Industrial Hygiene News - November/December, 2010

should also be trained about the symptoms of cold-induced injuries and what to if they or their coworker have these symptoms.
3. Try to schedule outdoor work during the warmest part of the day. If workers must labor in extreme cold, make sure they take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters.
4. Encourage workers to drink plenty of warm or sweet beverages – such as sports drinks or hot cocoa – and avoid products with caffeine or alcohol. Smoking and chewing tobacco can also increase susceptibility to frostbite.
5.Remember that very lean workers, those who take medications or suffer from Raynaud’s Syndrome and illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are at greater risk for cold injuries. Workers who have experienced a cold injury in the past are more likely to experience another cold injury.
Winter’s cold is a fact of life for many U.S. workers. But, wearing the right gloves for the task and environmental conditions will enable these individuals to perform their jobs safely for many more seasons. For tips to weather frostbite and hypothermia during the winter season, visit the American Red Cross. http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/WinterStorms.pdf Don West is a Brand Support Manager for Ansell Occupational, specializing in ergonomic products. Circle 151 on Card
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Cold Weather Safety
Thermal Insoles

Thinsulate™ Thermal Insoles are designed for comfort and warmth to protect workers during cold and extreme outdoor conditions. The insoles, with moisture management, odor protection and antimicrobial technology, can be used for all types of cold weather footwear. Four layers — an abrasion-resistant fabric, foot-conforming foam, Thinsulate insulation, and shock-absorbing foam — help to keep feet warm and dry. — 3M, 800/364-3577, www.thinsulate.com

Cold Weather Hood System

The Cold Weather Hood System offers protection for personnel working in cold storage or outdoors. The three modular pieces that can be integrated or used separately include a universal fleece helmet liner, a waterproof frost cape in high visibility yellow or orange, and a face warmer that attaches to the frost cape for total head and face warmth. — MPS Centurion, 800/852-6529

Winter Liners

The N-Ferno® Extreme Warming Product line includes two N-Ferno® 3-Layer FR Winter Liners available in regular (6873) and shoulder (6877) lengths. These Winter Liners feature three layers of warmth and protection: a Banox FR3® Cotton shell, a foam mid-layer, and a poly-fleece liner, in addition to warming pack pockets, hook and loop chin wrap, and hard hat suspension attachments. — Ergodyne, 800/225-8238, www.ergodyne.com Fleece Multi-Band

The 6488 Fleece Multi-band features soft, stretchable, fast-wicking polyester microfibers plus a fleece liner. The stretchable, seam-free design can be worn in more than 10 work-ready configurations, and with technical treatments such as High IQ® and Silpure®, it also keeps you smelling good. The 6488 Fleece Multi-band is part of the CORE Performance Work Wear® line.

— Ergodyne, 800/225-8238 www.ergodyne.com

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Outdoor Mats Melt Snow & Ice

HeatTrak® Heated Walkway and Stair Mats are made of durable, natural rubber with a continuous V-chevron pattern on their surface for extra traction. The mats lie on top of existing outdoor surfaces and may be left outside for the entire winter season. At 40 watts per square foot, they melt snow at a rate of two inches per hour and in temperatures as low as 0°F. Heat Trak® mats offer an environmentally friendly means for melting snow and ice and preserve all walkway surfaces.

— Heat Trak LLC., 973/357-9797 Circle 160 on Card

Slip-Resistant Outsole

The Diamond Trax™ outsole features slip-resistant technology that improves with wear. The outsole, with nested traction pods, maintains a high level of surface roughness and develops enhanced friction over time. The Diamond Trax™ is available in six-inch and eight-inch work boots that are waterproof and offer electrical hazard protection, in both steel and non-steel toe options.

Head Covers for Winter

In addition to their Winter Liners, the company offers Knitted Tubes and Mouth/Chin Covers. The standard Knitted Tube fits over the hard hat and is made of 100% polyester. The deluxe style has a full-face design. Mouth/Chin Covers offer extra protection from the cold and are available in three styles: Cotton/Sherpa, Cotton/Fleece, and Flame Retardant. — Allegro Industries, 800/622-3530

Winter Walking Program

Training points covered in the program “Winter Walking: Avoiding Slips and Falls” include: Walking on slippery sidewalks, entering and exiting buildings, climbing slippery steps, and getting in and out of vehicles on snow and ice. The 10-minute program is available on VHS and DVD and includes a Leader’s Guide and a Quiz.