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WHY COOLING PPE IS SO IMPORTANT

Whether you’re someone who works out in the gym or prefers going for a walk outdoors, you would understand how any kind of physical activity or exertion during warm weather can work up a sweat. Now just imagine doing that all day. That’s exactly what happens to workers across a range of trades and industries who work outdoors or in hot and unventilated areas. And just like when you exercise, you know a cooling towel can be used to wipe away sweat, but when it’s wet and put on your body it can help to stay cool over longer periods of time. If a body can’t be kept cool, it can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Some of the symptoms for heat exhaustion may include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and cramping in the muscles, and if it’s not treated by intaking fluids, getting the body made cooler, or removing a person from the situation, it may become life-threatening.

SOME OF THE BEST WAYS TO STAY COOL

There are a few ways that workers can keep cool, but when they are working under helmets, masks, or goggles, that extra layer can make it even more difficult to beat the heat. A mask-neck gaiter is a great way to keep cool as you move your face. While many common varieties on the market are made from cotton, choosing a silkier or moisture-wicking material like nylon or polyester is far more effective, plus it will provide you with a secure and comfortable fit. Gel pads also work well. You can freeze or refrigerate them, and they fit inside helmets and hardhats for a simple cooling experience. Specially designed cooling towels (all you do is wet it and wring it out), are able to be tied around the head or forehead (as well as being worn around the neck, shoulders, or wrist).

As well as wearing a cooling mask, there are other safety measures you can put in place while working in hot or humid conditions. Firstly, workers should take more regular breaks where possible, to allow them time to rehydrate. You must provide access to drinks or refreshments. And look at adjusting schedules accordingly, so the most strenuous tasks aren’t needed to be done during the hottest part of the day. You should also make sure that you have a cool area that’s well-ventilated and stocked with plenty of hydration options. Keep areas cool and well-ventilated by opening windows/doors or installing air conditioning, fans, or air purifiers. It’s also important to ensure that not only work uniforms meet all safety or PPE requirements, but that they are cool and breathable. Your business should ensure there is an adequate supply of breathing and cooling masks, and that the breathing or cooling mask can be regularly cleaned if workers are based in an area where they easily get sweaty or dirty.

When working in the cold SafeWorkNSW suggests that it is essential to wear layered clothing that can be adjusted to suit the changing temperatures, suggesting a three-layered approach. An inner layer is made of breathable material such as wool, silk, or synthetic fibres to keep moisture away from the body, a middle layer provides insulation, and an outer layer provides weather protection like waterproofing and windbreaking material.