Procedure for Determining Dimensional Allowances for PPE Using 3D Scanning Methods

The article describes the importance of dimensional allowances, which are a consequence of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for work safety. The method of 3D scanning was proposed for determining the dimensional allowances which has been preliminary validated. Two geometric solids (a cylinder and a cuboid) were used to approximate the minimum space around the person using PPE. The solids are a simplified representation of the silhouette of a human subject performing activities in a confined work environment. They also correspond to the typical shapes of access openings and confined spaces, reflecting the real working conditions of welders, firefighters, mine rescuers, and other rescue teams. A detailed analysis of dimensional allowances for a full welding PPE set is provided. Based on the adopted parameters: the dimensions of the body, the base area and the volume, the differences in the dimensions of the body of a person dressed in underwear and in PPE were compared. The results of the presented studies indicate a significant role of dimensional allowances in interactions between persons wearing PPE and the work environment. The results are planned to be implemented in a new anthropometric atlas of human’s measures used for ergonomic design.