Dec
Seasons change, conditions change, and when temperatures drop, your choice of FR clothing needs to change, too! Cold temperatures create a new hazard: cold weather stress. Not unlike heat stress, cold weather stress occurs when your body loses its ability to regulate internal body temperature. When skin temperature drop, body core temperature follows, and this drop invariably leads to a decrease in productivity and performance, but it doesn’t stop there. Cold weather stress can eventually lead to loss of coordination, a reduction in heart rate and breathing and if left unaddressed, hypothermia and a loss of consciousness. To protect workers from cold weather stress, it’s vital to select the right FB clothing for winter worksites.
FR Compliant Cold Weather Clothing
When selecting FR (Fire Resistant/Retardant) clothing, it’s essential that it meets industry and employer standards for safety. Before you can choose workwear, you must first assess all potential hazards. Once those hazards have been identified, take the necessary steps to mitigate the risk. For those hazards remaining, appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must be selected, and workers must be educated on managing the hazards and the proper use of PPE. Those hazards might include heat/cold exposure, equipment operation, ladders, moving equipment, thermal hazards like welding and radiant heat, confined spaces, electrical shock and arc flash along with elevated workspaces. Once you identify the hazards and put appropriate safety practices in place, it becomes easier to select task-based PPE and FR workwear.
Comfortable, durable, long-wearing FR workwear
In a recent study, workers who were cited for non-compliance with PPE practices and FR clothing were interviewed as to why. In most cases, workers complained the clothing was uncomfortable and ill-fitting. The workers also said that the clothing was either too cold, too hot or just not up for the job at hand. A comfortable garment has three main characteristic – it’s lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking. Well designed, lightweight safety apparel can keep workers cool in summer and warm in winter without being too bulky or restricting range of motion. FR clothing with these three features will improve worker safety, remove the distraction of physical discomfort and most importantly, encourage compliance with PPE practices.
Lower Temperatures = Greater Risk
When temperatures fall, the number of potential risks increases. Freezing temperatures, reduced visibility and miserable weather (including snow, rain and sleet) all contribute to increased hazard potential during winter months. The best way to minimize risk and increase safe practices is to outfit workers with the best FR clothing that provides, warmth, comfort and allows for full range of motion. Taking these considerations into mind when purchasing workwear will result in a safe, compliant job site and focused, productive workers.
UpTen FR Apparel offers an exceptional line of comfortable, durable and versatile FR workwear including shirts, hoodies and jackets – engineered to deliver comfortable, predictable protection in unpredictable situations. Superior protection against the harshest job site hazards. The team at UpTen FR are here to answer your questions, explain the advantages and to help you select the right gear for your situation. Call 905-424-4481 or visit https://uptenfr.ca/contact/ Quality FR apparel, custom-crafted and tradespeople approved.
