ISSN: 2641-192X DOI: 10.33552/JTSFT.2020.06.

000650

Journal of
Textile Science & Fashion Technology

Review Article Copyright © All rights are reserved by Yingying Wu

Function Design of Firefighting Personal Protective

Equipment: A Systematic Review
Md Mayedul Islam and Yingying Wu*
Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies, Kansas State University, USA

*Corresponding author: Yingying Wu, Department of Interior Design and Fashion Received Date: September 14, 2020
Studies, Kansas State University, 320 Justin Hall, 1324 Lovers Lane, Manhattan,
Kansas, 66503, USA. Published Date: September 25, 2020

Abstract
Firefighting is a hazardous occupation. It has a variety of risks associated with fatal and non-fatal injuries. To protect against heat and unsafe
environment, firefighters wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), boots, helmet, and
thermal protective clothing, including coat, pants, hood, and gloves. To obtain knowledge of injuries and issues related to the functional design of
firefighting PPE, especially firefighting PPE for female firefighters, a systematic review of related literature in related disciplines was conducted. It
was found heavy and bulky turnout ensemble and inappropriate sizing system are the two dominant barriers to effective and efficient firefighting
performance. Also, research on female firefighters’ PPE is limited but highly demanded. Therefore, this review provides insights for improving
the design, fit, and functionality of future PPE. In particular, it summarizes the design and sizing issues of existing PPE products, thus providing a
valuable guide to the industry in improving future functional design and production of PPE. It also identifies critical knowledge gaps of firefighting
PPE and specified future research opportunities, such as improving the design of firefighter PPE based on gender, height, age, and the category of
firefighters.

Keywords: Firefighting; Personal protective equipment; Female firefighters; Functional design; Injuries; Safety; Performance

Abbreviations: PPE: Personal Protective Equipment; SCBA: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus; NFPA: National Fire Protection Association;
FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Introduction
structures fires, vehicle fires, brush fires, to a non-fire emergency
In recent years, multiple countries and regions worldwide, such
such as rescue calls, hazardous calls, and natural disaster as the first
as Australia and California, have experienced the deadliest and
responders in a community [4-6]. However, to perform those duties,
most destructive wildfire in their history. For instance, according
firefighters expose themselves to substantial physical risks and
to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, there
psychological stress. They deal with life-threatening situations such
were 5,924 fires reported and 1,059,583 acres were burned in
as dangerous fire suppression scenarios, motor vehicle accidents,
California from January 1, 2020 through August 20, 2020 [1]. Those
chemical hazards, burned bodies, and suicides. Additionally, they
devastating fires drew a significant amount of attention to the
experience extreme psychological stress, particularly in failed
protection and safety issues of firefighters.
rescue efforts, including knowing the victim and witnessing the
Firefighting is an occupation with societal and moral importance, death of a coworker [6,7]. Furthermore, firefighters’ strenuous
but hazardous [2]. Firefighters save not only physical property work may continue to a period of unpredictable duration under
and environment but also people’s lives and well-being [3]. Their conditions of high environmental heat strain [8-11].
duties range from responding to fire ground emergencies, including

This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License JTSFT.MS.ID.000650. Page 1 of 8
 Journal of Textile Science & Fashion Technology Volume 6-Issue 5

