Europe (Portugal) to collect comparative data. The Structure handheld 3D scanner that makes this study possible is more effective if there are architectural elements in the environment, and if there are ways to stabilize and standardize the body. Therefore, standing blocks, frames for stabilizing the hands and feet for scans, and bases for poles to stabilize the arms were designed, tested, and produced and shipped to each of the study sites. Standardized physical body landmarks were also tested and produced for the study. A research relationship with Mirage 3D, an app that improves the speed, communication and storage options of the scans taken with the Structure scanner, was formalized. UMN and Cornell developed procedure and “best practice” scanning documents to ensure reliable and repeatable procedures for Size FF anthropometric survey.Video tutorials for standardized hand, foot, and body scanning process were created by UMN and Cornell, and shared with other participating states for data collection at iWomen conference (organized by International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services) in May 2018. UMN, Cornell, Oregon, Missouri, Iowa, and Colorado successfully scanned 56 female firefighters’s hands and feet at the iWomen conference. We are currently analyzing the data.   Development of procedure to study the Dynamic Hand: UMN, U-Oregon Gloves are critical personal protective equipment to perform tasks in industries such as medicine, construction, and firefighting. To ensure wearer safety, comfort, and hand function, glove design requires detailed ergonomic and anthropometric analysis of the hand in motion. UMN and U-Oregon noted the absence of a 3D hand anthropometric database, and aimed to pilot test a methodology for the creation of one that included dynamic hand positions and more comprehensive anthropometric measurements. Three hand positions were scanned and 17 dimensions were analyzed for 30 subjects. Results indicate significant measurement change for both dorsal and palmar side measurements across the three hand positions, as well as significant gender differences. The results from this study will inform the creation of a national anthropometric hand survey to inform evidence-based, user-centered, ergonomic glove design. This method has also been adapted for the Size FF protocol.   Hand Proportion and common hand-product design practice: U-Oregon, UMN U-Oregon and UMN collaborated on a study that examined common hand-product design practices.  They collected and analyzed hand scan data and compared common hand drawing proportions to hands, concluding that there are major design implications for gloves development when mis-proportioned design practices are implemented.   Hospital Gown Re-design: UMN Conducted focus group and co-design workshops with former patients at Mayo Clinic to aid in the re-design of hospital/examination garments   Design of woven garments for active body positions: Cornell Pattern development continues of pants for golfers to optimize the fit in the active position, with acceptable fit in the standing position. Alternate seam placements and materials are under development. The fit is being optimized to the fit model of our industry partner, using half scale forms in active and standing positions produced from 3D body scans.   Anthropometric study of surgeon’s hands: Cornell A study using the hand-held Structure 3D scanner is underway to study anthropometrics of surgeon’s hands, and the fit of surgical gloves. Focus group meetings are being held to discover the important issues in glove size and fit. Scans will be taken of 30 surgeon’s hands.   Use of custom half scale dress forms in apparel design: Cornell Work continues on the design and use of custom half scale dress forms made from a user’s 3D body scan in apparel patternmaking. Forms were produced for six undergraduate student’s models for their creative designs, and for clients of three professional technical designers from theatrical costume shops. Findings indicate that students who are beginning patternmakers are sometimes more successful in creating well-fitting patterns than the professional patternmakers who struggle with preconceptions about amounts of ease to add to patterns, and who can be distrustful of the effectiveness of scaling a pattern created on the custom half scale form.   Focus group interview with pesticide applicators: Cornell To identify areas of design improvement, focus group interview was conducted with both greenhouse pesticide applicators and farm workers from upstate New York. Greenhouse pesticide applicators: four males (38.8 ±5.4 years old, work experience 14.5 ±1.1years, 23.9 BMI) and 4 females (age: 44 ±5.6 years; work experience 24.3±4.0 years, 33 BMI). Greenhouse pesticide applicators participated in the study. Participants wore their respective PPG to demonstrate common working positions and highlight size, fit, mobility, donning, doffing issues and stress areas. Photo and video documentation further supplemented the questionnaire and interview data. Farm workers: Four males (age: 40.5 ± 9.7 years); work experience 14.5 ± 7.8 years, 29.6 BMI) and 4 females (age: 30.5 ± 0.5 years; work experience 4.2 ± 2.6 years, 25 BMI) farm workers applying pesticides participated in the study. Based on identified gender specific fit and size issues, need for enhanced protection in the interface, non-contaminated doffing, and improved thermal comfort, new prototypes are being developed. Development of new protective coverall for pesticide applicators: Cornell A series of sweating thermal manikin tests and human subject tests were conducted to 1) identify level of heat stress while wearing chemical protective coverall and 2) evaluate effectiveness of commercially available cooling garments that can be worn underneath the coverall. Based on the findings from sweating thermal manikin tests, currently conductive cooling device (based on peltier cooling mechanism) is being optimized to be used together with coveralls to effectively alleviate heat stress.   