ASTM F2300-10(2022)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2300 − 10 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Performance of Personal Cooling Systems
Using Physiological Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2300; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Individuals in various occupations are exposed to high heat stress resulting from increased
metabolism, or the environment, or both. Environmental heat stress can be especially severe when
individuals are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which impairs or prevents
evaporation of sweat from the skin, and thus nullifies the body’s principal means of removing
metabolic heat. Failure to dissipate this heat can dramatically limit work capacity and heat tolerance,
thereby increasing the risk of heat-related illness. To reduce this risk, workers are wearing Personal
Cooling Systems (PCS) to extend their exposure time to thermal stress. These systems are intended
to limit the effects of external environmental heat and the internally generated metabolic heat on the
body. For this purpose, standards that objectively quantify the effectiveness of PCS are essential.
Therefore,teststhatmeasureimportantphysiologicalvariables,suchascoretemperature,areessential
in evaluating PCS applications and increasing worker’s health and safety.
1. Scope systems, the particular protective outer garment, and the
specific test conditions.
1.1 This test method covers the physiological measurement
1.2.2 When a protective outer garment is not provided, this
of internal body core temperature, skin temperature, thermal
test method requires that PCS shall be tested with the standard
exposure time, heart rate response, oxygen consumption, and
outer garment defined within this test method.
whole body sweat rate, to assess the effectiveness of personal
coolingsystems(PCS)inreducingtheeffectsofthermalstress.
1.2.3 The present standard does not attempt to determine
1.1.1 To increase safety during physiological testing, this important clothing characteristics, such as thermal insulation
dynamic test requires the use of human participants who
andevaporativeresistance,ofthePCSorofthegarmentsworn
exhibit specific health and physical fitness requirements. with the PCS. Test Methods F1291 and F2370 can be refer-
enced for these clothing measurements.
1.2 This test incorporates the use of protective clothing
ensembles (outer garments) used in conjunction with or worn
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
over top of the PCS. This scope is therefore oriented to
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
industrial rather than athletic applications.
standard.
1.2.1 The effectiveness of different PCS will be quantified
1.4 Itistheresponsibilityofthetestlaboratorytoobtainthe
with the same protective clothing ensemble. Therefore, the
necessary and appropriate approval(s) required by their insti-
physiological values obtained apply only to the cooling
tution for conducting tests using human participants.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF23onPersonal
ProtectiveClothingandEquipmentandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommittee
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
F23.60 on Human Factors.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published February 2022. Originally
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as F2300–10 (2016).
DOI: 10.1520/F2300-10R22. mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2300 − 10 (2022)
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1.3.1 Discussion—Numerically the clo is equal to 0.155
2 2
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- K·m /W, which is equal to 0.18°C·m ·h/kcal.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.4 clothing ensemble, n—a group of garments worn
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
together on the body at the same time.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.5 core temperature, n—the mean temperature of the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
thermal core.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.5.1 Discussion—Core temperature is commonly repre-
sentedbyrectaltemperature,orbythemorerapidlyresponding
2.1 ASTM Standards:
esophageal temperature. Core temperature is also measured by
F1291TestMethodforMeasuringtheThermalInsulationof
ingested telemetric thermometers in the form of a capsule.
Clothing Using a Heated Manikin
F1494Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
3.1.6 garment, n—a single item of clothing (for example,
F2370Test Method for Measuring the Evaporative Resis-
shirt).
tance of Clothing Using a Sweating Manikin
3.1.7 maximum oxygen consumption (VO ), n—the high-
2max
2.2 Other Standards:
est rate at which an organism can take up oxygen during
ISO8996Ergonomics—Determination of Metabolic Heat
aerobic metabolism.
Production
3.1.7.1 Discussion—DeterminationofVO requiresvery
2max
ISO9886Ergonomics—Evaluation of Thermal Strain by
3 high motivation of the individual and is expressed in mL per
Physiological Measurements
min or as a term relative to body mass in mL per kg per min.
The Commission for Thermal Physiology of the Interna-
Maximumoxygenconsumptionisoftenreferredtoasmaximal
tional Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS Thermal
4 aerobic power (MAP).
Commission)Glossary ofTerms forThermal Physiology
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Cleared Steri-
3.1.8 metabolic rate, n—the rate of transformation of
lants and High Level Disinfectants with General Claims chemicalenergyintoheatandmechanicalworkbyaerobicand
for Processing Reusable Medical and Dental Devices
anaerobic activities within an organism.
(March 2009)
3.1.8.1 Discussion—Metabolic rate, as with VO ,is
2max
commonly measured by indirect calorimetry, during long-term
3. Terminology
steady-state work, and is typically expressed in Watts (W).
