4.1 This practice can be used for the evaluation of the physiological response of a user to protective clothing ensembles worn under controlled conditions.

4.1.1 This practice utilizes a treadmill for the exercise protocol. This method is believed to be appropriate for the evaluation of the majority of protective clothing ensembles, especially where the user will be walking or performing similar activities. In certain situations, where a protective clothing ensemble is designed to be worn where the user is performing specialized functions (for example, sitting or standing with only arm movement), alternate exercise equipment (for example, arm cycle-ergonometer) or exercise protocols should be considered for use in determining the physiological response of the subject.

4.1.2 Where evaluations include the use of Personal Cooling Systems refer to Test Method F2300.

4.2 This practice establishes general procedures for the physiological evaluation based on the physiological measurement of core temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate, exposure time, oxygen consumption, and whole body sweat rate.

4.2.1 The data obtained can be used to evaluate the overall physiological response of the test participant while wearing a protective clothing ensemble.

4.2.2 The data may also be used in the research and development of advanced ensembles that are designed to reduce the physiological strain on the wearer thereby reducing the potential injury (for example, heat injury) associated with wearing the protective clothing ensemble. Workers may be able to wear a protective clothing ensemble for a longer duration due to a reduction in the physiological strain.

4.2.3 The data can also be used to compare similar classes of ensembles and can be used to evaluate protective clothing ensembles as a hazard to the wearer as compared to a baseline ensemble.

4.2.4 In addition, the practice could also be used by consensus standards organizations in the development of physiological test criteria for protective clothing ensemble certification.

4.3 Departures from the instructions in this practice may lead to significantly different test results. Technical knowledge concerning thermoregulatory responses, physiological and environmental temperature measurement, and testing practices is needed to evaluate which departures from the instructions given in this practice are significant. All departures must be reported with the results.