ASTM F 2300 : 2004

1.1 This test method covers the physiological measurement of internal body core temperature, skin temperature, thermal exposure time, heart rate response, oxygen consumption, and whole body sweat rate, to assess the effectiveness of Personal Cooling Systems in reducing the effects of thermal stress.

1.1.1 To increase safety during physiological testing, this dynamic test requires the use of human participants who exhibit specific health and physical fitness requirements.

1.2 This test incorporates the use of protective clothing ensembles (outer garments) used in conjunction with or worn over top of the PCS. This scope is therefore oriented to industrial rather than athletic applications.

1.2.1 The effectiveness of different PCS will be quantified with the same protective clothing ensemble. Therefore, the physiological values obtained apply only to the cooling systems, the particular protective outer garment, and the specific test conditions.

1.2.2 When a protective outer garment is not provided, this test method requires that PCS shall be tested with the standard outer garment defined within this test method.

1.2.3 The present standard does not attempt to determine important clothing characteristics, such as thermal insulation and evaporative resistance, of the PCS or of the garments worn with the PCS. Test Method F 1291 can be referenced for clothing measurements.

1.3 The values stated in this test method shall be SI units.

1.4 It is the responsibility of the test laboratory to obtain the necessary and appropriate approval(s) required by their institution for conducting tests using human participants.

This test method does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this test method to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.