Thermal comfort performance testing methods

The guarded hot-plate method can be modified to perform dry and wet heat transfer testing (sweating skin model). Some plates contain simulated sweat glands and use a pumping mechanism to deUver water to the plate surface. Thermal comfort properties that can be deterrnined from this test are do, permeabihty index (/ ), and comfort limits. PermeabiUty index indicates moisture—heat permeabiUty through the fabric on a scale of 0 (completely impermeable) to 1 (completely permeable). This parameter indicates the effect of skin moisture on heat loss. Comfort limits are the predicted metaboHc activity levels that may be sustained while maintaining body thermal comfort in the test environment. 

In this chapter, issues in personal thermal protection are discussed, focusing on the needs of workers in selected sectors energy (oil and gas), electrical, other industry sectors, and both structural and wildland firefighting. The important protection concerns for workers in each sector are discussed, followed by a discussion of potential trade-offs between thermal protection and thermal comfort. Clothing issues such as fit, comfort, and other ergonomic factors are briefly discussed. Recent developments in protective textile materials are followed by a diseussion of serviceability concerns, including durability and maintenance. A review of international performance standards is followed by a summary of the development of test methods to assess protection from heat, flame, hot liquids, and steam. Issues for future development of technical textiles for personal thermal protection are then discussed briefly. 

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