Human Performance in Extreme Environments and PPE

Optimal Performance Limited’s (OPL) experience, flexibility and range of equipment enables us to monitor performance in almost any environment. We have undertaken trials to examine the physiological responses in the cold during the British Army’s Section Commanders Battle Course in the Brecon Beacons (Wales, UK) and have examined the physiological responses of Officer Cadets training in the desert (Abu Dhabi, UAE) and fire fighters during real high rise fires (Morton in Marsh and London, UK).
We have access to a range of laboratories across the UK and have undertaken trials in thermal chambers to assess Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), individuals’ thermal responses to enclosed hot structures and examined the validity of a novel device for the measurement of core body temperature.

PPE worn when responding to CBRN incidents creates a unique micro-environment in which heat loss from the human body is impaired. We have a strong understanding of the physiological challenges imposed by CBRN PPE, through our extensive work with the Military, Police, Fire and Ambulance services.

Our capabilities in this area include:

  • Field and laboratory based monitoring of up to 50 individuals using our own equipment, with live feedback and/or logging of data
  • Range of field and laboratory measurements including; heart rate, core and skin temperature, sweat loss, dehydration, oxygen uptake, body composition, pulmonary function and energy expenditure. For full list and details see technical expertise page
  • Product testing and evaluation of PPE
  • Identifying limitations for human performance
  • Making recommendations and evaluating interventions to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury

Example Human Performance in Extreme Environments and PPE projects:

Richmond VL, Wilkinson DM, Blacker SD Horner FE, Nevill A, Rayson MP. (2009) Validity of Insulated Skin Temperature as a Predictor of Body Core Temperature for Military Personnel in Desert Environments. Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 4 September 2009

Richmond VL, Horner FE, Wilkinson DM, Rayson MP, Wright A, Cook AC, Izard R. (2009) Energy balance and physical demands during the Section Commanders Battle Course. Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 2 March 2009

Wilkinson, DM, Richmond VL, Horner FE, Rayson M P, Cowie HA, and Graveling RA. (2008) An Ergonomic Evaluation of Four Quick Donning Police CBRN Ensembles. QinetiQ, Farnborough, UK, QinetiQ/08/02313: September 2008

Carter JM, Rayson MP, Wilkinson DM and Richmond VL. (2007) Physiological Assessment of Firefighters Undertaking Urban Search and Rescue. Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 23 May 2007

Rayson MP, Richmond VL. (2006) Development of Physical Selection Standards for Ambulance Personnel Operating within the Inner Cordon of any Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Incident (‘Hot Zone’). Optimal Performance Ltd, Bristol, UK, 11 August 2006

Rayson MP, Wilkinson DM, Carter J, Richmond V, Blacker S. (2004) Physiological Assessment of Police Officers during CBRN Operations. Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 9 July 2004

Rayson MP, Wilkinson DM, Carter J, Richmond V, Blacker S, Bullock N, Robertson I, Donovan K, Graveling R, Jones DA. (2004) Physiological Assessment of Firefighting in the Built Environment. Optimal Performance Ltd., Bristol, UK, 8 June 2004