Title: Firefighter Hand Analysis and Glove Sizing Classification: Previous Work and Future Outlook

Abstract: Structural firefighting gloves provide a balance for hand protection while allowing firefighters to conduct essential firefighting operations effectively. The glove fitting plays a critical role in firefighting, which directly affects firefighters' dexterity, grip performance, and safety. However, previous surveys reported that 30% of male and 62% of female firefighters had glove fit issues, which is closely related to the mismatch between existing sizing specifications and hand characteristics. Therefore, systematically assessing firefighters' hand dimensions, evaluating firefighting glove use and fit, and updating the current glove sizing system can better accommodate firefighters' functional operation. In this talk, I will first briefly present a previous study on firefighter hand anthropometry and structural glove sizing by Hsiao et al.(2015). Then, I will introduce the AI-SAFEHAND project, which aims to improve current structural firefighting glove standards and guide firefighters to find a better-fit glove. Current work and future plans will also be discussed.