Body Armor Measurement and Fit Workshop April 27, 2016

Big Picture of Body Armor Male-Gender Neutral vs. Female Body Armor Field Issues ASTM Standard E3003 - Body Armor Wearer Measurement and Fitting of Armor How Can You Tell if Your Body Armor Fits? Help with Fit Issues

Big Picture of Body Armor

Focus for Today

Male-Gender Neutral vs. Female Armor Which is which?

Male/Gender Neutral vs. Female Armor Flat (planar) Structured (nonplanar)

Issues Seen in the Field Consistent findings: No instruction on donning or adjusting vest to the body No understanding of good coverage No assessment to determine if the vest fits or not No recourse if vest has poor coverage No engagement of manufacturers in fit (or lack of fit) 1. This officer received this vest with no instructions on how to put it on, how to adjust it or how to determine if it fit well. She wears her old armor because this one is so uncomfortable. It appeared that the vest was positioned too high on the body.   The shoulder straps were found to be only ~4 inches in length and obviously not long enough to allow the armor to be properly positioned. The shoulder straps were released, and the armor was lowered ~ 6 inches into its proper position. The officer said the armor was comfortable in that position. The officer stated that she was never asked how her armor fit nor given the opportunity to voice her complaint. 2. This officer expressed a concern that her armor did not cover her well and that it stood away from her torso in the abdomen area. The officer was wearing an armor labeled as M (medium), but it appeared that the armor was a size too small. She was with a colleague who had a larger armor of the same model. We borrowed the larger armor and placed it on the officer. This armor fit better but was slightly too large. The officer appears to be between a medium and a large vest. Additionally, the officer has no coverage on the sides and lower torso; she also has a large gap in the breast area. 3. This officer has insufficient coverage on the sides and lower abdomen. This armor is indicative of many that were seen at the conference: insufficient coverage and poor fit.

Standard is available for free to law enforcement officers. ASTM Standard E3003, Body Armor Wearer Measurement and Fitting of Armor How to make proper measurements Comparing wearer measurements to body armor measurements Describes characteristics of well-fitting armor Brochure available (next slide) Standard is available for free to law enforcement officers.

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How Can You Tell if Your Body Armor Fits?

Also in Brochure …

How Can You Tell if Your Body Armor Fits? Personal Armor Fit Assessment:

How Can You Tell if Your Body Armor Fits? Personal Armor Fit Assessment:

Help with Fit Issues Ask for help – we can provide: Answers to questions Printed and electronic resources Contacts with experts in fitting Connection with ASTM E54.04 Subcommittee on Personal Protective Equipment Volunteer to participate in future studies

Join the Efforts! Debra Stoe National Institute of Justice debra.stoe@usdoj.gov Cassy Robinson National Institute of Standards and Technology casandra.robinson@nist.gov

Background Such as: Labeling NIJ 0101.06 Threat Levels (Go to) NIJ Compliant Products List (Go to)

NIJ Standard-0101.06 Threat Levels (Go Back)

NIJ Compliant Products List – Sample (Go Back)