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Volume 14, Issue 3 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics-In Press 2026)
Iran J Ergon 2026, 14(3): 0-0 |
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Ethics code: 405000259
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Adib S, Tahernejad A, Shahrebabaky F, Tahernejad S. Identifying the Ergonomic Components of Firefighter Gloves: Findings from a Qualitative Study. Iran J Ergon 2026; 14 (3)
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1173-en.html
URL: http://journal.iehfs.ir/article-1-1173-en.html
1- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2- Department of Health Services Management, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
4- Department of Occupational Health Engineering and Safety, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, kerman, Iran ,tahernezhad.somaye@gmail.com
2- Department of Health Services Management, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
4- Department of Occupational Health Engineering and Safety, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, kerman, Iran ,
Abstract: (36 Views)
Background and Objective: Firefighting gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE); however, protection alone does not ensure their effectiveness. Ergonomic characteristics, including hand fit, preservation of manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity, comfort, and ease of use, can influence firefighters’ performance and safety. This study aimed to identify the ergonomic components of firefighting gloves from the users’ perspective.
Methods: This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis with an inductive approach and was conducted from February to May 2026. Twenty active-duty firefighters were purposively recruited, five of whom had additional expertise and experience in occupational safety and personal protective equipment. Sampling continued until data saturation was reached. Data were collected through 20 semi-structured interviews and 2 focus group discussions and were subsequently transcribed, coded, and analyzed. The Lincoln and Guba criteria were applied to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings.
Results: Of 839 initial codes, 394 final codes were derived and organized into five main categories and 10 subcategories: biomechanical and musculoskeletal strain, anthropometric and dimensional fit factors, physiological factors, manual and perceptual performance, and usability and compatibility. Key components included increased grip force and localized pressure, poor dimensional fit, restricted joint mobility, heat retention and sweating, skin irritation, reduced tactile sensitivity and dexterity, difficulty in donning and doffing, and incompatibility with other protective equipment.
Conclusion: The ergonomics of firefighting gloves is a multidimensional concept encompassing biomechanical, anthropometric, physiological, manual-performance, and usability dimensions. These findings may provide a basis for developing and validating objective ergonomic indicators and for considering their incorporation into future standards. Further studies using objective measurements and including female firefighters are recommended to validate the identified components.
Methods: This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis with an inductive approach and was conducted from February to May 2026. Twenty active-duty firefighters were purposively recruited, five of whom had additional expertise and experience in occupational safety and personal protective equipment. Sampling continued until data saturation was reached. Data were collected through 20 semi-structured interviews and 2 focus group discussions and were subsequently transcribed, coded, and analyzed. The Lincoln and Guba criteria were applied to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings.
Results: Of 839 initial codes, 394 final codes were derived and organized into five main categories and 10 subcategories: biomechanical and musculoskeletal strain, anthropometric and dimensional fit factors, physiological factors, manual and perceptual performance, and usability and compatibility. Key components included increased grip force and localized pressure, poor dimensional fit, restricted joint mobility, heat retention and sweating, skin irritation, reduced tactile sensitivity and dexterity, difficulty in donning and doffing, and incompatibility with other protective equipment.
Conclusion: The ergonomics of firefighting gloves is a multidimensional concept encompassing biomechanical, anthropometric, physiological, manual-performance, and usability dimensions. These findings may provide a basis for developing and validating objective ergonomic indicators and for considering their incorporation into future standards. Further studies using objective measurements and including female firefighters are recommended to validate the identified components.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Other Cases
Received: 2026/09/13 | Accepted: 2026/10/2 | ePublished: 2026/10/2
Received: 2026/09/13 | Accepted: 2026/10/2 | ePublished: 2026/10/2
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
