Heat Stress Solutions & Technology
The summer heat can be brutal, especially in workplaces where employees are exposed to extremely high temperatures and humidity. To ensure workers' health and safety, it's crucial to provide them with the right equipment and technology to stay cool and comfortable.
In this blog, we'll explore the four types of cooling personal protective equipment (PPE) technology and the best products available in the market. We'll also discuss the importance of personal and area monitoring in managing heat stress in the workplace, particularly in Canada, where various industries are exposed to potentially hazardous thermal conditions.
Here are the top personal and area monitoring tools to select from:
Personal Monitoring Device:
SlateSafety Band V2:
This wearable safety band allows you to monitor the condition of your team throughout the workday. Real-time sensors measure heart rate, core body temperature, exertion, and more. The device is waterproof, features LED lights and vibration for real-time alerts, an industry-leading sensor for various biometric data and rugged polycarbonate exterior for extreme conditions. With Web, IOS, and Android applications, safety leaders can easily log in to the web platform or mobile app to view real-time dashboards, configure alert thresholds, and receive analytics.
Area Monitoring Devices:
QuestTemp° WBGT Heat Stress Monitors:
These instruments measure temperature, relative humidity along with wet bulb, dry bulb, and globe temperatures to calculate the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index used to determine work-rest cycles as part of a heat stress management policy. These rugged instruments have an IP54 rating to protect from dirt, dust, oil, and water. Available in datalogging or non-datalogging versions with the potential to add up to 2 additional sensor modules for each instrument.
Sper Scientific WBGT Heat Stress Monitor:
Designed to measure and record various environmental parameters, including relative humidity (RH), air temperature (TA), dew point, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), and black globe temperature (TG). It also captures the date and time of each sample. The data is stored on a standard SD memory card that has unlimited storage and is easily transportable.
1. Wet Evaporative:
Chill-Its Evaporative Cooling Towel:
Once wet, the Chill-Its towel provides instant cooling relief that can last for up to four hours. Its soft and comfortable material makes it ideal for wearing around the neck or head, providing a refreshing sensation during hot weather or strenuous activities.
Chill-Its Evaporative Cooling Vest:
Experience instant relief from the heat with the Chill-Its Evaporative Cooling Vest, featuring advanced polymer-embedded fabric that provides effective core cooling. This vest is not only lightweight but also made from comfortable and durable quilted nylon, with added mesh side panels for enhanced ventilation and stretch.
Techniche® Evaporative Cooling Female Deluxe Sport Vest:
This sports vest is best for hot and dry outdoor environments with low humidity and sufficient airflow. Conveniently located front pockets feature zipper closure, and the vest can provide up to 10 hours of cooling relief per soaking. The lightweight and durable design is easy to activate and features a quilted nylon exterior, water-repellent nylon liner, and black poly-cotton trim.
Chill-Its Evaporative Cooling Bandana Headband:
Crafted with advanced PVA cooling technology, this lightweight headband provides up to four hours of cooling relief. It is designed to be worn comfortably around the neck or beneath hard hats. With its tie closure, it ensures a secure fit for all head sizes.
Chill-Its Evaporative Cooling Bandana Headband:
This bandana is lightweight, low-profile, and ideal for wearing around the neck or under hard hats. It has an adjustable fit, thanks to the tie closure in the back, which can accommodate various head sizes.
Chill-Its Evaporative Cooling Hard Hat Liner Pad and Neck Shade:
Designed to fit most hard hats and safety helmets, it comes with two hook & loop straps for a secure fit. This lightweight and low-profile liner pad, integrated with cooling acrylic polymers, delivers instant cooling. Additionally, its wide panel shade extends downward to ensure full coverage of the back of the neck.
2. Dry Evaporative:
Chill-Its Dry Evaporative Cooling Vest:
This vest delivers instant dry cooling relief that lasts for up to three days, thanks to its unique dry evaporative technology. Constructed with industrial-grade nylon, this vest is both durable and long-lasting. Its mesh side panels not only offer additional ventilation but also provide stretch for a more comfortable fit.
3. Phase Change:
Chill-Its Premium FR Phase Change Cooling Vest with Rechargeable Ice Packs:
This vest can maintain a consistent temperature of 64°F (18°C) for up to 4 hours when activated, making it ideal for hot indoor environments (no airflow required). Made from a modacrylic cotton blend FR fabric that meets ASTMF1506 requirements and is classified to NFPA 70E (CAT1), ensuring it is flame-resistant. The Chill-Its cooling vest comes with rechargeable ice packs that can be quickly recharged in just ten minutes.
4. Absorptive Cooling:
Chill-Its High-Performance Skull Cap:
A comfortable, moisture-absorbing cap that provides sun-blocking protection, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities in hot weather. Its low-profile design, wide sweatband, Hi-Cool moisture management fabric, and multiple colour options, make it a practical headwear for various applications.
Chill-Its High-Performance Bandana Do Rag:
The absorbent terry cloth sweatband provides extra comfort and protection, while the low-profile design allows for easy wear under hard hats or helmets. To wear correctly, tie the three pieces of fabric in a knot. Ideal for various activities in hot conditions.