To enhance safety and improve performance, firefighters are Using the search strings mentioned above, related literature was
expected to constantly enhance their physical body strength and extracted from Web of Science database, which has comprehensive
wear advanced firefighting gear on duty. For example, they train peer-reviewed academic literature coverage. Primarily, 1164
on a regular basis to perform tasks that demand high muscular literature published were found without a filter of time in the Web of
performance and motor coordination, such as the clearing of debris Science database. The articles that did not address firefighting PPE
with heavy manual tools and roof work. and repetitive items extracted from more than one search strings
were removed from the review list. Based on the title’s relevance
According to the 2015 United States Fire Department Profile,
with the topic, then 111 literature were identified for abstract
there were 29,727 fire departments domestically in 2015, which
screening. Meanwhile, the researchers completed a batch of hand
had 1,160,450 firefighters in total. Seventy percent of them were
searches using Google Scholar to collect additional literature based
volunteer firefighters, and the rest of them were career firefighters
on multiple publications’ reference lists to ensure comprehensive
[10]. On the other hand, half of the firefighters are forty or more
coverage of related topics. Finally, forty-nine articles and eight other
than forty years old, and there were about 2170 female firefighters
types of literature such as reports were identified for a thorough
[10]. However, an increasing number of female firefighters have
review.
been choosing this occupation [12].
Results
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
To protect against heat and hazardous environments, Analysis of publications distributed in various journals
firefighters wear personal protective equipment (PPE), which In total, thirty-three journals published research on firefighters’
includes a helmet, boots, thermal protective clothing (coat, pants, protective equipment and the injuries related to firefighters’
hood, gloves), and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) protective gear. Ergonomics published the highest number of papers
[13]. The design and production of PPE is regulated by the National (four). National Fire Protection Association, one of the leading
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971 and 1981 standards. sources of information and knowledge regarding fire, electrical,
NFPA has standard methods for rigorous testing of firefighting and related hazards, also published four papers on related topics
equipment. The purpose of these tests is to protect firefighters from [20]. However, twenty-three journals only published one article.
flame and high heat and exposure to hazardous liquid, physical, and Meanwhile, according to the articles’ publication year extracted
electrical hazards [14]. from both the electronic database and hand search, most of the
articles were published after the year 2010. No relevant article was
The PPE is necessary for the health, safety, and performance
found before 1990 in the Web of Science database, although the
of the firefighting tasks. However, firefighters, particularly female
search was not filtered by time.
firefighters, frequently reported dissatisfaction with their turnout
gears [12,15,16]. For example, previous studies show that the Articles focusing on female firefighters
heavyweight and bulkiness of PPEs increase the risks of injuries Very few articles focused primarily on female firefighters. Only
of the firefighters and limit firefighters’ performance because it nine out of the fifty-seven reviewed publications were centering on
results in barriers to mobility and comfort [13,17,18]. female firefighters (Table 1). Varies issues of female firefighters’
Research objectives PPE were reported. It was particularly reported that it was more
challenging for female firefighters than for male firefighters to find
The purpose of this study is to systematically review published
satisfying PPE and female firefighters tended to customize and/or
literature related to 1) firefighters’ duty associated injuries, risks,
alter their PPE [12,15].
and issues in hazardous environment of firefighting, and 2) the
current advancement in the functional design aspect of firefighters’ Discussion
PPE, particularly concerns related to female firefighters’ PPE. Injuries
Another goal of this review paper is to identify research gaps and
According to a report on firefighter injuries issued by the NFPA
provide recommendations for positioning new research activities.
(2016), approximately 62,085 firefighters were injured on duty
Method in 2016. Among them, 39.2% of the injuries occurred during the
To achieve the objectives mentioned above, a systematic review, fire ground operations [21]. The top three causes of fire ground
which is “a means of identifying, evaluating and interpreting all injuries were identified as (a) overexertion or strain (27.1%), (b)
available research relevant to a particular research question, or falls, jumps, or slips (21.0%), and (c) exposure to fire products
topic area, or phenomenon of interest” was conducted [19]. The (13.6%) [21,22]. On the other hand, for several years, the NFPA has
review process started with three keywords: firefighter, female reported the sudden cardiac death as the number one cause of in-
firefighter, and personal protective equipment. These keywords line duty deaths of the firefighter [23]. According to NFPA, in 2017,
were arranged in multiple combinations by using Boolean AND’s to of the total deaths while on duty, sudden cardiac death (29 deaths)
get sophisticated search strings. accounted for most deaths [24].

