Page 15 - Occupational Health & Safety, March 2018

stress, which is key for taking appropriate and timely action should the need arise.
Proper Attire Measures
In many cases, extreme heat conditions are coupled with necessary but potentially bulky protective attire. Even in situations that do not require specialized PPE, a worker’s attire can impact his or her ability to withstand heat.
To make proper decisions about cloth- ing, it is important to understand the basics of selecting apparel. Many times, comfort mistakenly comes into play as the driving force behind suitable attire. Comfort dif- fers greatly from person to person, mak- ing it a poor benchmark to judge garment suitability. While comfort is an important element to consider—as workers must be able to perform their jobs without garment impairment—it should not be the sole de- termining factor.
Light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing is best suited for those working in extreme heat or high-temperature environ- ments. Cotton can be a go-to fabric given its characteristics, yet performance fabrics with sweat-wicking technology also are a popular selection. Color choice is frequent- ly overlooked, but it contributes greatly to a garment’s suitability. Dark colors attract and trap heat, which can increase overall body temperature, thus making light-col- ored garments the ideal choice. Wherever possible, garments made of synthetic, non- breathable fabrics should be avoided.
For some workers, the nature of their job requires additional protective clothing such as AR/FR PPE. While nothing can supplant the primary prevention factors of hydration, rest, and shade, advances in AR/FR fabrics can play a role in minimiz- ing heat stress-causing factors. For example, there are lightweight blends with moisture- wicking properties and engineered cotton blends from reputable manufacturers that strike a balance between proven protection and breathability to help keep workers cool and comfortable. These fabrics can provide NFPA 2112 certification and offer NFPA 70E Category 2 protection, meaning they can serve as a base for appropriate protec- tive garments in many hazardous situations.
There are times, too, when suitable PPE will not carry breathability hallmarks by nature of its design or functionality—fire- fighter uniforms or waterproof coverings,
for example. In these instances, reverting to protective and preventative measures is all the more crucial. It is important to note that, regardless of whether additional PPE is needed to shield a worker from on-site hazards, preventative and protective mea- sures are still necessary to protect workers from heat stress.
No matter the time of year, heat stress is a looming concern for both employers and employees, and it requires diligent atten- tion to provide the best possible protection. Coming into the summer months, now is an ideal time to review your current heat
stress protocols and procedures and evalu- ate their effectiveness in incorporating preventative, protective, and proper attire measures.
Scott Francis is the Midwest Regional Market Manager for Westex by Milliken. Involved in the safety industry since 1991, he has extensive experience with protective apparel fabrics, as well as protective apparel programs. He participates in a number of industry organizations and frequently ad- dresses trade associations and groups regard- ing relevant safety topics.
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