3.1 Definitions: Metabolic rate, also referred to as energy expenditure, is
3.1.1 acclimation, n—physiological adaptations occurring usuallyexpressedintermsofunitareaofthetotalbodysurface
within an organism, which reduces the strain or enhances (W/m ) or of total body mass (W/kg) when comparisons are
endurance of strain, caused by artificially or experimentally made between individuals.
induced stressful changes in particular environmental condi-
3.1.9 thermal core, n—the deep tissues of the brain, neck,
tions.
and torso whose temperatures are not changed in their rela-
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Acclimation describes the adaptive
tionship to each other by circulatory adjustments.
changes that occur within an organism in response to artifi-
3.1.9.1 Discussion—These deep tissues comprise the most
cially induced changes in particular climatic factors such as
thermally protected tissues of the body and are most critical to
ambienttemperatureandhumidityinacontrolledenvironment.
temperature regulation. The thermal core is distinct from
3.1.2 acclimatization, n—physiological adaptations occur-
changes in heat transfer to the environment that affects the
ring within an organism, which reduces the strain or enhances
appendages and other tissues of the body.
endurance of strain, caused by stressful changes in the natural
3.1.10 thermal insulation, n—the resistance to dry heat
environment.
transfer by way of conduction, convection, and radiation.
3.1.3 clo, n—unit of thermal resistance defined as the
3.1.11 thermal strain, n—anydeviationofbodytemperature
insulationrequiredtokeeparestingman(producingheatatthe
induced by sustained thermal stress that cannot be fully
rate of 58 W/m ) comfortable in an environment at 21°C, air
compensated by temperature regulation.
velocity 0.1 m/s, or roughly the insulation value of typical
indoor clothing.
3.1.11.1 Discussion—Thermalstrainresultsintheactivation
ofthermoeffectoractivitiesthatcausessustainedchangesinthe
state of non-thermal regulatory systems. Thermal strain is
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
measurable by an increased heart rate and whole body sweat
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
rate, as determined by pre and post nude mass loss.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3.1.12 thermal stress, n—any thermal change between a
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
temperature regulator and its environment, which if uncom-
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Physiology & Biophysics School of Medicine, Case Western pensated by temperature regulation, would result in hyperther-
Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106-4970, http://
mia.
www.iups.org.
3.1.12.1 Discussion—Thermal stress is often referred to as
Available from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 10903 New
Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993, http://www.fda.gov. heat stress.
F2300 − 10 (2022)
3.2 IUPS Thermal Commission document was referenced humidity and a repeatability of 63% is acceptable (for
forthemodifieddefinitionsrelatedtothermalphysiologylisted example, wet bulb/dry bulb, dew point hygrometer). Only one
above. For terms related to protective clothing used in this test location needs to be monitored during a test to ensure that the
method, refer to Terminology F1494. temporal uniformity requirements are met.
5.1.4 Air Temperature Sensors—Shielded air temperature
4. Significance and Use
sensors shall be used. Any sensor with an overall accuracy of
4.1 This test method can be used to quantify and compare 60.15°C is acceptable (for example, RTD, thermocouple,
the cooling provided by different personal cooling systems thermistor). The sensor shall have a time constant not exceed-
(PCS) worn with a standard outer garment or with a specified ing 1 min. The sensor(s) shall be 0.5 to 1.0 m in front of the
subject. If a single sensor is used it shall be 1.0 m above the
protective outer garment.
4.1.1 This test method will assess the performance of PCS floor.Ifmultiplesensorsareused,theyshallbespacedatequal
height intervals and their readings averaged.
based on the physiological measurement of core temperature,
mean skin temperature, heart rate, exposure time, oxygen
5.1.5 Air Velocity Indicator—An omnidirectional anemom-
consumption, and whole body sweat rate.
eter with 60.05 m/s accuracy shall be used. Measurements
shall be averaged for at least 1 min at each location. If it is
4.2 Evaluating the effectiveness of PCS is an extremely
demonstrated that velocity does not vary temporally by more
complicated endeavor that involves many factors related to
than 60.05m/s,thenitisnotnecessarytomonitorairvelocity
thermal exchange between the PCS, the environment, and the
during the test. The value of the mean air velocity must be
participant. It would not be practical in a test method of this
reported, however. If air velocity is monitored, then measure-
scope to establish details sufficient to cover all contingencies.
mentlocationrequirementsarethesameasforairtemperature.
Therefore, a valid physiological method of measuring core
temperature, along with other variables of thermal strain,
5.2 Treadmill—An adequately sized treadmill shall be used
providesanacceptablemeansofclassifyingtheperformanceof
withaphysicalstructurethatmustbeabletoaccommodatethe
PCS.Thistestmethodwillalsomeasuretheamountoftimethe
smallest and the largest participant safely and comfortably.
