Frequently Asked Questions about Cooling ProductsWhat is heat stress?How does a phase change cooling vest work?How does an evaporative cooling vest work?What are absorptive products?Who is at risk for heat stress?What are the symptoms of heat stress?How serious is heat stroke?How do I prevent heat stress?
What is heat stress?According to OSHA heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool itself by sweating. The EPA adds that heat stress is caused by the buildup of body heat generated by muscles working in high temperature environments. Return to top.
How does a phase change cooling vest work?The simplest example of phase change is water. Water can exist in three phases: solid (ice), liquid (water), gas (water vapor or steam). When ice melts it changes phase. Phase change cooling vests utilize phase change inserts to absorb heat as they change phase, keeping the wearer cool for several hours. The inserts are chilled packs that are placed in pockets throughout the cooling vest. Phase change inserts can maintain comfortable temperatures (around 58 degrees) for long periods of time. Phase change is used in cooling vests, cooling bandanas, neckbands, hard hat inserts, and more. Return to top.
What are absorptive products?Absorptive products are things like terrycloth sweatbands, terrycloth headbands, or cellulose (meaning kind of spongy) sweatbands. These products keep you comfortable by absorbing excess sweat. Sweatbands are also effective on the wrists, limiting the sweat that gets on the hands and therefore ensuring that you've got a firm grip on whatever tools you're working with.Return to top.
How does an evaporative cooling vest work?Evaporative cooling works the same way that sweat does (without the smelly side effects). As water on your skin evaporates, it cools you off. Evaporative cooling apparel is extremely absorbent. Just soak in cold water, and in a minute or two, cooling polymers or cooling crystals absorb water. These cooling polymers / crystals hold water for hours. As the water evaporates it keeps you cool. Evaporative cooling is used in cooling vests, cooling bandanas, cooling towels, hard hat inserts, baseball caps, and a wide range of other cooling apparel options. Return to top.
Who is at risk for heat stress?Any worker exposed to high levels of heat, particularly outdoor workers performing strenuous work in extreme heat, humidity and sun. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and heavy protective clothing increases the risk. People 65 years and older, and those who are overweight or out of shape also face a greater risk of heat stress.Return to top.
What are the symptoms of heat stress?Heat stress can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustions, heat rash, or cramps. Dizziness, disorientation, light headedness, nausea, fatigue, and muscle spasms can all be signs of heat stress.Return to top.
How serious is heat stroke?Extremely. Heat stroke is the most dangerous heat-related illness. It can quickly cause body temperature to reach as high as 106°F. Untreated heat stroke can result in disability or even death. Return to top.
How do I prevent heat stress?There are several ways.
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