Development of Korean Head forms for Respirator Performance Testing
10.1016/j.shaw.2019.12.008
- Author:
Hyekyung SEO
1
;
Jennifer Ivy KIM
;
Hyunwook KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Public Health, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Safety and Health at Work
2020;11(1):71-79
- CountryRepublic of Korea
-
Abstract:
Background:Protection from yellow dust and particulate matter is ensured by the use of respirators among the Korean citizens and workers. However, the manikins used to test the performance of the same were manufactured considering western facial specifications owing to which they do not represent Korean facial characteristics.
Methods:Analysis of the data from the 6th 3D anthropometric survey of Koreans (Size Korea; 2010–2013) of 4,583 people aged 7 to 69 years was performed to obtain their facial dimensions. We subsequently clustered 44 facial measurements using Design X software, followed by the creation of the cluster centroid.
Results:Three 3D head forms were developed—small, medium, and large, and their images were stored in “.stl” format for 3D printing. The facial widths and lengths of the three head forms were 127.1 mm × 90.6 mm, 143.2 mm × 104.0 mm, and 149.1 mm × 120.2 mm, respectively.
Conclusion:We developed manikin head forms according to the facial dimensions of the Korean population, which was essential in evaluating respiratory protective equipment. These head forms can be used to test the performance of respirators considering the facial dimensions of the Korean population.