Science, Technologies, Innovations №2(38) 2026, 63-70 p

https://doi.org/10.35668/2520-6524-2026-2-07

Prysiazhniuk V. V. — PhD in Engineering, Senior Researcher; Institute of Scientific Research on Civil Protection of the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, 21, Vyshhorodska Str., Kyiv, 04074, Ukraine; prysiazhniuk_vitalii@nuczu.edu.ua; ORCID: 0000-0002-9780-785X

Semychaievskyi S. V. — Senior Researcher, Institute of Scientific Research on Civil Protection of the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, 21, Vyshhorodska Str., Kyiv, 04074, Ukraine; semychaievskyi_serhii@nuczu.edu.ua; ORCID: 0000-0002-2413-5386

Yakimenko M. L. — Researcher, Institute of Scientific Research on Civil Protection of the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, 21, Vyshhorodska Str., Kyiv, 04074, Ukraine; yakimenko_mykhailo@nuczu.edu.ua; ORCID: 0000-0003-4988-8015

Osadchuk M. V. — Researcher, Institute of Scientific Research on Civil Protection of the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, 21, Vyshhorodska Str., Kyiv, 04074, Ukraine; osadchuk_maksym@nuczu.edu.ua; ORCID: 0000-0002-4584-3541

Sydorenko V. L. — D. Sc. in Engineering, Professor; Leading Researcher, Institute of Scientific Research on Civil Protection of the National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, 21, Vyshhorodska Str., Kyiv, 04074, Ukraine; sydorenko_volodymyr@nuczu.edu.ua; ORCID: 0000-0002-4584-486X (сorrespondence author)

ERGONOMIC INDICATORS OF FIREFIGHTERS’ PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: RATIONALE FOR THEIR EVALUATION

Abstract. The article substantiates the need to conduct research aimed at determining and assessing ergonomic quality indicators of firefighter protective equipment in accordance with the European classification and modern approaches to the evaluation of personal protective equipment. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of structural elements of protective equipment in order to improve its effectiveness during operation by operational units of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. The main structural parameters that should be taken into account when assessing ergonomic indicators are identified to ensure an adequate level of protection and to reduce the negative impact on the health of firefighters and rescuers during the performance of assigned tasks. The main quality indicators and criteria used for the assessment of ergonomic properties of firefighter protective equipment are presented. It is established that the key ergonomic indicators include wearing comfort, reliability and functionality of fasteners, clarity and visibility during work, compatibility with other personal protective equipment, freedom of movement, and proper fit. It is determined that the assessment of ergonomic properties is carried out through practical testing of protective equipment involving the performance of typical firefighting and rescue activities. The main reasons for declaring firefighter protective equipment unacceptable based on the results of ergonomic testing are identified.
The results of ergonomic studies of firefighter helmets conducted by American scientists are presented. Deficiencies in the current regulatory documents regarding the regulation of ergonomic testing of firefighter and rescuer helmets, firefighter gloves, hoods, and protective and heat-reflective firefighter clothing are revealed. Directions for further research aimed at improving the requirements for the quality indicators of these products and developing national standards of Ukraine harmonized with European standards at the IDT (identical) level are outlined.

Keywords: ergonomic indicators, structural elements, protective equipment, firefighter protective clothing, firefighter and rescuer helmet, ergonomic properties, firefighter hood, fire and rescue units, firefighter gloves.ergonomic indicators, structural elements, protective equipment, firefighter protective clothing, firefighter and rescuer helmet, ergonomic properties, firefighter hood, fire and rescue units, firefighter gloves.

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