Tips for Proper PPE in Hot Environments

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HEAD PROTECTION TIPS

• Vented head protection allows for the inflow of fresh air and the outflow of body heat while working
• Vented head protection should be certified to ANSI Z89.1 Class C requirements and SHOULD NOT be used around electrical hazards
• The color of the head protection affects the amount of sunlight drawn to it- white being the least attractive and black being the most
• Many safety helmets have additional accessories that can be added to keep workers cool and comfortable

EYE PROTECTION TIPS

• Tinted safety glasses prevent eye strain from the sun's glare while working in sunny environments
• Rimless, lightweight safety glasses provide a comfortable wear and limit sweat accumulation on a worker's face
• Polarized lens technology controls the angle at which sunlight enters the lens, resulting in a clearer vision of the surrounding area and reduced glare
• Safety glasses with anti-fog technology resist fog build up from worker exhalation while wearing a respiratory mask
• Indirect vented goggles allow for the outflow of built-up heat while performing demanding tasks
• Direct vented goggles allow for the inflow of fresh air and the outflow of built up heat and SHOULD NOT be used around hazardous liquids or solvents

HAND PROTECTION TIPS

• Our hands are equipped with vessels known as AVAs that are effective at heat removal, making breathable hand protection essential in hot environments
• Coated seamless knit gloves provide more breathability and better grip compared to leather gloves and disposables
• The higher the gauge, the thinner and more breathable a coated seamless knit glove is- making 21 and 18 gauge ideal for hot environments
• Gloves with engineered cooling fibers and technologies make for comfortable hands in hot environments

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION TIPS

• Valved respirators allow for easier exhalation and a low resistance breathing process in hot environments
• Disposable respirators may be changed out more frequently in hot environments due to sweat- be sure to have extra on hand if temperatures heat up
• Reusable filter cartridges should have covers that direct exhaled air away from the face and eyes
• Always remove respiratory PPE when resting or in a safe breathing environment to avoid heat stress

HEAT STRESS PROTECTION TIPS

• Heat stress PPE can keep workers cool while working and not just during break periods
• Absorptive cooling PPE absorbs sweat to avoid dangerous instances like sweat entering the eyes of a worker
• Phase change cooling PPE such as cooling vests should be worn under hi-vis clothing to help regulate body temperatures while keeping workers visible
• Evaporative cooling products slowly evaporate water to provide a cool feeling to the worker for hours on the job
• Sun protective PPE helps limit the exposure to the suns hazardous UV rays
• It's important to implement hydration, rest and shade periods throughout the workday to avoid heat stress

WORKWEAR TIPS

• Mesh materials provide better breathability than solid materials in hot environments
• Ventilated workwear allows for fresh air to circulate through the garment and body heat to escape the garment
• Hi-vis workwear with perforated tape makes the densest part of a hi-vis garment more breathable
• Long sleeved workwear or cooling sleeves protect workers from the suns hazardous UV rays
• Cotton absorbs sweat and keeps workers cool while working
• Polyester wicks away sweat and provides a gradually cool feeling through evaporation