EFFECTIVENESS OF PROTOTYPE COLD WEATHER FACE MASKS FOR MILITARY ACTIVITIES

• Main Author: McGinnis, John M
• Other Authors: QUARTERMASTER RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMMAND NATICK MA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1957
• Subjects: Protective Equipment; *PROTECTIVE MASKS; COLD WEATHER OPERATIONS; COUNTERMEASURES; EXPOSURE(PHYSIOLOGY); EYEGLASSES; FIELD TESTS; MILITARY PERSONNEL; POLAR REGIONS; TESTS; Arctic
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0149222; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0149222

Quartermaster research on protection of the face against cold and wind was surveyed, and the use of two new face masks (Coldbar and Wood-Hafferty) by men engaged in a variety of military activities under severe conditions of windchill was studied. Information was secured concerndng the need for face protection, military requirements for face masks, desirable and undesirable characteristics of masks studied, their effectiveness under various conditions, and improvements needed. The Wood-Hafferty mask, despite flaws in design, construction, and performance is highly acceptable to operators of open engineering equipment, tank commanders, telephone linemen, and men preparing for demolition work; it markedly increases their effectiveness under severe conditions of windchill. The Coldbar Arctic Face Mask is preferred by gunners who are very active physically while testing ammunition. Both masks materially increased the effectiveness and comfort of their wearers.