• 한국화재소방학회논문지
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.45-51
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• 2010

본 논문은 공기호흡기 사용실패 유형과 원인을 생산자에 대한 정부규제와 고객에 대한 정부규제의 문제점을 중심으로 분석한다. 전자의 경우 용기 및 공기호흡기의 안전검사 기준의 한계점 분석이고, 후자의 경우 사용자관리자의 유지관리 및 폐기처분 규정의 한계점 분석이다. 개선방안으로는 수거검사와 수집검사를 확대, 폐용기 처리 결과 감시확인 절차의 투명성 강화 등이 있다.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제9권4호
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• pp.468-472
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• 2018

Background: Firefighters are required to use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which impairs ventilatory mechanics. We hypothesized that firefighters have elevated arterial $CO_2$ when using SCBA. Methods: Firefighters and controls performed a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer and two graded exercise tests (GXTs) at 25%, 50%, and 70% of their maximal aerobic power, once with a SCBA facemask and once with protective clothing and full SCBA. Results: Respiratory rate increased more in controls than firefighters. Heart rate increased as a function of oxygen consumption ($V_{O_2}$) more in controls than firefighters. End-tidal $CO_2$ ($ETCO_2$) during the GXTs was not affected by work rate in either group for either condition but was higher in firefighters at all work rates in both GXTs. SCBA increased $ETCO_2$ in controls but not firefighters. Conclusions: The present study showed that when compared to controls, firefighters' hypoventilate during a maximal test and GXT. The hypoventilation resulted in increased $ETCO_2$, and presumably increased arterial $CO_2$, during exertion. It is proposed that firefighters have altered $CO_2$ sensitivity due to voluntary hypoventilation during training and work. Confirmation of low $CO_2$ sensitivity and the consequence of this on performance and long-term health remain to be determined.

• ETRI Journal
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.1046-1055
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• 2023

We introduce a display for virtual-reality (VR) fire training. Firefighters prefer to wear and operate a real breathing apparatus while experiencing full visual immersion in a VR fire space. Thus, we used a thin head-mounted display (HMD) with a light field and folded optical system, aiming to both minimize the volume for integration in front of the face into a breathing apparatus and maintain adequate visibility, including a wide viewing angle and resolution similar to that of commercial displays. We developed the optical system testing modules and prototypes of the integrated breathing apparatus. Through iterative testing, the thickness of the output optical module in front of the eyes was reduced from 50 mm to 60 mm to less than 20 mm while maintaining a viewing angle of 103°. In addition, the resolution and image quality degradation of the light field in the display was mitigated. Hence, we obtained a display with a structure consistent with the needs of firefighters in the field. In future work, we will conduct user evaluation regarding fire scene reproducibility by combining immersive VR fire training and real firefighting equipment.

• 한국화재소방학회논문지
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• 제26권5호
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• pp.8-12
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• 2012

본 연구는 소방공무원이 착용하는 소방용 공기호흡기(SCBA)가 신체에 미치는 영향을 분석하여 소방공무원의 안전을 위한 기초자료 제공을 목적으로 한다. 연구결과 소방용 공기호흡기를 착용한 경우가 반바지를 입은 경우보다 평균피부온도(7 %), 심박수(28 %), 운동자각도(65.4 %), 대사당량(70.7 %) 등이 통계적으로 유의하게 높게 나타났으며(p<.05), 호흡수는 유의하지 않았다. 이상의 연구결과 소방용 공기호흡기의 착용은 신체에 과중한 부담을 미치는 것으로 판단된다.

• 한국기계가공학회지
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• 제17권6호
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• pp.164-169
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• 2018

In this study, we solved the human hazard problem of aluminum liner by applying plastic PET liner which is widely used as a material for food and beverage containers in the market. In order to reinforce dome area by using low strength / high elongation plastic liner, The aluminum boss was covered on the plastic liner surface. In order to predict the performance of the developed product, the structural analysis was carried out by applying the three - dimensional laminated solid element, and the soundness of the product was verified through the prototype performance test.

