Depending on your job, you may need to wear full-body safety gear. This gear can include wearing a hard hat, boots, gloves, ear protection, and a reflective vest. While this gear is important for your safety, it can also be quite hot and uncomfortable to wear in warm weather.
Understanding how to stay cool in full-body safety gear can help you to be more comfortable and productive while working in hot weather conditions. Read on to explore some tips for staying cool in full-body safety gear.
Wear Loose Clothing Underneath
Tight clothes will make you feel even hotter when you’re wearing them underneath all your safety gear. Instead, opt for loose-fitting clothing made from light, breathable materials. This difference will help you stay more comfortable throughout the day.
You can try to use different clothing, including the following.
- Cooling shirts: These shirts help your body regulate its temperature. They often have built-in cooling elements, such as ice packs or gel inserts.
- Moisture-wicking fabrics: These fabrics help to wick away sweat from your skin, which can keep you feeling cooler and more comfortable.
- Lightweight materials: Wearing lighter-weight fabrics can also help you to stay cooler in hot weather.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s important to stay hydrated when it’s hot outside, especially when you’re wearing full-body safety gear. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself refreshed and comfortable. Avoid sugary drinks like soda, as they only make you feel sluggish in the heat. The last thing you want is to feel tired and overheated while working.
Take Breaks in the Shade
If possible, take breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned room if your job allows it. These breaks will help give your body a chance to cool down and recover from being out in the heat. A few minutes in cooler temperatures can make a big difference in how you feel for the rest of the day.
Some Cooling Products That Can Help
Some cooling products can help you stay at a healthy temperature while wearing full-body safety gear. Depending on your preference, you can wear these products underneath your clothing or on top of it.
Cooling Bandanas
You can soak bandanas in water and then wear them around your neck. The evaporation of the water will help to cool you down.
Cooling Vests
These vests can go underneath your clothing. They often have gel packs or other cooling elements that help to keep your body temperature down.
Cooling Towels
You can wrap these towels around your neck or head. They work similarly to cooling bandanas in that the water evaporates to help regulate your body temperature.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Working in full-body safety gear in hot weather can be extremely dangerous. Every year, many workers go to the hospital, and some even die from heat-related illnesses. The key to staying safe is to be aware of the dangers and take steps to prevent illness.
Reduce Ability To Cool
Working in full-body safety gear in hot weather can be extremely dangerous. The main reason is that it significantly reduces your body’s ability to cool itself. When your body temperature rises too high, you can become seriously ill.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include confusion, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and fainting. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as they could be signs of a more serious condition like heat stroke.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when your body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It is a medical emergency and can lead to organ damage or even death if you don’t receive prompt treatment.
Symptoms of heat stroke include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness. If you think someone has a heat stroke, call 911 immediately and lower the person’s body temperature by covering them with wet towels or placing them in a cool bath.
Importance of Full-Body Safety Gear
While working in full-body safety gear in hot weather can be dangerous, it’s important to remember that the equipment is there for a reason. It protects you from potential injuries, so it’s important to wear it properly and take steps to stay cool and comfortable.
Wearing full-body safety gear is essential for many jobs, especially those that involve working with hazardous materials. These are some industries where full-body safety gear is standard:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Oil and gas
- Mining
- Waste management
If you work in one of these industries, follow the proper safety protocols to avoid injuries. These tips include wearing the correct type of safety gear for the job and taking breaks to stay cool and hydrated.
Different Options for Full-Body Gear
There are a few different types of full-body safety gear that are available. The type you need will depend on your job and the hazards when you’re working.
Overalls
Overalls are a type of clothing that covers your entire body. They typically have long sleeves and legs to protect you from head to toe. Hi-vis overalls can also make you more visible in low-light conditions.
Coveralls
Coveralls are similar to overalls but usually don’t have as much fabric. They typically only cover your body from the waist down. You can spot this gear in cleanroom environments or when working with hazardous materials.
Boots and Shoes
When working in full-body safety gear, it’s important to wear the proper footwear. This footwear includes boots or shoes that are slip-resistant and provide good support. You may also need to wear special shoes if working with electrical hazards.
Gloves
Gloves are an essential part of full-body safety gear, protecting your hands from potential injuries. There are many different types of gloves available, so be sure to choose the right pair for your job.
Working in full-body safety gear can be hot and uncomfortable, but there are ways to stay cool. Wear loose-fitting, light clothing underneath your gear, and drink plenty of water throughout the day. If possible, take breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room to give your body a chance to cool down.
These tips help you stay cool and heat-related illnesses. Taking the proper precautions allows you to stay safe and comfortable while working in full-body safety gear.
Hi Vis Safety can help you stay cool in full-body safety gear with various options to keep you comfortable. Check out our hi-vis overalls, coveralls, shirts, pants, and vests perfect for hot weather, or contact us today for more information about staying cool in full-body safety gear.