PCS maintains core temperature within safe limits during a
5.2.1 Treadmill Characteristics—Thetreadmillrunningsur-
specified condition of thermal stress.
face shall be not less than 1.8 m by 0.6 m. The treadmill must
4.3 Departuresfromtheinstructionsinthistestmethodmay
have a calibrated analog scale or digital indicator of speed and
lead to significantly different test results.Technical knowledge
angle of inclination (degrees or % grade). Elevation shall be
concerning thermoregulatory responses, the theory of heat
variable over a range of at least 0 to 25% grade. The speed
transfer, physiological and environmental temperature
shall be variable from 2 to 20 km/h in increments of 0.2 km/h.
measurement,andtestingpracticesisneededtoevaluatewhich
Calibrate treadmills for speed and grade. The control mecha-
departures from the instructions given in this test method are
nism must provide for error of less than 1.0% of the testing
significant. All departures must be reported with the results.
load both during the test and between tests (that is, 0.15%
grade at 15% treadmill grade).
5. Materials
5.3 Equipment for Measuring Body Temperature—The core
5.1 Controlled Environmental Chamber—Testing will take
and skin temperatures shall be measured with temperature
place within a chamber that is large enough to accommodate a
transducers(thatis,pointsensors)thatmustbecalibratedprior
treadmill, the test participant, and at least two people at the
to testing.
same time. Also, the chamber must provide uniform
5.3.1 Temperature Transducers—The temperature measure-
conditions, both spatially and temporally.
ments may be carried out with liquid thermometers,
5.1.1 Spatial Variations—Spatialvariationsshallnotexceed
thermocouples, resistance temperature devices (RTD), or
the following: air temperature 61.0°C, relative humidity
thermistors. The transducers shall provide an accuracy of
65%, and air velocity 650% of the mean value. In addition
60.1°Cbetweentherangeof30to42°Cforcoretemperature
the mean radiant temperature shall not be more than 1.0°C
and 25 to 40°C for skin temperature. The transducers shall be
differentfromthemeanairtemperature.Thespatialuniformity
of low thermal capacity. Their response time to 90% of the
shall be verified at least annually or after any significant
value must be the lowest possible and less than 30 s. Skin
modificationsaremadetothechamber.Spatialuniformityshall
temperature measurements can be taken at four, eight, or 14
be verified by recording values for the conditions stated above
different locations. Refer to ISO9886 for the location of the
at heights of 0.6, 1.0, 1.4, and 1.8 m above the floor at the
various measurement sites and the weighting coefficients to
location occupied by the participant.
determine overall skin temperature.
5.1.2 Temporal Variations—Temporal variations shall not
5.3.2 Core Temperature Transducers—The recommended
exceed the following: air temperature 60.5°C, mean radiant
method is to use disposable transducers for core temperature
temperature 60.5°C, relative humidity 65%, air velocity
measurements. These transducers must be sterilized for initial
620% of the mean value for data averaged over 5 min.
useandthencleanedanddisinfectedbetweentrialsifreusedby
5.1.3 Relative Humidity Measurement—Any humidity-
the same participant.The transducers should then be discarded
sensing device must have an accuracy of 65% relative
once the participant has completed all test conditions to
eliminate the risk of contamination between different subjects
The Japanese Journal of Physiology, Vol 51, No. 2, 2001. from using the same transducer.
F2300 − 10 (2022)
5.3.2.1 Core Temperature Transducer Cleaning—Special tive outer garments (for example, HAZMAT protective en-
requirementsaretobemadeconcerningthehygieneofthecore semble). If a particular outer garment is not provided, then a
temperature transducer. Laboratories must follow specific bio- standardoutergarmentasdescribedbelowmustbeusedduring
hazard control procedures as stipulated by their institution. testing.
Generally, this includes thoroughly cleaning and removing all
5.7.2.1 Standard Outer Garment—A two-piece coverall,
organic matter prior to disinfection with an agent such as
including trousers, 65% polyester and 35% cotton durable
hydrogen peroxide, isopropanol, ethanol, or those recom-
press and 2 by 1 twill weave with two front and hip pockets,
mended by the FDA. Following cleaning, the transducer must
and a long-sleeve jacket, 65% polyester and 35% cotton
be rinsed thoroughly with water to remove all traces of the
single layer plain or twill weave will be used. If unavailable,
disinfectant which might provoke irritation or allergy in the
then an outer garment of similar fabrics with a combined
next user. Refer to ISO9886 for more information.
intrinsic thermal resistance representing 1 clo (0.155 K ×
m /W) should be used.
