Page 38 - OHS, July/August 2024

PPE: HEAD & FACE PROTECTION
Even during the high summer months, workers must equip themselves with full PPE to ensure they are safe and compliant with their worksite’s respective standards.
own microclimate within. Without venting, there is nowhere for the hot air to escape, making the interior feel hotter than the actual tem- perature outdoors–this is especially a challenge for those required to wear Class E helmets that are not allowed to have vents, primarily those who work around electrical and other high-voltage equipment.
On top of this, factors such as helmet color and material makeup can add to the perceived heat. So, how can alternative PPE options help keep workers cool while protecting their cognitive functions?
Vented Helmets
For industrial trades, vented helmets are a great way to help keep cool, and with the advent of Type II safety helmets now quickly re- placing the traditional hard hat, workers have more and better op- tions. They can wear safer Type II helmets that are also much cooler to wear in the heat in comparison to traditional Type I hard hats.
Whether the safety helmet interior is composed of Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam or an alternative impact protection tech- nology, the vents will allow the hot air to more easily escape and allow for fresh, cooler air to make its way in. In short, good ventila- tion in a helmet can significantly affect how a worker can manage heat on the job site. A good analogy is sweating. In a way, the vents in a helmet allows the helmet to sweat the heat out, just as any person does to help regulate their body temperature. While this may not be an option for specific trades, like electricians, it is an excellent alternative to traditional, non-vented Type I hard hats.
Alternatives to EPS Foam
EPS foam is widely known across the industry for its use in safety helmets to absorb impacts related to head trauma and accidents. However, EPS is like foam insulation and thus offers little ventila- tion, making the helmet interior hotter during warm weather.
An alternative to EPS, or as a supplemental material to EPS for impact protection, are technologies that feature a welded cel- lular tube structure. These technologies are often lighter, absorb more energy, and are more breathable than EPS foam. Due to the hive-like structure, these materials are often lighter in weight and structured to allow greater air flow, further minimizing the impact of the protected layer.
Within a study concerning industrial helmets and heat stress7 from Koroyd, the organization found that helmets that incorporate
its Koroyd impact protection technology reduced the heat index by up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit (4.5 degrees Celsius) compared to traditional EPS-only internal helmet constructions. Such findings point to how organizations now have greater choice in purchasing safer helmets with technology that can significantly reduce the risk of heat stress. (Editors’ note: Studson incorporates Koroyd impact protection in some of its helmets.)
Cooling Accessories and UV Protection
Beyond the actual construction of the helmet, workers can use above-the-neck cooling and UV accessories to further reduce the impacts of heat stress. Items such as helmet liners with nape cov- ers and cooling towels feature long-lasting, chemical-free cooling technology with UPF-50 sun protection. Workers can simply wet the garments with water thoroughly, wring out any excess water, then snap or wave the accessories to activate the cooling technol- ogy, helping workers stay cooler for up to two hours per rinse or longer. The factor of machine washability is always a plus for these new types of cooling garments, enabling the worker to enjoy a more hygienic experience while tackling the heat.
Other accessories to help combat heat stress are neck shades and sun brims. Neck shades can attach directly to one’s helmet and protect one’s neck from harmful UV rays, debris, and dust. Protecting skin from UV rays can be just as crucial in mitigating the effects of heat stress as staying cool, including preventing sun- burns, heat rashes, and other sun-induced skin ailments that can also negatively affect a worker’s health and productivity. Sun brims and UV-blocking eyewear can also provide instant protection from UV rays while improving the wearer’s visibility on bright, sunny days or when facing direct sun glare.
Washable Materials
When workers feel the heat, they’re likely smelling it, too. The scent of sweat built up from the summer might affect worker comfort as much as the heat. Workers and their employers should consider helmets with washable and replaceable pad sets, if possible. Some are made with antimicrobial technology that helps to eliminate odor-causing bacteria on the fabric. If they’re washable, that is ideal for saving money and minimizing the need to continuously buy replacement sets.
Although as individuals we can’t prevent the next debilitating heat wave, there are ways to mitigate the impacts. By considering OSHA’s heat stress tips, assessing alternative PPE options such as vented helmets, cooling accessories, and impact protection technol- ogies, workers can help change their personal experience of working in the heat without sacrificing safety. While a safety helmet might be the last thing an individual wants to wear during the hotter months, there are ways to improve the experi-
ence and help regulate body tempera-
ture at work for a more productive,
safe, and enjoyable workday.
Ryan Barnes is founder and CEO of Studson, a U.S.-based industrial Type II safety helmet maker. Since its found- ing in 2020, Studson aims to deliver innovative industrial head protection equipment to save lives and livelihoods.
REFERENCES
1. tinyurl.com/978buye7 2. tinyurl.com/34et5rbv 3. tinyurl.com/ycxbsd2s 4. tinyurl.com/46shmdhd 5. tinyurl.com/2dmmxzcm 6. tinyurl.com/rdaadanc 7. tinyurl.com/ymjznptv
36 Occupational Health & Safety | JULY/AUGUST 2024
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