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Injuries related to firefighting PPE: Firefighting PPE is critical instance, firefighters sometimes have difficulty accessing cargo
to firefighters as it protects against heat stress, hazardous chemicals, pockets while they are on duty, as the placement and design of such
gas, and physical collision [25]. Firefighters consider PPE’s safety/ pockets are not appropriate [39]. The effect of personal protective
protection, mobility, and comfort as the three most important turnout coats and pants becomes worse in wildfire activities [40].
factors when evaluating their gear [15]. To provide adequate and In wild firefighting activities, in addition to the weight of different
appropriate protections, as well as to satisfy firefighters’ physical tools and extreme adverse environments, the additional use of the
and psychological needs, the size and fit, fabrication, and design of turnout ensemble counterintuitively increases the thermal strain
a turnout ensemble should be well developed in a holistic manner. of wildland firefighter [41]. Consequently, it limits firefighters’
performance [42].
According to an estimation between November 2005 and
December 2009, there were four main reasons for firefighters’ Properly fitted clothing enhances firefighters’ ability to perform
work-related burn injuries: improper removal or dislodging of work tasks [43,44]. Too tight clothing can restrict movement, while
equipment, failure of equipment to protect the firefighter (either too loose clothing can inhibit firefighter’s movement and make
because of equipment misuse or design flaws), training errors, them more likely to sustain injuries [43]. However, it can be difficult
and burns from sweat evaporation. A study found that faulty to achieve a proper fit, if garments are not available in size needed.
equipment design and misuse often (70%) resulted in steam or hot The size and weight of the firefighter garments affect ROM to a
fluids entering the firefighters’ turnout gear in vulnerable areas of great extend [5]. For example, undersized turnout coat and pants
firefighters [26]. Various studies also identified that weak areas affect the hip flexion by reducing the average ROM for about 24%.
usually are interfaces where two pieces of equipment overlapped
Poorly fitting turnout ensembles can restrict firefighters’
or failed to overlap [26,27]. The integrity of protection in these
body movement and comfort. The protective clothing should be
interfaces is a significant issue for improving mobility, comfort, and
moderately loose-fitting, so it contains an appropriate amount of
safety. For instance, poorly-fitted pants frequently ride up above
space between the body and the garment. This type of space is
the boots, particularly when in a crawl position, exposing the calf to
the microclimate region [43], which provides a thermal layer to
heat hazards [27]. Besides, the reasons why firefighters sometimes
insulate firefighters from thermal hazards [43,44].
chose to work without PPE were also reported: (1) firefighters
felt PPE interfering with physical performance, (2) firefighters felt In terms of the turnout ensemble design, ergonomic design
donning gear might slow down a rescue, (3) firefighters were lack features such as the tail jacket, which gives participants an
of knowledge relevant to PPE, and (4) some cultural factors unique impression of lower garment weight burdens, the contoured jacket,
to the profession [28,29]. which has a higher range of motion than the traditional cut type has,
and the contoured knees which help with bending knees [31,32].
Injuries related to the bulkiness and inflexibility of PPE:
The bulkiness and inflexibility of PPE are the dominant factors of a Regarding fabrication, the coat and pants have thermal
significant number of injuries. They can limit firefighters’ mobility protective features, including a flame- or fire-retardant outer shell,
while performing firefighting tasks such as climbing ladders, a moisture barrier, and a thermal liner. This encapsulated condition
dragging hoses, and entering/exiting emergency vehicles [25,30]. can lead firefighter to heatstroke and cardiovascular malfunction,
First, the massive weight of firefighting PPE (approximately 55lb leading to firefighter deaths on duty [33].
or 22.1kg in total) intensifies firefighters’ fatigue with increased Injuries related to the PPE turnout boots: Structural
energy expenditure [17,31-33], causing stressful situation by long firefighting boots might directly or indirectly increase firefighters’
working hours and persistent sleep disorders due to prank calls fatigue and risk of injury through overuse or altering gait cycle and
(14.2% of the occurrences) [34]. Second, PPE’s bulkiness increases increasing metabolic requirements [43]. For example, researchers
blood pressure, heart rate, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases found a higher heart rate associated with wearing firefighting boots
[35,36]. It also results in a physiological strain on firefighter [36]. than wearing sneakers [45]. Besides, multiple studies reported that
For example, the massive weight causes fall-related injuries as the poor fit of turnout boot such as looseness and the high outsole
it changes firefighters’ center of gravity, flexibility, and mobility is a primary reason for changes in gait and impair safety on the fire
[37]. Third, various studies reported that the weight and design ground [27,46,47].
of PPE impair firefighters’ functional balance and limit their
range of motion (ROM) [30]. ROM refers to the range of angular Firefighting turnout boots have a negative impact on
displacement between the longitudinal axes of two adjacent body firefighters’ ROM. For example, boots height may limit firefighters
segments through which these two adjacent segments may move in bending legs [48]. Stiff materials such as ridged outsoles, metal
[38]. toecaps, and metal shanks are needed for protecting firefighters
from the collision. However, these extra attachments can constrain
Injuries related to PPE turnout ensemble: Firefighters face
the ankle movement and increase the risk of injury during landing
various problems due to the flawed functional design aspect of their
[39]. Additionally, stiff materials, together with poor construction,
turnout ensemble (coat, pants, hood, gloves) in the fire ground. For