Other Accomplishment Summaries for Objectives 1 & 2:  HI, SUNY-Buff, CO <ul> <li>HI and Buffalo will collaborate a project improve technology to monitor firefighters’ health in fire situations and could also be used to pinpoint the location of a firefighter in distress for quick rescue.</li> <li>CO conducted a cross-cultural survey study between U.S. and Chinese firefighters to compare mobility and perceived occupational risks associated with wearing PPE.</li> <li>CO conducted a fit and comfort assessment of body armor with police officers.</li> <li>CO evaluated the effectiveness of prototyped medical PPE vs. current state-of-the-art medical PPE based on critical biofeedback.</li> </ul>   Maintenance of PPE products and Protective clothing: UMES In the United States, long-sleeved shirt and long pants are required for application of the majority of the pesticide products. When added protection is required, coveralls  (considered PPE), are worn over shirt and pants. Laundering studies were conducted by NC-170 in the 80’s and early 90’s. Since then limited research has been conducted on this topic. During that same time, there have been significant changes in the composition of detergents (phosphate-based detergents are no longer used), washing machines and wash conditions. Limited information is available on a) whether the residue levels remaining in the garment after washing are of concern, and b) recommended washing procedures for reusable garments. UMES is collaborating with institutions and other entities in France and Brazil to conduct decontamination/laundering studies. Preliminary tests to contaminate the test specimens by spraying and to simulate transfer from washed fabric as a result of rubbing were conducted. Protocol for studies to be conducted next year is being developed.   Develop/revise and implement research-based performance guidelines and standards for items and systems of personal protective equipment and protective clothing: UMES Two international standards balloted last year were approved and published as ISO/EN standards. The third standard passed as Draft Information Standard (DIS). All three standards are based on international collaborative research with UMES as the lead institution. As Project Leader, A. Shaw worked with ISO Working Groups to revise the drafts based on comments provided by member countries.   <ul> <li>ISO 27065:2017 was published in September 2017 and the EN harmonized standard was published in the Official Journal of the European Union in April 2018. New work item to amend the standard was initiated after the annual meeting held in Atlanta. The amendment includes replacement of the commercial pesticide with a dye test surrogate.</li> <li>EN/ISO 19918 was published in September 2017. This test standard is referenced in the performance standards for protective clothing and gloves.</li> <li>DIS ballot for EN/ISO 18889 (performance standard for chemical resistant gloves), passed in October 2017. Comments from member countries were addressed at the Working Group meeting in February 2018. At the meeting the decision was also made to expand the scope to include gloves for re-entry workers. Testing required to support proposed revisions was conducted in collaboration with IAC in March 2018. The results of the study were presented at the ISO meeting in April. The ISO FDIS ballot with revised scope will be submitted in September; the EN ballot with revised scope did not pass.</li> </ul> Given below are the highlights of collaborative research conducted to support standards development/revision. <ul> <li>Development of surrogate test chemical: During the revision of 27065 as an EN/ISO standard, it was recognized that a surrogate had to be developed for the 27065 ISO/EN revision to proceed. The requirements for the surrogate were: <ul> <li>Non-proprietary commercial formulation representative of a worst-case scenario for penetration and permeation testing</li> <li>Chemicals in the mixture to meet the REACH regulations with relatively simple chemical analysis</li> <li>Easy to ship internationally; no restrictions for import</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Development of the surrogate required expertise and resources not available through the ISO committee. Therefore, assistance from BASF in Germany was requested. UMES worked closely with BASF and Instituto Agronomico in Brazil to develop and validate the surrogate. Inter-laboratory permeation tests are being conducted to determine repeatability and reproducibility. Initial inter-laboratory test results showed variability that has to be addressed. UMES is working very closely with the laboratories, BASF and company that will be manufacturing the surrogate to resolve the issues. The second inter-laboratory study is scheduled to be completed by September 15.   <ul> <li>Revision of ISO 17491-4, Protective clothing — Test methods for clothing providing protection against chemicals — Part 4. UMES is working closely with the two laboratories in Japan and Brazil that are testing certified garments to compare penetration through the garments with the existing nozzle and proposed flat fan nozzle. The proposed change in nozzle is to obtain a more uniform spray pattern for whole garment testing.</li> </ul>   Objective 4: Develop novel functionality and applications of materials for PPE and health/safety solutions: CO,WA, CA-Davis   <ul> <li>CA continued development of rechargeable halamine and photo-active biocidal films, nonwoven fabrics, nanofibrous membranes and hydrogel beads for various applications including food containers and packaging materials that can provide surface self-disinfecting functions;</li> <li>CA has developed colorimetric fumigant sensors of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) and chloropicrin for protection of farm workers and local residents.</li> <li>WA developed a flexible sensor for continuous human vital sign measurement. The sensor can be modified for sensing chemicals.</li> <li>CO produced PLGA nanoparticles that included antibiotics in the core for potential drug delivery system.</li> </ul>

