Cardiorespiratory strain in jobs that require respiratory protection

Abstract

Twenty-one workers in the construction, foundry, shipyard, and metal industries, and nine firemen were studied in jobs that require the regular use of various industrial respirators. The subjects' heart rates (HR) were continuously recorded during 1 to 2 workshifts or during special tasks. Their oxygen consumption \((\dot V_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} } )\) and ventilation rates were measured during main work phases. The subjects' \(\dot V_{{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}} } \) were determined by a submaximal bicycle-ergometer test. In construction and industrial jobs, when a filtering device or an air-line apparatus was worn, the subjects' mean HR-values ranged from 66 to 132 beats min⁻¹, which is equivalent to a relative aerobic strain of 12 to 57% \(\dot V_{{\text{O}}_{{\text{2max}}} } \) . In smog-diving and repair and rescue tasks with self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, the corresponding mean values were 142 to 160 beats min⁻¹ and 54–74% \((\dot V_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} } )\) , respectively. The field results were compared with those measured in the laboratory with the same type of respirator. The suitability of different respirators in practical work situations was then evaluated, as were the physical qualifications required of the wearer.