Citation: Md Mayedul Islam, Yingying Wu. Function Design of Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment: A Systematic Review. Page 3 of 8
6(5): 2020. JTSFT.MS.ID.000650. DOI: 10.33552/JTSFT.2020.06.000650.
 Journal of Textile Science & Fashion Technology Volume 6-Issue 5

may result in faulty foot function, altered gait, and high flexing sizes. Thus, a comprehensive study of the anthropometric data of
resistance [39,45]. both male and female firefighters’ hands is necessary to improve
the sizing and fit of turnout gloves.
Leather boot and rubber boot are the most commonly used two
types of boots. Rubber boots can weigh up to 4.4 kg, which adds Injuries related to the SCBA: SCBA is essential for a firefighter
extra weight to a firefighter’s already heavy garment and equipment to work in hot and dry environments filled with debris, fine airborne
load [17] and leads to more significant muscular fatigue [49]. In particles, and limited oxygen supply [34]. It is a pressurized bottled
addition, the heavyweight rubber boots cause high metabolic rates supplier of either air, oxygen (O2) enriched air or pure O2. It may
and put a considerable burden on the firefighters due to further also induce positive pressure inside the facemask to protect against
distance from the wearer’s center of gravity [40]. Because of the inhalation of atmospheric air in the event of a facemask leak
increased metabolic rates, the firefighter wearing heavier rubber [35].
boots needs greater oxygen uptake, more significant blood lactic SCBA has a significant impact on firefighter’s discomfort and
acid, greater mechanical work production, and lower running gait due to its heavyweight. The massive weight of an SCBA has a
speed than wearing lightweight leather boots [39]. considerable effect on oxygen consumption and metabolic rate
Researchers’ recommendations for improving firefighting [35,54]. Besides, SCBA causes gait imbalance by changing the center
boots design include reducing the weight and bulkiness, as well as of mass, which increases the risk of slipping trauma and causes fall-
increasing the flexibility of firefighting boots [39]. Moreover, since related injuries [14].
firefighters have difficulty taking off boots during quick recovery, Moreover, firefighters experience restricted head and arm
two vertical zippers on both sides or a detachable design were movement, soreness of shoulder, and back pain due to SCBA. The
proposed for quick doffing and donning [48]. However, few studies impact is more significant for a firefighter with a relatively shorter
of firefighting boot focused on lowering body biomechanics and frame than a firefighter with a more extended frame. This is because
ergonomic concerns surrounding boot design. As a result, more shorter frame firefighters cannot place a SCBA further down on the
works is demanded in these areas [45]. back to avoid the helmet’s back brim from hitting the top portion of
Injuries related to the PPE turnout gloves: Turnout gloves the SCBA for ensuring neck mobility [54]. Accordingly, researchers
protect firefighters from sharp objects, fluids, flame, and heat; thus, proposed flat-pack SCBA for improving ROM, comfort, and fatigue
firefighters’ gloves need to meet specific performance requirements reduction [27].
on fit, construction, and materials such as outer shell, moisture
Besides, researchers reported issues with the shoulder
barrier, and thermal barrier [50]. In terms of fit, firefighters’ gloves
harness for carrying a SCBA. It interferes with chest motion, affects
need to fit firefighters’ multifaceted hand dimensions and shapes
breathing, and impairs ventilation and gas exchange [28]. Previous
[50], as the fit of firefighters’ gloves affects essential firefighting
researchers and designers propose a design solution to add a
operation and the protection of firefighters [50,51]. For example,
soft and wide cushion on the shoulder and hip straps, so there is
a tight-fitting glove can restrict finger circulation and increase the
a better load distribution on the trapezius muscle [35]. Moreover,
risk of burn and frostbite injuries. In contrast, loose-fitting gloves
SCBA straps hinder access to the pocket, which impedes firefighters
can hinder the accomplishment of finger dexterity and grip tasks
from reaching tools in the pockets when they need to use [27]. A
[50].
functional design project covering both the turnout ensemble and
In general, there is a lack of complex and consistent sizing SCBA needs to be carried to address this challenge.
system among manufacturers [27]. The sizing method of firefighter
Body size and physique variations
gloves contains several problems. According to NFPA (2012), glove
sizing is critical in ensuring firefighter gloves’ protection and Occupational groups, such as firefighters, have body size or
performance. However, the NFPA standard determines the gloves’ body segment measurements different from general populations
size mainly by hand lengths and girths, while the lengths and girths [54,55]. The U.S. firefighter population’s body size and physique
of individual fingers only work as supplemental measurements. are different from those of the general U.S. population [54,55].
More measurements are included in a sizing system, the greater For example, firefighters’ upper-bodies were larger than those
likelihood of achieving a good fit [52]. NFPA’s standards on gloves of the general U.S. population, suggesting firefighters require
cannot ensure the firefighter hand variations and the excellent fit. specialized sizing systems [54]. Moreover, researchers found that
Another challenge is the large accommodation range of glove sizes volunteer firefighters have less cardiorespiratory fitness than
[50]. To minimize this problem, researchers proposed a cluster- career firefighters. They have a higher obesity rate and more
based seven-size system of firefighter gloves to include both the prehypertension than career firefighters. In addition, wearing
overall size of hand and fingers as well as the breadth-to-length full PPE, including SCBA, leads to an exaggerated systolic Blood
contrast instead of a single dimension at a time [50]. Pressure and Heart Rate levels to volunteer firefighters than to
career firefighters [36].
Furthermore, gender differences were not considered in glove

