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PPE: PROTECTIVE APPAREL Protecting Workers in High-Heat Industries Safeguarding workers in high-heat settings with the right protective clothing involves understanding a bit about heat transfer, the work being done, and the best materials and technologies for the job. BY MARY ANN MERIKOSKI If you’re a safety professional, you likely come across heat haz- ards regularly. There is much focus these days on heat stress and exhaustion — in fact, the National Institute for Occupa- tional Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published a recom- mended standard for occupational heat stress, along with a PPE standard requiring every employer in general industry to conduct a hazard assessment to determine the appropriate PPE to be used to protect workers from the hazards identified (29 CFR 1910.132(d)). OSHA recommendations for heat stress include proper hydra- tion, frequent breaks, and avoiding the midday sun. But what if high heat is intrinsic to the task being performed, and the work can’t be done without it? Hot work happens in a multitude of en- vironments, from restaurant kitchens to auto assembly plants to smelting blast furnaces. In the realm of hand protection, the EN407 Standard devel- oped in Europe but recognized internationally established a rat- ing system that, based on various component test methods, gives clear guidance on whether a product meets the requirements of a specific work environment. This article will share some high-level insights into the various types of heat most commonly found in industrial environments, and questions to ask as you work through the process of selecting the right protective equipment. A (Little) Bit of Science There are three primary ways heat is transferred: convection, con- duction and radiation. ■ Convection is heat transfer through a fluid (liquid or gas). Ice melting or the heat rising over a fire are examples of convec- tive heat transfer. ■ Conduction is heat transfer through kinetic energy that passes from adjacent particles. For example, a pot of water sitting 22 Occupational Health & Safety | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 www.ohsonline.com DedMityay/stock.adobe.com