Publications

Impact Statements

UMES Surrogate test chemical developed in collaboration with BASF and IAC allowed the ballot process to proceed for the two performance standards. Dye surrogate, with favorable toxicological profile, makes it easier for laboratories to conduct the tests. In addition, it is easy to ship internationally.

Date of Annual Report: 09/30/2019

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/01/2019 - 08/02/2019
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2018 - 09/30/2019

Participants

Kristen Morris (Missouri; Now Colorado State)
Susan Sokolowski-University of Oregon
Huiju Park – Cornell University
Anugra Shaw-University of Maryland-Eastern Shore
Linsey Griffin – University of Minnesota
Meredith McQuerry – Florida State University
Gang Sun – University of California-Davis
YingYing – Kansas State University
Hang Liu - Washington State University
Ellen McKinney – Iowa State University
Robin Carufel – Brenau University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

NC_170_2019 Meeting Minutes.docx

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Investigate factors that impact selection, use, care, and maintenance of PPE products and protective clothing, including hand, foot, and headwear. Iowa State, MO, OR, KS, and MN collaborated to analyze transcripts of interviews of female firefighters about their gear, generating a list of key fit problems for gear manufacturers to improve upon. UMN, U-MO, U-OR, Iowa, KS, HI, FL, and Cornell developed a reliable multi-site 3D body scan data collection protocol to support an anthropometric study for Firefighters.  MO, we have contributed to Objective 1 by developing a manuscript from qualitative interviews of 35 female firefighters. This manuscript specifically addresses how using ill-fitting turnout coats and pants negatively impact female firefighter’s ability to perform their work. We have also collected 97 survey responses from both male and female firefighters that addresses the aim of Objective 1. The data has not been analyzed. UMN developed an integrated analysis of waist-hip-thigh scans captured with an Artec Eva handheld scanner. Analyzing dynamic shape change of the body and product performance requires the integration of the scanning technology and new landmarking methods. Our integration method quantifies the shape of the body by using 1D, 2D, and 3D measurements to capture the 3D complexity of the body. Understanding percentage changes of the body in different positions can suggest provide data-based design decisions for products to act as a second skin. UMN collected and analyze data from the 3dMD 4D System, and created a model for how to use 4D data in future wearable product design research. UMN created a database of over 600 participant hands that will be measured and analyzed. This will include detailed ergonomic and anthropometric analysis of the hand in dynamic positions and will improve the glove and tool design, fit, and sizing systems across industries.  Decontamination of cotton/polyester garments worn by pesticide operators was conducted in partnership with collaborators from Brazil and France. Since limited studies have been conducted on this topic, the first step was methodology development. Data from field studies was used as the basis for determining the amount of pesticide to be used to contaminate the fabric for laboratory studies. Testing to finalize spray test methodology to contaminate the fabrics was conducted in October 2019 by IAC (Brazil) and UMES.  Diluted Prowl® 3.3 EC was used as the test chemical to contaminate the test specimens. A three-step process was used to extract and analyze the active ingredient in the pesticide formulation from unwashed and washed fabric specimen. The first step was to simulate transfer of pesticide from contaminated garment (Washed and unwashed) as a result of rubbing in the presence of sweat. The second step was to extract the contaminated fabric that was rubbed to determine the maximum amount that could be removed with water/artificial sweat. The third step was extraction with solvent to determine the total amount in the fabric, calculated by adding the amount recovered in all three steps. Additional laboratory and wear studies are planned; existing data is not sufficient to draw conclusions.  UMES is collaborating with pesticide safety educators at Washington State University to conduct field studies in the US. This study is being conducted in collaboration with consortium members in France and Brazil. The protocol to be used in different was developed by UMES and finalized based on comments from collaborators. To allow comparison with laboratory data, a fabrics that was tested in the laboratory is being used for pants in the field study. Additionally, pants and shirt purchased in the US are being used for the study in the US. Extension specialists at Washington State University are responsible for selection of test subjects and completion of the field study using the questionnaire and garments provided for the study. The test subjects have been instructed to keep a log of pesticide used, days the garments were worn and washed. Upon completion of the field study, the garments and questionnaire will be shipped to UMES for analysis.  