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1

Self-Rated Physical Loads of Work Tasks Among Firefighters

Lindberg A. S., Malm C., Oksa J., Gavhed D.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2014

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Vol. 20, No. 2

309--321

EN

Objectives. The present study sought to identify firefighters’ rated physical demands for the most frequently occurring work tasks and to determine if the ratings differed between full-time and part-time firefighters to help create a basis for the development of physical employment tests for firefighters. Methods. An extensive questionnaire was completed by 125 and 68 firefighters in 2000 and 2010, respectively. The data were analysed with the Mann–Whitney U test and binominal test and ranked on the basis of the responses in each category. Results. Significant differences were seen between the full- and part-time firefighters. The work tasks rated as the most physically strenuous in terms of aerobic fitness, muscle strength, work posture and body control by most respondents were smoke diving upstairs (carrying a hose), victim rescue in different ways, carrying a stretcher over terrain and pulling a hose. Conclusions. Physically strenuous work tasks should be included in the end-point performance variables used to select physical performance tests for firefighters. The part-time firefighters with no experience in several of the work tasks suggests that work-related exercises are important if both groups of firefighters are expected to do similar work.

2

Effectiveness of a Light-Weight Ice-Vest for Body Cooling While Wearing Fire Fighter’s Protective Clothing in the Heat

Smolander J., Kuklane K., Gavhed D., Nilsson H., Holmer I.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2004

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Vol. 10, No. 2

111--117

EN

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of wearing an ice-vest (ca 1 kg) on physiological and subjective responses in fire fighters. The experiments were carried out on a treadmill in a hot-dry environment. The physical cooling effect of the ice-vest was measured with a thermal manikin. The ice-vest effectively reduced skin temperatures under the vest. On average, heart rate was 10 beats/min lower, the amount of sweating was reduced by 13%, and subjective sensations of effort and warmth were lower during work with the ice-vest compared to work without it. Thermal manikin tests indicated that the useful energy available from the vest for body cooling was rather high (58%). In conclusion, the ice-vest reduces physiological and subjective strain responses during heavy work in the heat, and may promote efficient work time by 10%.

3

Validation of Methods for Determination of Metabolic Rate in the Edholm Scale and ISO 8996

Giedraityte L., Holmer I., Gavhed D.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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2001

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Vol. 7, No. 2

135--148

EN

The aim of this study was to validate the Edholm scale (Edholm, 1966) and the ISO 8996 standard (International Organization for Standardization [ISO], 1990) by comparing the metabolic rates estimated for both methods with the actual measured metabolic rate (MMeas) in 6 manual material handling tasks simulated under laboratory conditions. The metabolic rate was calculated from oxygen consumption VO2 (19 participants) according to Standard No. ISO 8996 (ISO, 1990). Additionally, the participants estimated perceived exertion using the Borg scale. The metabolic rates derived from the Edholm scale (MEdh) overestimated 5 of 6 activities by 34–50% (< =.05). The metabolic rates derived from ISO 8996 (MISO) overestimated all activities by 7–38% (< =.05).