Patterning of Objective and Subjective Responses to Heat Protective Clothing Systems Part 2 Subjective Measurements of Comfort

Abstract

The criteria for selection and use of protective clothing, particularly with respect to protection from high radiant heat, are both objective and subjective. Part 2 of this study examines subjective responses to clothing. Five fabrics commonly used in protective workwear were made into overalls of identical design and evaluated by adult males in a simulated work environment. Subjective evaluations of humidity sensation in the leg microclimate at set times during the exercise/rest protocol did not differ significantly with respect to the five overalls and differed significantly among subjects only after the full exercise period had elapsed. High positive correlations were found between subjective humidity sensations and objective measurements. Subjective thermal sensations taken at three different body regions did not enable discrimination among overalls. Subjects tended to rank garments similarly. Subjective thermal sensations did not pattern objective thermal data; thus when measuring two parameters (humidity and thermal responses) subjectively and objectively, discrimination among overalls was not possible.