Comparison of physiological and subjective strains of two protective coveralls in two short physically simulated demanding tasks.

A total of 15 physically active male students carried out a normalised task (T(N)) and a task of access by ladder and scaffolding (T(L)) in two impermeable protective coveralls and a reference sports wear to compare the physiological and subjective strains. Heart rate (HR) was recorded and sweat loss was checked. Subjective evaluations of comfort parameters, acceptable exposure durations and physical exhaustion were recorded at the end of the tasks. Results show that both protective clothing, compared to the sport wear, increase significantly HR, RPE and CR10 in both tasks. However the strains of both protective clothing are not significantly different except in sweat loss and cumbersomeness.