Protective clothing helmets

Beyond the usual mechanical and electrical performances, this review also points out the emergence of other original properties, like the remarkable capability of some nanotube/PVA composites to absorb mechanical energy and shape memory phenomena that differ from traditional behaviors of other polymers. These features are opening new investigation fields, in which several fundamental questions will have to be solved. But they also offer new opportunities for a variety of applications like smart or protective clothing, helmets, bullet proof vests, or active composites. 

Overalls special requirements (flame retardant, antistatic), frequency of laundering Protective clothing suits, spats, armlets, helmets, gloves for specific applications, footwear (industrial and/or antistatic)... 

Personal Protective Clothing Clothing and equipment such as coat, boots, pants, helmet, gloves, and breathing apparatus drat shield the body from heat, smoke, fumes, and other harmful conditions. 

As a precaution should fire occur, the workers should be provided either with protective helmets, equipped with a fresh air supply, or with masks and absorbers, and they should also wear protective clothing of asbestos or thick wool. If a violent fire occurs, the building must be evacuated, since to remain in an atmosphere containing a high concentration of nitrogen dioxide, even for a short time, is very dangerous. This is discussed in more detail on p. 407. 

PERSONAL PROTECTION use asbestos protective clothing and face protection flame-resistant gloves are also recommended, as well as flame retardant jackets and pants use insulated footwear and safety shoes wear protective helmets and vented safety goggles workers should be supplied with appropriate respiratory equipment. 

PPE is defined as aU equipment which is intended to be worn or held to protect against risk to health and safety. This includes most types of protective clothing and equipment such as eye protection, safety helmets, safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and safety harness. It does not include ear protectors and respirators which are covered by separate existing regulations. 

Examples of composite materials and hybrid structures having unique cut resistance and energy absorption properties in protective clothing and personal protection equipment (helmet, knee protection panel, gloves, protection curtains, protection tent and shield, etc.) are discussed in this section. 

PPE may be divided into six main categories according to the part of the body they protect (Berry et al., 2008) eye and face, head, foot and leg, hand and arm, body, and ear. It includes protective clothing, gloves, steel toe boots, respirators, hard hats, helmets, goggles, face shields, earplugs, earmuffs, flotation vests, and harnesses. Key trends in PPE product development can be associated with three main drivers users needs, the request for global systems, and the impact of environmental conditions (Mlynarek et al., 2013). 

The issue with this type of superimposed layer strategy is that it creates a bulky and heavy protective clothing system, with a negative impact of comfort, ergonomics, and function. The same problem stands with other types of PPE, for example, helmets, boots, etc. On the other hand, if the PPE material or layer can combine several functions and protect against the whole list of hazards associated with a type of activity, for example, through the use of smart materials, gains in comfort and efficiency can be made (Peltonen et al., 2012). 

A major use of Kevlar is in rigid and soft body armour protective applications. Kevlar fabric is bullet and fragment resistant, lightweight, flexible and comfortable, has excellent thermal properties, is resistant to cuts and chemicals and is flame resistant and self-extinguishing. The uses include bulletproof vests, chainsaw leg protection and military uses for helmets and armoured vehicles, cargo containers, armour shields and cockpit doors. Kevlar and Nomex fabrics are used in the construction of flame-resistant protective clothing used in petroleum and petrochemical operations, by utility workers, NASA astronauts, racing drivers and their crews, the military and any industry where there is a chance of flash fire exposure or electric arc flash or blast. 

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