Big data analysis for understanding of impact of size of SCBA and fireboots: Cornell University performed statistical analysis of Size USA data (including 3,647 males) and NIOSH’s firefighters’ anthropometry study (including 863 male firefighters), to understand the impact of fixed size of SCBA harness, and height of fireboot regulated by NFPA1971. The findings of this analysis shows that ratio of firefighters’ torso length to SCBA cylinder length ranges 0.98 – 1.32. This means SCBA cylinder is indeed longer than firefighters’ torso, which significantly limit firefighters’ mobility of upper body and also head. This negative impacts are greater than short firefighters than tall firefighters. Considering the high correlation between calf height and foot length, and a wide range of calf height, providing more boot height options for firefighters, rather than the limited height options that are currently available, may result in fewer firefighter injuries. Development of fit adjustable turnout pants, boot liner and SCBA Harness: Based on literature review of recent studies, online market research and focus group interview, Cornell University has focused on development of fit adjustable design features specifically for female firefighters. Fit adjustable turnout pants, boots liner, and SCBA harness have been developed. Analyzing boot fit issue through 3D modeling of fireboots and gap measurements: Cornell University has collaborated with Florida State University, Oregon State University, and University of Minnesota to collect 3D scans, anthropometric measurements, and questionnaire feedback of 50 participants, 30 of which were female, with a focus on male participants of minority ethnicities at the Orange County Fire Rescue Department in Orlando, FL. Cornell University is analyzing the foot scan data. Gap between the boot and the foot surface is also being analyzed by Cornell University. Currently 3D modeling of volume inside the fireboot is being developed for further fit analysis. NY-Cornell--Design of woven garments for active body positions: Further pattern development was conducted of pants for golfers to optimize the fit in the active position, with acceptable fit in the standing position. Alternate seam placements and materials were tested on the active half scale form. The University of Oregon has been active in collaborating with the other NC-170 universities to collect 3D scans, develop methodology, analyze qualitative paper writing and acquiring equipment to aid in the effort. New project-related activities include: developing methodology for collecting FF boot interior space, methodology to spec gloves that pairs with anthropometric data, collection of female FF portable 3D scans, analysis of qualitative interview data and developing a design process for better PPE glove design. All activities relate to Objective 1 and Object 2 of the NC 170 goals. Objective 2: Assess and improve protection and human factor performance of PPE and protective clothing (including hand, foot, and headwear) through research and product development. HI and Buffalo collaborated a project improve technology to monitor firefighters’ health in fire situations and could also be used to monitor and pinpoint the location of a firefighter in distress for quick rescue. MO collected 3D hand, foot, and body scans from 54 firefighters in the Mid-Missouri region using structure sensor technology. There were 16 women and 38 men in this sample. These scans contribute to the larger goal to collect a representative sample of anthropometric data of firefighters across the United States. This data pool also provides the researchers the ability to identify differences in proportions and body measurements by gender. Objective 3: Develop/revise and implement research-based performance guidelines and standards for items and systems of personal protective equipment and protective clothing   ISO 18889, performance standard for gloves used for protection against pesticides was published in April 2019. The measurement and minimum limits for permeation of pesticides for this standard are based on international collaborative research on gloves for which UMES was the lead institution (NC-170 project).  The permeation cell was partnership with international collaborators as part of the previous NC 170 project. The testing of glove materials using the commercial pesticide chemical and surrogate was completed in September 2019 and the draft submitted to ISO for final ballot.  Due to limited resources, UMES has partnered with other institutions to conduct the research; testing was done in two labs in Brazil. <ul> <li>ISO 27065:2017 amendment, which includes replacement of the commercial pesticide with a dye test surrogate was approved as EN/ISO Draft International standard. The interlaboratory tests conducted with dye surrogate was presented at the ISO meeting and posted on the ISO WG3 website. The final draft is currently being balloted.</li> <li>Revision of ISO 17491-4, Protective clothing — Test methods for clothing providing protection against chemicals — Part 4. UMES is coordinating the interlaboratory study to compare three options proposed by laboratories to obtain a more uniform spray pattern for whole garment testing. Seven laboratories are participating in the interlaboratory study. The revised draft includes details to provide more specificity and thus reduce variability. The test coverall and fabric to be used for calibration is currently being shipped to the seven laboratories.</li> </ul> Objective 4: Develop novel functionality and applications of materials for PPE and health/safety solutions: <ol> <li>research novel materials and technologies that can provide desired functions;</li> <li>research novel textile-integrated sensing techniques</li> <li>evaluate the performance of the materials for personal protective applications</li> </ol>   CA continued development of rechargeable halamine and photo-active biocidal films, nonwoven fabrics, nanofibrous membranes and hydrogel beads for various applications including food containers and packaging materials that can provide surface self-disinfecting functions; CA has developed colorimetric fumigant sensors of methyl bromide, 1,3-dichloropropene, methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) and chloropicrin for protection of farm workers and local residents. CA revealed the nonaffinity between the behaviors of the system and its constituents and the properties of a single fabric swatch tested ex situ may not be taken as the corresponding properties of a cloth. This nonaffinity in clothing thermal comfort suggests that the primary factor impacting cloth thermal comfort is the structure (or the porosity) of the cloth, rather than the fiber type. CA demonstrated/illustrated that an attribute or quantity ending up being sensory or not entirely depends on whether initially its physical core in the ‘‘perception body’’ was cleanly extracted, eradicating the physiological and psychological connections. WA is developing flexible sensors for continuous human vital sign measurement.

