Health & Safety Events 201210 February 2012
Those working in occupations which involve spending time in cold environments are at risk of hypothermia or �cold stress� and need workwear that will provide sufficient thermal protection. Arco, the UK�s leading safety company, has worked with its cold store customers to develop products for this unique environment and has launched a full range of clothing, footwear, gloves, head protection and thermal base layers which will keep workers who operate in cold storage areas safe.
Research
carried out by Arco revealed some major problems experienced with the existing
ranges of cold store clothing. Cold store garment components often cracked at
extreme temperatures, bulky clothing restricted movements and didn�t allow for
layering below and cold store garments were susceptible to becoming scuffed,
torn and damaged, reducing essential thermal protection. The garments in the
new Arco cold store clothing range have been designed to eliminate these
problems. Cold store workers can be confident that the garments are robust,
hard wearing and water repellent and entirely machine washable. All the
components are tested to perform at low temperatures and have been specifically
designed to enable good freedom of movement and to allow for base layers to be
worn comfortably. The garments are also made with double layers of 3M
Thinsulate Wadding, keeping workers warm, comfortable and protected in
temperatures above -50�C.
When
working in cold environments it is often the extremities that are most at risk
of frostbite and so the range includes four different gloves to protect hands,
including the Arco Thermo Fast Grip Dotted Glove which features a thermal
lining to provide comfort and warmth, PVC dotting ensuring great grip and a
breathable liner preventing the build up of moisture on the hand. Also included
is the Arco Cold Store Safety Boot, a lined, rubber bottomed, leather-topped
boot with removable felt that will keep feet and toes warm in the coldest
temperatures.
Good
protection starts with a good foundation and it is recommended that clothing
should be worn in multiple layers which provide better protection than a single
thick garment. Arco�s thermal underwear is manufactured to give excellent
thermal performance and �wick� moisture away from the skin to help keep it dry.
Arco�s thermal underwear offering includes the Xcelcius� Men�s Megatherm
Underwear, Long Sleeved Top and Long Pant.
All
garments in the new Arco cold store clothing range satisfy the requirements of
EN 342:2004 which determines that adequate protection is provided at temperatures
lower than -5�C and also meets EN:340:2003 which specifies ergonomic
requirements including weight and comfort, performance requirements and sizing
requirements.
As the
experts in safety Arco has launched an expert guide to Cold Store protection to
help businesses understand and choose the correct protective clothing for
employees working in cold environments.
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