5.4 Measuring Heart Rate—Heart rate can be measured
5.7.3 NooutergarmentisnecessaryifthePCSevaluateddo
with either a portable heart rate monitor or by using an
not require the use of such protective ensembles. This
electrocardiogram (ECG).
circumstance, however, will increase the heat exchange be-
5.5 Metabolic Rate Measurement—Metabolic rate is mea-
tween the environment and the PCS and will likely decrease
sured using indirect calorimetry methods. The equipment used
the available heat exchange between the PCS and the human
to measure oxygen consumption will depend on the testing
body.
institution (for example, gas collection bags or metabolic
5.7.4 PCS and protective outer garments shall be cleaned in
carts). Testing institutions are required to follow proper labo-
accordancewiththemanufacturer’sinstructions,andreportthe
ratory procedures and to calibrate the equipment prior to
specific care method and number of times repeated.
testing.An accuracy of 61% for gas analyzers and 65% for
volume and flow measurement is acceptable.
6. Sampling, Participants, and Familiarization Period
5.6 Data Acquisition Systems—All thermophysiology labo-
6.1 Sampling—A minimum of five different participants
ratories will be equipped with their own valid data acquisition
shall be tested for evaluating the performance of each PCS.
hardwareandsoftware.Amaximumsamplingrateof5scanbe
used; however, rates of 15, 30, or 60 s are also adequate. This
6.2 Test Participants—Individuals who participate in this
will depend on the data acquisition system and the physiologi-
test method will do so strictly on a volunteer basis. To
cal variable being sampled. It is important that sampling rates
undertake this testing, all test laboratories must adhere to and
from different physiological variables (for example, heart rate
obtain the proper approval for human testing that their respec-
and core temperature) are all the same or at least divisible to
tive institution requires. As part of the approval process,
allow for easy interpretation.Also, the data acquisition system
participants will be informed of all the details of this test
must be capable of storing a sufficient amount of data (for
method and the associated risks and discomforts before pro-
example, approximately 2.5 h).
viding their informed written consent. As well, complete
anonymityandconfidentialitywillbegiventoeachparticipant.
5.7 Participant Clothing Ensembles—To standardize the
testing, subjects will be required to wear a standard undergar- 6.2.1 Medical Evaluation—Screen participants for medical
ment during all tests and a standard outer garment when no problems. This would involve answering a questionnaire as-
other protective outer garments are provided for testing. sessing their past and current personal health (for example,
5.7.1 Undergarments—Participant undergarments will be Canadian Par-Q). Participants may be required to undergo a
medical examination depending upon each respective institu-
worn underneath the PCS during all test conditions. The
clothing ensemble will include a T-shirt, shorts, sport socks, tionalreviewcommittee’srulesandregulationsforphysiologi-
underwear, and athletic shoes. If female participants are used, cal thermoregulation research.
an athletic bra may be worn.
6.2.2 Participant Fitness Level—A strong aerobic level of
5.7.1.1 Shirt—65% polyester, 35% cotton T-shirt.
fitness is required for individuals to participate in this test
5.7.1.2 Shorts—65% polyester, 35% cotton shorts. method. Screen out participants who do not partake in regular
5.7.1.3 Sport Socks—80% cotton, 20% nylon; covers only aerobic activities at least ⁄2 h three to five times a week. An
area distal to the malleolii; jersey and rib knit. evaluation determining the participant’s maximum oxygen
5.7.1.4 Underwear—100% cotton underwear; jockey or consumption (VO ), or maximal aerobic power, will be
2max
used as an objective measure to screen for successful partici-
boxer style.
pantsandallowsomecomparisonoffindingsbetweenresearch
5.7.1.5 Athletic Shoes—Unless protective outer garments
results.
include specific or required footwear, athletic shoes with a soft
rubber sole must be worn during testing. Other footwear (for 6.2.2.1 Maximum Oxygen Consumption—Only individuals
example, hard sole shoes) can become problematic, not only
withaVO betweentherangeof35and65mL/kg/minwill
2max
because of possible foot soreness, but they can cause a change be used as participants in this test method. Refer to ISO8996
in gait due to discomfort and can affect mechanical efficiency,
for the proper method for measuring oxygen consumption.
and therefore heat production at a fixed workload. Otherwise, physiological testing laboratories shall follow their
5.7.2 Outer Garments—This test method is applicable to own specific procedures for testing VO . The only require-
2max
testing the performance of PCS when worn underneath protec- ments are that the test is continuous, the exercise is walking,
F2300 − 10 (2022)
and it is performed using a treadmill. Continuous tests gener- maintain acclimation. All participants should then be
allystartatrelativelylowintensitiesandprogressbyincreasing acclimatized, or acclimated, or both. Control and PCS condi-
the work rate (treadmill velocity, or % grade, or both) at preset tions will still be tested as indicated in Section 7.
time intervals until the participant is unable to continue. This
6.3 Familiarization Period—A familiarization session shall
form of test causes the participant to progressively increase
be provided prior to the actual testing which would introduce
poweroutputovertime.Ifitiscontinuedlongenoughtoallow
individuals to the test protocol and allow them to get “com-
the body to adapt and is short enough so that factors such as
fortable” with core temperatu
...