Technical textiles for personal thermal protection
This chapter reviews recent literature on textiles for personal thermal protection. The focus is on the needs of workers in selected industry sectors including energy (oil and gas) electrical and others, and both structural and wildland firefighting. Important protection issues for workers in each sector are covered, as well as potential trade offs between thermal protection and thermal comfort. Garment fit and other ergonomic factors influencing comfort are also considered. The review includes developments in protective textile materials and serviceability issues, including durability and maintenance. International performance standards are discussed briefly followed by a summary of the development of test methods to assess protection from heat, flame, hot liquids, and steam. Issues for future development of technical textiles for personal thermal protection are presented.