Evaluating the Correct Usage, Comfort and Fit of Personal Protective Equipment in Construction Work

Abstract

Several factors contribute to the use, non-use, or inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in construction work. This study aimed to analyse correct usage of various PPE, such as helmet, ear protectors, goggles, respiratory mask, gloves, protective clothing, and a safety harness. Correct usage was assessed as guessability, which refers to human perceptions of how to don, adjust, use, and doff the equipment as intended. First an analytical evaluation was conducted using ECW (enhanced cognitive walkthrough) and PUEA (predictive use error analysis) to identify usability problems and use errors during handling. Then usability tests were performed with 13 persons of different heights and body constitutions. Observations, the think-aloud method, short interviews, and subjective estimations were employed. The analytical evaluation revealed most minor usability problems and use errors resulting in physical discomfort. Some safety harness-related errors emerged, particularly for novices, potentially leading to severe incidents. The usability tests demonstrated physical as well as functional discomfort when using a combination of PPE, intensifying over time. The combination of goggles and face mask caused pressure, chafing, heat rash and limited vision. The helmet, combined with goggles and ear protectors, did not fit well, and caused pressure. The guessability for donning and wearing the combination of PPE was moderate, requiring time for proper adjustment. The guessability of the safety harness was poor, lacking design cues for donning, adjusting, and positioning on skeletal bones. Physical discomfort arose when straps were overly tightened. Not all straps could be adjusted for some body constitutions, compromising safety. In conclusion, using several types of PPE together may lead to physical and functional discomfort and pain over time, potentially resulting in misuse, non-use, or reduced performance. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for redesigning PPE, particularly for scenarios involving combined usage.

Keywords: Personal Protective Equipment, Discomfort, Guessability, Usability Tests, Construction

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004812