Metabolic Energy Costs of USAF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Render Safe Procedures: Field Determinations
Abstract
The primary mission of the USAF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians is to render safe munition--conventional chemical, biological or nuclear--that pose a safety hazard during peacetime as well as wartime. The physical work is quite varied; a specific task may require only a few minutes with minimal physical effort, or may require many hours and be very physically demanding. This study measured the metabolic requirements of two EOD teams performing separate 'typical' render safe procedures (RSO) on a chemical bomb. Data show the average work rate was between 0.68 and 0.80 liters of O2 per min for both RSP operations. This work requirement is considered moderate-to-hard, however, the EOD technician should be capable of performing this type of work on an extended daily basis without accumulating fatigue, provided there are no other external stresses. The extended duration and acute dexterity, both mental and physical, required for successful completion of an RSP operation add a unique and intangible level of difficulty to the metabolic requirements. The data from the present study represents an estimation of the energy required to perform a typical chemical operation RSP and should be useful in making management decisions regarding work tolerance for EOD technicians.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA239042
Entities
People
- Larry P. Kroch
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory