Undergraduate Research

Protecting Women Who Protect Us: Designing Female-Specific Firefighting Personal Protective Turnout Coat and Pants

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Abstract

Recognized as the standard for the size, fit, and design of firefighting turnout ensembles, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971 states, "men's and women's sizing shall be accomplished by men's and women's individual patterns". However, many firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) brands currently do not provide female-specific firefighting products. For safety, it is critical and urgent to design and develop female-specific turnout gear, particularly turnout coats and pants, as it can be challenging to perform fireground activities without properly fitted equipment. The objectives of this research are two-fold: 1) understanding female firefighters' concerns on existing turnout coats and pants using qualitative research methods, and 2) proposing new female-specific firefighting turnout coats and pants accordingly. The study summarizes difficulties firewomen experience while working in their turnout ensembles, identifies gaps within the fire service PPE market, and presents novel solutions to address female-firefighters concerns through the development of female-specific turnout gear.  

Keywords: Female firefighters, turnout gear, protective equipment, firefighting, Female Firefighters, Firefighting, Turnout Gear, Protective Equipment

How to Cite:

Graciano, C. & Wu, Y., (2022) “Protecting Women Who Protect Us: Designing Female-Specific Firefighting Personal Protective Turnout Coat and Pants”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 79(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.15967