Developing a method of indicating the processes of degradation of personal protective equipment caused by ultraviolet radiation

The aim of the task was to develop a method of indicating the degradation of selected personal protective equipment caused by exposure to natural ultraviolet radiation. Within the task the following were developed: - a test stand for assessing the degradation of photochromic indicators caused by ultraviolet radiation - methodology of tests and 3 testing procedures for assessing the loss of protective parameters of personal protective equipment caused by UV radiation - information materials with the requirements and recommendations for users and manufacturers of personal protective equipment equipped with indicators of degradation processes caused by UV radiation - 3 models of indicators of photochromic degradation of selected personal protective equipment. Photochromic dyes were used in manufacturing indicators, they have the structure of spirooxazine and diarylethenes. Those indicators, because of their use in signalling loss of visibility of the background materials of warning clothing, have been called "visibility testers".