There are many cooling vests on the market that can mitigate heat strain during physical work. The decision on which one to choose for a specific environment can be challenging.
A safety cooling vest can empower your workforce to work at full potential. To understand how, let’s take a look at the science behind them.
Evaporative Cooling Technology
Cooling vest uses evaporative technology to draw heat away from the body and regulate core temperature. It can be worn under PPE by healthcare, public safety and utility workers; in construction, manufacturing, warehouses and other environments where heat illness is a risk; and by athletes and individuals suffering from MS, menopausal or prostate cancer related hot flashes.
This cooling vest uses patented dry evaporative technology to keep users cool. It doesn't require refrigeration or ice water and can be used for up to three days on a single charge. The cooling system is hidden between layers of nylon, allowing the wearer to remain completely dry. The cooling vest can also be worn under HazMat suits and other protective gear. It has 4 pockets for cooling inserts and a zipper front. It is available in multiple sizes and colors.
Embedded Polymers
High-Visibility
The reflective tapes on the safety vest help keep workers visible in low light conditions. They can also help drivers see workers on the road when they're operating vehicles or walking around a construction site. These safety vests are typically orange or bright yellow and can have either single or double 360-degree reflective stripes.
Water-Repellent Liner
Cooling vests with a water-repellent liner are worn underneath protective clothing to keep the wearer dry and comfortable. They use a circulating system that circulates cool water through non-kink tubing around the body, cooling it as it removes heat from your skin, and then back to a reserve of cold water in the vest. This cycle is repeated to keep you cool throughout the workday.
Note that a cooling vest with a water-repellent liner may be able to repel light rain and snow flurries, but will not be waterproof. To determine a water-resistant product, check the label for the hydrostatic head test (HH). This is a standard test that measures the pressure a fabric can withstand before it will begin to leak through to your skin.