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6(5): 2020. JTSFT.MS.ID.000650. DOI: 10.33552/JTSFT.2020.06.000650.
 Journal of Textile Science & Fashion Technology Volume 6-Issue 5

Besides occupations, studies showed that firefighters’ hand limited information published involving female firefighters [5,57].
dimensions are different among gender, race/ethnicity, and age This lack of diversity in the published literature is due to, in part,
groups [50]. For instance, black firefighters have more elongated difficulties accessing the relatively small population of female
hands than other race/ethnicity groups have [50]. Moreover, firefighters [57].
older firefighters have larger hands than younger firefighters [18].
Neither male firefighters nor female firefighters are satisfied
However, very few studies were conducted on the effect of age on
with their PPE, however, female firefighters are even less satisfied
other body dimensions of firefighters.
than their male counterparts [12,15,16,18,25]. Female firefighters
Age of firefighters: According to a breakdown of the 2015 U.S. tend to alter their turnout gear, but typically have difficulty receiving
fire department profile, half of the firefighters are more than 40 help when dealing with poorly-fitted gear [25]. Also, female
years old [10]. However, more than two-thirds of the firefighters firefighters also expressed psychological discomfort concerning
cannot meet the NFPA standard in their fifth decade of life. In the negative impact of wearing ill-fitted uniforms during public
addition, 43% of the female firefighters do not have the same presentations [25].
fitness level to meet the aerobic benchmark from age 45 to 54. On
Female specific PPE issues: The gender gap in the firefighting
the other hand, firefighters’ job demands on physical work capacity
occupation has resulted in institutional barriers for female
remain the same across the age spectrum [55]. According to the
firefighters [58]. Most firefighting PPE are developed based on
2017 report of firefighter fatalities in the United States, more than
male body measurements or via a unisex sizing system, leaving
half of the firefighters who died of a heart attack were older than
female firefighters to adapt to the ill-fitting sized-down versions
forty [24]. Thus, it was suggested that firefighters should increase
of men’s gear [18,25,59]. Although women are a minority group in
their physical fitness throughout their careers and do less physically
the firefighting occupation, they still deserve the same protective
demanding tasks when they are getting old [56].
equipment as their male counterparts [18]. The research found
Female firefighter: Although male and female firefighters that only 25% of North American female firefighters have access
work side by side in highly strenuous and risky conditions, there is to female-specific PPE, and only 11.5% were satisfied with it [16].
Table 1: Articles related to Female Firefighters.
Author Year Journal/Other Sources Title of the literature
Watkins ER, Walker A, Mol E, Jahnke S, Richardson
2019 Women’s Health Issues Women Firefighters’ Health and Well-Being: An International Survey
AJ
Maternal and Child
Jahnke SA, Poston, WSC, Jitnarin N, Haddock CK 2018 Maternal and child health among female firefighters in the U.S.
Health Journal
Kirlin LK, Nichols JF, Rusk K, Parker RA, Rauh MJ 2017 Occupational Medicine The effect of age on fitness among female firefighters
International Journal of Anthropometric fit evaluation of firefighters’ uniform pants: A sex
Park J, Langseth-Schmidt K 2016
Industrial Ergonomics comparison.
Firefighter hand anthropometry and structural glove sizing: A new
Hsiao H, Whitestone J, Kau T, Hildreth B 2015 Human factors
perspective
Fashion Design, Technol- Perception of firefighters’ turnout ensemble and level of satisfaction
Park H, Hahn KHY 2014
ogy, and Education by body movement
Sinden K, MacDermid J, Buckman S, Davis B, Mat-
2013 Work A qualitative study on the experiences of female firefighters
thews T, Viola C
Journal of Textile and
Boorady LM, Barker J, Lin SH, Lee YA, Cho E, Ash- Exploration of firefighter bunker gear Part 2: assessing the needs of
2013 Apparel, Technology and
down SP the female firefighter
Management
International Associa-
Hulett DM, Bendick M, Thomas SY, Moccio F 2008 tion of Women in Fire & A national report card on women in firefighting
Emergency Services