Publications

Impact Statements

Iowa, MO, KS, MN, and OR: Through the qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews of 35 female firefighters, we identified specific fit problems female firefighters have with their turnout coats and pants. We built understanding of these fit problems on the ability of female firefighters to do their challenging work in a safe and stress-free manner. These fit challenges include challenges with the overall proportions of the turnout coats and pants as well as issues of length and how the turnout coats and pants fit around their body (circumference), leading to concerns about mobility and safety. In collaboration with other NC170 researchers we have analyzed qualitative data from 35 female firefighters and found evidence that female firefighters experience fit problems with their turnout coat and pants that negatively impact their mobility and safety. Poor fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) creates an unnecessary obstacle for female firefighters to perform their work.

Date of Annual Report: 10/13/2020

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/13/2020 - 08/14/2020
Period the Report Covers: 09/30/2019 - 10/01/2020

Participants

Charles Freeman
Linsey Griffin
Kristen Morris
Susan Sokolowski
Elizabeth Bye
YingYing Wu
Fatma Baytar
Huiju Park
Gozde Goncu-Berk
Juan P. Hinestroza
Shu-Hwa Lin
Hang Liu
Sumit Mandal
Meredith McQuerry
Dawn Michaelson
Gang Sun
Chunhui Xiang
Mary Ruppert-Stroescu
Anugrah Shaw