FIELD TESTING OF FACIAL PROTECTIVE DEVICE IN ANTARCTICA

• Main Authors: NEILSEN, Arne G., Perlitsh, Max J., Allenworth, Thomas M.
• Other Authors: NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH LAB NEW LONDON CT
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1963
• Subjects: Protective Equipment; *PROTECTIVE MASKS; METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA; RESPIRATION; ANTARCTIC REGIONS; COLD WEATHER TESTS; EYEGLASSES; Antarctic; Byrd; Byrd Station; Hallett; Hallett Station; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0639179; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0639179

Face masks were tested under field conditions at Pole Station, McMurdo, Byrd Station, and Hallett Station. Weather conditions varied from temperatures of +4F, 30 knots wind, daylight but cloudy to -75F, 17 knots wind and night. The face mask keeps the wearer's face warm and will provide protection to the eyes from cold and glare. Observers comments are as follows: (1) Limited field of vision. (2) Inability to wear glasses with mask. (3) Excessive resistance to breathing. (4) Collection of condensation and/or mucus on face side of mask with the subsequent leakage of these fluids from lower edge of mask and freezing or running down neck. (5) Mask makes communication (speaking or hearing) difficult. (6) Proper and comfortable fit of mask to all wearers is difficult. (7) Having a beard reduces the efficiency of the mask, but two of observers that had no beards reported lower part of the mandible getting cold. (8) Inability to wear some types of issue hats/caps with the mask.