Female firefighters are more vulnerable to musculoskeletal increase in body temperature in an encapsulated turnout ensemble
injuries due to wearing ill-fitted gear, heavy and bulky equipment, [15].
typically designed for males [57]. One of the critical reasons
These gender differences also have an impact on the fit of
is that, compared to male firefighters, female firefighters, on
PPE worn by female firefighters. According to a previous study,
average, have lower body mass and weaker muscle strength. As a
about 79.7% of female firefighters experienced improper fitting
result, female firefighters, when carrying the same weight of fire
equipment, which is four times greater than male firefighters’
equipment, experience a more significant physical burden. Besides
perception of ill-fit [12]. Specifically, more than half of female
physical imbalance, this heavier physical burden can directly
respondents of this study had fitting issues regarding the gloves
cause cardiovascular malfunction and heat illness through a sharp
(57.8%), because men’s hand dimensions dominate glove design

Citation: Md Mayedul Islam, Yingying Wu. Function Design of Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment: A Systematic Review. Page 5 of 8
6(5): 2020. JTSFT.MS.ID.000650. DOI: 10.33552/JTSFT.2020.06.000650.
 Journal of Textile Science & Fashion Technology Volume 6-Issue 5

even though the correlation between hand size and the hand/finger • Design SCBA to accommodate the variations in firefighters’
breadth-to-length ratio of females is different from that of males heights. Currently, the impact of SCBA on a relatively smaller
[47,60]. In addition, about half of female firefighters had a negative frame firefighter is greater than taller frame firefighters.
experience with boots (46.8%) and turnout coats/pants (38.9%).
• Enhance volunteer firefighters’ performance and safety
Conclusion by ensuring cardiorespiratory fitness and designing PPE
The paper is a systematic review of published work on for this category of firefighters. It is reported that the major
firefighters’ duty-related injuries and issues related to the design percentage of firefighters are volunteer firefighters [10].
and size of firefighters’ PPE, focusing on female firefighters’ specific However, volunteer firefighters are less cardiorespiratory fitted
problems. This review summarized various fire ground injuries than career firefighters.
associated with the functional design and sizing of firefighting PPE • The design of PPE may follow the firefighters’ age
and highlighted literature related to a female firefighter. It also spectrum.
explored research gaps and identified future research opportunities.
Limitation
Findings
Web of science was selected as a database for this review.
This review summarized firefighters’ injuries related to their Although Web of science is an extensive database, including
PPE and the drawbacks of existing firefighting PPE. It identified scientific, engineering, social science journals, the database does not
dominant barriers to effective protection of firefighter and efficient include all related publications. Besides, only English publications
firefighting performance. The first barrier is the heavy and bulky within the Web of science were reviewed, which may exclude some
turnout ensemble, particularly heavy rubber boots and bulky SCBA. relevant articles published in other languages. Thus, this study may
The second barrier is the inappropriate sizing system, particularly not have included a few related papers.
a lack of female-specific sizing system for female firefighters
and improper sizing system of gloves [59]. Articles focusing on
Acknowledgement
male firefighters dominate the research on personal protective This research project was sponsored by USDA National Institute
equipment, even though the negative impact of PPE on females of Food and Agriculture with grant number 1018003.
is more significant than that of males. One of the reasons for the Conflict of Interest
lack of diversity is the lack of access to female firefighters in the
Authors declare no conflict of interest.
firefighting occupation.

This systematic review of the articles provides insights

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Citation: Md Mayedul Islam, Yingying Wu. Function Design of Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment: A Systematic Review. Page 8 of 8
6(5): 2020. JTSFT.MS.ID.000650. DOI: 10.33552/JTSFT.2020.06.000650.