Fit of fire boots: Exploring internal morphology using computed tomography scan

Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2023 Aug 18:1-28. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2023.2247765. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAbstractFit of fire boots is a crucial factor in the safety and performance of firefighters on the hostile fireground. Firefighters have reported that ill-fitting fire boots restrict their lower body movement and sometimes cause very dangerous situations by falling off behind the wearer. By using computed tomography (CT), this study demonstrated the potential to quantify and visualize the fit of fire boots, which previously relied on subjective feedback from the wearers. The high-resolution 3D models of two fire boot products allowed a detailed observation and measurement of the internal space of the boots. Also, the boot's internal dimension was compared to the foot measurement of local firefighters, showing the significant differences between the two boots. Lastly, simulation wrapping the 3D scanned foot with the boot revealed large void spaces around the toe box and ankle, as well as the narrower ball width of the boot than the foot.PMID:37596795 | DOI:10.1080/10803548.2023.2247765
Source: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics - Category: Occupational Health Authors: Source Type: research