Analysis of Station Wear Selection Worn Underneath a Structural Firefighter Turnout Ensemble
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The first national meeting of textile and clothing professors took place in Madison, Wisconsin in June 1959. With a mission to advance excellence in education, scholarship and innovation, and their global applications, the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) is a professional and educational association of scholars, educators, and students in the textile, apparel, and merchandising disciplines in higher education.
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Abstract
Clothing worn under a firefighter turnout suit, known as station wear, contributes to the thermal protection of the overall ensemble. Depending on the fiber content and fabrication it may also contribute to burn injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of materials, design, selection, and use for NFPA 1975 certified and non-certified station wear garments in relation to thermal stability and burn protection. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify gaps in the current body of knowledge. A nationwide information gathering questionnaire was administered to firefighting personnel to address the personal selection, use, and educational awareness of station wear certification. Over 1,800 completed questionnaire responses were received. Two overarching factors of importance that participants prioritized when considering selection and design were cost of certified garments and clothing comfort. The majority of firefighters indicated they were not wearing a NFPA-certified garment for thermal protection.