1. Optimization of firefighters’ protective ensemble for female firefighters in terms of physiological comfort through modifications of materials, construction and fit School of Fashion and Textiles Student : Ms Nazia Nawaz Supervisor: Dr. Olga Troynikov

2. RMIT University©2010 3D Anthropometric Database TRIAL PROJECT - School of Fashion and Textiles 2 The fit of the garment and air gap size between human skin and inner surface of clothing is a key factor to understand the human body heat loss because the heat loss efficiency of thermal protective clothing is affected by entrapped air gaps. (Torvi D. A. 1999). Heat transfer between clothing and environment is a complex process. Air entraps between clothing and human skin and also in the weave of the fabric and a plays a major role affecting heat transfer through multiple layers of protective ensemble. The entrapped air also resists convective heat losses by preventing convection currents from next to skin. Air is one the best insulators due to its low thermal conductivity which is a barrier for the skin to transfer energy (Krasny 1986). The air gap size between body and garment is not distributed evenly due to size and geometry of human body and it may be in direct contact with skin in some areas whereas hanging loosely in others (Behnke 1984; Camenzind, Dale et al. 2007). Therefore the proposed research of my Ph.D. project aims to modify and improve existing firefighters’ protective ensemble to design an innovative protective ensemble for female Australian firefighters with improved thermophysiological comfort to them because presently in Australia there are no specific designs that are used for females. Male and female firefighters are using the similar design, construction and fit but obviously females’ body geometry is different from males and they need different designs and styles to feel comfortable. Introduction Nazia Nawaz Ph.D. Student RMIT University Australia.

3. If you participate in the RMIT Research project to develop female Australian Firefighters’ protective jacket it is important that you understand what is involved. The factors are: Your participation in the project is voluntary. The body scanner’s structured light technology is harmless. Your data is stored by a non-identifiable code. Your images are non-identifiable. Your data will not be added to the database without your consent. You can request the Project Leader to remove your data at any time. It is estimated that the process will take approximately 45 minutes of your time. Once agreeing to participate you need to be aware of the following steps. 1.What underwear to wear for scanning 2.Registration 3.Change room protocols 4.Manual measurements 5.The scanning process 6.Your scan and your final consent What to expect

4. RMIT University©2010 3D Anthropometric Database TRIAL PROJECT - School of Fashion and Textiles 4 1. What underwear to wear As you will be scanned in your underwear, to produce a quality scan please wear comfortable underwear according to the “DO WEAR” list. DO WEAR  Light coloured underwear: white, beige, grey. Soft cup or T-Shirt bras. Smooth body fitting underwear. Dark coloured underwear: black /dark blue, contrast patterns, textured lace. G-strings or baggy undershorts. DON’T WEAR 

5. RMIT University©2010 3D Anthropometric Database TRIAL PROJECT - School of Fashion and Textiles 5 2. Registration On arrival at the scan studio (Building 512) you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. As your information is anonymous and confidential, your answers and body scan will be recorded by a non-identified code. At all times there will be 1 scan operator and 1 scan assistant present (2 females or 1 female and 1 male).

6. RMIT University©2010 3D Anthropometric Database TRIAL PROJECT - School of Fashion and Textiles 6 3. Change room protocols Next you will be shown to a change room and given a bathrobe to wear. You will be scanned in your underwear.

7. RMIT University©2010 3D Anthropometric Database TRIAL PROJECT - School of Fashion and Textiles 7 4. Manual measurements To help capture a quality image it is necessary to make sure your hair does not cover the back of your neck. You will be given disposable hair accessories to make sure your hair is pulled away from your neck. It may also be necessary to place paper dots/strips to LANDMARK important body points such as chest/bust, waist, hips etc. Land marking will be done by the principal investigator using measuring tape and sticky tape to mark at the specified point.

8. RMIT University©2010 3D Anthropometric Database TRIAL PROJECT - School of Fashion and Textiles 8 5. The process Scanning: Next you will be shown to the scanner room where the scanner booth is located. The booth is a similar size to a change room. It has a curtain to block out light. The scanner operator remains outside the booth at all times. While standing in the scanner booth with the curtain drawn, you have complete privacy. Once entering the scanner booth you will be asked to remove your bathrobe and place it outside the scanner booth. The scanning sequence will only begin when you are ready. You will be scanned wearing a firefighters’ protective jacket and once in your underwear. The scan sequence takes approximately 12-15 seconds and you will be asked to remain as still as possible while your image is captured. The operator will scan you 5 times to obtain the statistically reliable measurements. You remain in the scan booth while the 3D image is generated and checked. Once the scan operator approves the image you can exit the scanner in the bathrobe and view your image.

9. 5. The process (Continued) Photography A photo will be taken of you wearing firefighters’ protective jacket from front, and side views. These photos will not be used in any of the thesis/reports without your written consent and will only be kept as a reference of your body posture within the RMIT network. RMIT University©yyyy School/Department/Area 9

10. RMIT University©2010 3D Anthropometric Database TRIAL PROJECT - School of Fashion and Textiles 10 6. Your scan You will be shown your 3D image in cloud view and given a printout with your scanned image and extracted measurements to keep. 1. Cloud point - reduced body data 2. Printout - extracted measurements 1..

11. RMIT University©2010 3D Anthropometric Database TRIAL PROJECT - School of Fashion and Textiles 11 7. Your final consent Your anonymous data will only be included in the database when you have signed the consent form. All data is stored in a secure location within the RMIT University Network systems. These systems provide high levels of manageable security and data integrity. Please be aware that: Your data will not be added to the database without your consent. You can request the Project Leader to remove your data at any time. Thank you for your interest in the RMIT Research project to develop female Australian Firefighters’ protective jacket Any questions please contact Dr Olga Troynikov, Research Project Leader, ph 9925 9108 Ms. Nazia Nawaz, Research Project Investigator, ph 9925 9484