US EPA

3646854 

Journal Article 

Heat Stress Associated with the Use of Tyvek Coveralls in Asbestos Removal Inspection 

Griffith, DA; Reddan, W; Schmitz, W 

1992 

HUMAN FACTORS SOC INC, SANTA MONICA, CA (USA) 

NIOSH/00217455 

1 

733-737 

English 

A study was conducted on the development of heat stress with the use of Tyvek containment suits in asbestos (1332214) removal inspection. Physiological measurements were taken from volunteers who participated in exercise tests while wearing the suits. Heart rates and oxygen consumption were higher in subjects tested under conditions which consisted of a temperature of 32.2 degrees-C, relative humidity of 60%, and relative workload of 20 or 40% compared with those tested at 22.2 degrees-C, relative humidity of 50% and workloads of 20 or 40%. Wearing the protective suits resulted in an increase in rectal temperature, heart rate, average heat stored, and average sweat loss. The level of heat stress while wearing the suit appeared to be affected by the ambient temperature. The authors recommend adding between 6 and 11 degrees to the calculated ambient wet bulb globe temperature before using American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists guidelines for work rest ratio determination while wearing Tyvek coveralls. 

DCN-217260; Protective clothing; Heat stress; Physiological response; Heat exposure; Thermoregulation; Thermal effects; Body temperature; 1332-21-4