Mining in low coal. Volume 3. Clothing design study. Open file report 15 Jun 78-15 Jan 82
Several problems exist with the present design of coveralls used by coal miners in thin seams (seam height 48 in or less). The back of the coveralls often tears when roof bolts or rough areas in the roof are hit. Movement in the shoulder area is restricted. Female coal miners find it difficult to purchase coveralls that fit properly, and must remove both their hard hat and safety belt to urinate and defecate. The objective of this research was to design coveralls that would alleviate these problems. The following features were incorporated into the coveralls: padding in the back, an action pleat in the shoulders, an inseam zipper to more easily allow miners to perform their bodily functions, and reflective tape to increase visibility of the miner. A heavy denim fabric was used to increase warmth and durability. The coveralls were assessed for comfort, safety, worker productivity, and fabric suitability using both an in-field assessment by miners and simulation studies. The experimental coveralls proved superior to standard coveralls along all four parameters. Work clothing sizes for female miners were developed.
- Research Organization:
- Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock (USA). Inst. for Biotechnology
- OSTI ID:
- 5297779
- Report Number(s):
- PB-83-258186
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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