Performance of Soldiers Executing Vehicle Maintenance Tasks Under Various Conditions of Mask Wear.
Abstract
In an attempt to obtain information on field operational effectiveness during respirator wear alone, 7 soldier groups of 4 completed preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) on an M998 vehicle under conditions of mask and no mask wear during field exercises. Mask wear conditions were selected to obtain performance time data under best, moderate, and worst cases of encumbered vision and communications that a respirator could reasonably impose upon a wearer. Volunteers also rated perceived exertion levels required to perform PMCS tasks and provided subjective feedback concerning what factors of mask wear were most important to them for completing the assigned tasks. Average performance times did not differ significantly between any of the experimental conditions. Self-ratings of perceived exertion were significantly greater for the masked conditions compared to control, but no differences between the different mask concepts were observed. Independent of mask wear condition, the mask factors of visual clarity, focused vision, hearing, and speaking were considered to be most important to subjects for completing PMCS tasks. These results quantify how masks designed with moderate to extreme reductions in visual field and communications capabilities may alter performance of vehicle maintenance tasks under field conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA323527
Entities
People
- David M. Caretti
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center