Portuguese firefighters anthropometrics: A preliminary comparison with portuguese workers

Abstract

Personal Protective Equipment protects firefighters against multiple hazards. The fit and comfort of such equipment are directly related to proper sizing systems which in turn depend on accurate anthropometric data. To present design solutions to the equipment used by Portuguese firefighters, a study designated as Size FF Portugal – Anthropometric Study of Firefighters is currently underway. Forty-four firefighters participated in a pilot study conducted in a fire brigade in the North of Portugal. This paper contrasts preliminary anthropometric data of participants with an anthropometric database of Portuguese workers. Results of the Student T-test at 95% confidence level show significant differences between the stature of Portuguese male firefighters and Portuguese male workers. On the contrary, the weight of male firefighters and workers do not present significant differences. In the case of women, differences between workers and firefighters’ weight and stature are not observed. A discussion of the results and final considerations are presented.