I-PROTECT

Intelligent PPE system for personnel in high risk and complex environments

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The main objective of the 4-year project is to develop intelligent personal protective equipment (PPE) system that will ensure active protection and information support for personnel in high risk and complex environments, in particular chemical rescue teams, firefighters and mine rescuers, who are exposed to fire, explosions, high temperature, dangerous substances, limited visibility, high humidity and limitation of breathable air. These high-level risks are reflected in a significant number of injuries and fatalities reported in the target sectors. The S&T objectives of the project are: - to integrate, within the new PPE system, state-of-the-art materials, active textiles, optical fibre sensors, gas and temperature detectors, ICT - to develop new materials (based on nanotechnology) and integrate them into PPE elements in order to enhance multi-functionality and adaptability; - to assure ergonomic design of new PPE and validate its functionality, safety, comfort and performance level by usability tests in real working conditions. The project is divided into 4 phases: 1) Conceptualization; 2) Technical development and integration, 3) Verification and validation; and 4) Dissemination and exploitation. The consortium consists of 16 partners from 6 countries: 5 RTDs, 8 SMEs, 2 industrial companies and 1 non-profit organisation. Three partners representing target groups participate in the whole project to guarantee full adaptation of the PPE system to users' needs. The project will have an impact on: the reduction of occupational injuries and disease in the EU (the population of end-users estimated at 3-5 mln.); European regulations (PPE Directive) and harmonised EN standards; European leadership in PPE-related research and innovation; the growth of European PPE market and the development of ERA in the area of industrial safety.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An integrated personal protection system, from garments to gas masks, will help staff in the rescue field save lives and reduce damage.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Efficient rescue in cases of disaster such as fire, mine collapse, industrial calamity or terror attack is the hallmark of an advanced society. Protecting rescuers is of utmost importance for the European Commission, which wants to ensure that key individuals in any disaster are equipped with the right personal protective equipment (PPE). The EU-funded project 'Intelligent PPE system for personnel in high risk and complex environments' (http://www.i-protect.pl/ (I-PROTECT)) worked on achieving this aim.

Current PPE such as protective clothing, breathing apparatuses, or gas masks often work independently and not in tandem. The project team developed a comprehensive PPE system, integrating its components using cutting-edge materials and technology. Such a system would include fibre-optic sensors, gas detectors, advanced wireless communication, and nanotechnology-based fabrics.

More specifically, the system integrates protective clothing with different sensors for real-time monitoring of environmental parameters during rescue such as temperature, oxygen levels and toxic gases. It also transmits all external data and information about the rescuer's health to a portable rescue coordination centre, representing another important component of the concept.

The new garments and associated devices, which were designed to be comfortable and ergonomic, were successfully tested in laboratory environments. Field trials were then conducted by fire fighters, chemical rescuers and mine rescuers in different European countries, leading to fine tuning and improvements. After the system's viability and effectiveness were demonstrated and perfected, the technology was disseminated to stakeholders via conferences, workshops and events, targeting the different emergency teams.

Overall, this innovative project is set to enhance protection for professional rescuers, contributing to the safety of European citizens while strengthening occupational safety and health. Its results will also help redefine European regulations and standards on PPE and further the European market in advanced PPE systems.