Cooling clothing comes in a range of overalls, bodysuits, vests, hard hat liners, hats, neckbands, wristbands, skull caps and blankets. Cooling clothing items can either be worn as under or over garments and when wet, act to keep the body cool. When in contact with the individual’s skin, heat passes directly from the body and into the water-activated fabric. This heat is released to the outside environment in the form of evaporation, cooling the body.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people who have difficulty controlling their core body temperature such as those with Multiple Sclerosis, cooling clothing can assist in cooling the body by reducing the body’s core temperature and preventing heat stress, especially if working in warm environments such as; outdoors during summer, within kitchens, around hot ovens, in non-insulated factory environments or buildings without air-conditioning.
For other ways to maintain temperature in the workplace, please see the links below:
References
Robichaud, T. 2006, 10 Tips to beat the Heat, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 2006, Toronto, viewed 20 May 2011, http://mssociety.ca/en/information/tips.htm
CoolTek Australia 2002, Eight-hour heat relief apparel, ferret.com.au, Chatswood, viewed 20 May 2011, http://www.ferret.com.au/search.aspx?qu=8%20hour%20heat%20relief%20apparel.
Silver Eagle Outfitters Australia 2004-2011, About our products, Silver Eagle Outfitters Australia, Cardinia, viewed 20 May 2011, http://www.coolweave.com.au/how_it_works.htm.
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