Cel The research sets out to develop optimum methods of measurement for the determination of all the physiological reactions of wearers of respiratory protective equipment. consequently, it aims to: 1) gather information on the relationship between effort and stress associated with the wearing of respiratory protective equipment; 2) determine the maximum length of time these devices should be worn, on the basis of this information; 3) establish criteria for assessing the aptitude of those who are to wear this equipment, on the basis of the results obtained in 1) and 2).Preliminary investigations will be carried out to determine which respiratory protective equipment and which types of filter are used in the iron and steel industry. When the categories of respiratory protective system have been determined, the most frequently used equipment will be studied in the laboratory with the relevant factors being varied. The research which is to be carried out using this information should allow the comparative assessment of the influence of different respiratory protective systems on subjects' physiological stress. Particular attention will also be paid to "new generation" equipment. In order to put the results to practical use, it will be necessary to take account of the dirt on the filter; this will be ascertained by measurement taken at the workstation. New filters whose airway resistance action has already been measured will be distributed at preselected. Typical workstations and measured again after a given period of use. These measurements will allow characteristic resistance curves to be determined, in terms of the length of time the equipment is worn and the workstation, i.e. the substances to be filtered. METHODS AND MEANS BY WHICH THE AIMS ARE TO BE ACHIEVEDAs human respiration fits a sinusoidal flow-volume time curve, the use of "artificial lungs" permits the pressure patterns or airways resistance of respiratory protective devices to be determined; Characteristic curves can thus be established for specific equipment and filters. In order to assess the stress resulting from wearing respiratory protection, two influential factors must be studied; firstly, the protection system, which determines respiratory resistance and, secondly, the difficulty of the work which affects ventilation. Effort and stress will be assessed during both work and the recovery phase according to the following physical parameters; heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory volume, inspiration and expiration pressure, oxygen uptake and CO2 release. On the basis of these results, additional specific tests will be carried out to determine the maximum permissible length of time respiratory protection equipment can be worn. Workers" suitability ratings will be calculated using ergometric and pulmonary functiont tests. Program(-y) ECSC-MEDRES 5C - Fifth medical research programme (ECSC) "Protection of workers against risks arising from work in the coal and steel industries", 1988-1992 Temat(-y) Data not available Zaproszenie do składania wniosków Data not available System finansowania CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Koordynator Bergischen Universität Wkład UE Brak danych Adres Corneliusstr. 31 42329 WUPPERTAL Niemcy Zobacz na mapie Koszt całkowity Brak danych