• 한국의류산업학회지
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.635-645
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• 2015

This study analyzed the range of motion of upper body in different configurations of firefighters' protective clothing and equipment. The purpose of this study was to understand the influence of firefighters' protective clothing and equipment over upper body motion in order to improve design of firefighters' protective clothing and equipment. 12 firefighters' upper body range of motion was analyzed while performing standing and walking trials in five different garment configurations including turnout ensemble, fire boots and the self-contained breathing apparatus. Analysis of upper body range of motion included spinal joints of L5S1, L4L3, T1C7, and C1Head. During standing trials, garment configurations caused a significant difference in range of motions at joints of L5S1, L4L3, T1C7, and C1Head. Analysis on the mean of range of motions at L5S1 and L4L3, showed that firefighters' waist bent forward significantly to a greater extent while they wore a self-contained breathing apparatus. A significantly increased range of motion was found for T1C7 and C1Head while carrying a self-contained breathing apparatus, which indicated an increase in the extension of the trunk and neck backward to stand upright and look squarely. A significant difference in range of motion was also found for L5S1 and L4L3 during walking trials.

• 한국기계가공학회지
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• 제18권12호
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• pp.1-6
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• 2019

Aluminum liners used in cylinders are hazardous for human health. In this study, we use a plastic PA liner inside cylinders to solve this problem. Plastic PA liners are widely used in the manufacturing industry in the production of food and beverage containers. We covered the aluminum boss with a plastic liner material and wound the composite fibers over the liner material. To reinforce the dome area, we used low strength / high elongation plastic liner. To predict the performance of the developed product, we conducted structural analyses utilizing the 3D laminated solid element. We verified the soundness of the product by testing the prototype.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.315-325
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• 2022

Background: Firefighters are required to carry self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This study assessed the newly recruited firefighters' internal forces and potential musculoskeletal disorders when carrying SCBA. The effects of SCBA strap lengths were also evaluated. Methods: Kinematic parameters of twelve male subjects running in a control condition with no SCBA equipped and three varying-strapped SCBAs were measured using 3D inertial motion capture. Subsequently, motion data and predicted ground reaction force were inputted for subject-specific musculoskeletal modeling to estimate joint and muscle forces. Results: The knee was exposed to the highest internal force when carrying SCBA, followed by the rectus femoris and hip, while the shoulder had the lowest force compared to the no-SCBA condition. Our model also revealed that adjusting SCBA straps length was an efficient strategy to influence the force that occurred at the lumbar spine, hip, and knee regions. Grey relation analysis indicated that the deviation of the center of mass, step length, and knee flexion-extension angle could be used as the predictor of musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: The finding suggested that the training of the newly recruits focuses on the coordinated movement of muscle and joints in the lower limb. The strap lengths around 98-105 cm were also recommended. The findings are expected to provide injury interventions to enhance the occupational health and safety of the newly recruited firefighters.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.236-240
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• 2010

This study demonstrates the use of a chemical containing potassium superoxide (KO2) to convert carbon dioxide (CO$_2$) in air to oxygen (O$_2$). A oxygen generating closed-circuit SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) removes carbon dioxide by a chemical reaction with potassium dioxide that consumes the carbon dioxide and produces oxygen. Considering the disasters, there is a need to develop strategies to enable the introduction of self-contained self rescuers (SCSR). The potassium superoxide reacts with the wears breath to produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. If the respiration rate of a person is 5 MET (metabolic equivalent), to say 30 L/min, at disaster such as fire, mass of potassium superoxide was evaluated as 33.3 g with yield and safety factor. Four researchers tested on a laboratory treadmill breathing through SCSRs in a closed circuit, it appears useable for 9 minutes.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.509-516
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• 2020

Background: Meta-analyses have shown firefighters to be at an increased risk of several cancer types. Occupational carcinogen exposure may explain these increased risks. This study aims to describe Norwegian fire departments' work conditions from 1950 until today, focusing on factors relevant for potential occupational carcinogen exposure. Methods: With the help of a reference group, we developed a questionnaire on topics related to occupational exposure to carcinogens for the period 1950-2018. Selected Norwegian fire departments provided department-specific responses. Results: Sixteen departments, providing fire services for 48% of the Norwegian population as of 2019 and mainly consisting of professional firefighters, responded to our questionnaire. The introduction of synthetic firefighting foams, more regular live fire training, the introduction of chemical diving, and a higher number of diesel-driven fire service vehicles were identified as changes thought to increase exposure to occupational carcinogens. Changes thought to decrease exposure included the switch from negative to positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatuses, the use of self-contained breathing apparatuses during all phases of firefighting, the use of ventilating fans during firefighting, increased attention to flammable materials used during live fire training, increased attention to handling and cleaning of turnout gear and other equipment, and installment of exhaust removal systems in apparatus bays. Conclusion: Norwegian fire departments' work conditions have seen several changes since 1950, and this could influence firefighters' occupational carcinogen exposure. A peak of carcinogen exposure may have occurred in the 1970s and 1980s before recent changes have reduced exposure.