THE PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF MICROCLIMATE SUITS

Microclimate suits have been shown to be very effective in decreasing physiological strain in hot wet environments, thus enabling men to work without risk in areas which would normally be regarded as impossible for any productive work. The fact that water complies with most of the desirable properties of a coolant material for use in a microclimate suit, encouraged the Human Sciences Laboratory to develop the ice jacket and to design it according to the most acceptable anthropometrical characteristics. The jacket consists of an inner poncho-type waist coat containing 28 water bags and over this is worn an insulating jacket which prevents loss of coolant to the environment. Suitable refrigeration units have been developed to freeze the jackets. Laboratory tests have shown that these jackets are effective for about 2.5 hours, irrespective of the wet-bulb environment, when men are working at a moderate rate. Jackets should, however, only be used in the wet-bulb temperature range of 32.5 deg to 35.5 deg C. The application of the microclimate suits is described in detail and should be followed if the best results from these units are to be obtained.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0041414X
• Corporate Authors:

  Morgan-Grampian Limited

  30 Calderwood Street
  London SE18 6QH,   England 
• Authors:
  • Strydom, N B
  • Mitchell, D
  • Van Rensburg, A J
  • Van Graan, C H
• Publication Date: 1973-9

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 480-486
• Serial:
  • Tunnels & Tunnelling International
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Progressive Media Markets, Ltd
  • ISSN: 0041-414X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Environmental quality; Human factors; Protective clothing; Subways; Tunneling
• Old TRIS Terms: Microclimate suits; Subway environment
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Environment; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00048217
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 4 1974 12:00AM