Stay warm and well this winter
“Accident frequency increases more than 35% with excessively warm or cold workplace temperatures*”
* Source: Meta Study Cherenko
A Layering System
What is a layering system? A layering system is a way of wearing technical garments to protect the wearer from extreme temperatures, changing temperatures, the weather, or any particular conditions they may be facing. The concept allows the wearer to make simple changes based on their level of activity or external environment. The changes they make help them to remain in control of their own personal 'thermal comfort' levels at all times.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your employees against their thermal environment is to provide them with a layering system.
Thermal Comfort
The six basic factors affecting thermal comfort are both environmental and personal. These factors may be independent of each other, but together contribute to an employee’s thermal comfort.
Environmental factors
• Air temperature - the temperature of the air surrounding the body
• Radiant temperature - Thermal radiation is the heat that radiates from a warm object.
• Air velocity - The speed of air moving across the employee and may help cool them if the air is cooler than the environment.
• Humidity - High humidity environments have a lot of vapour in the air, which prevents the evaporation of sweat from the skin.
Personal factors
• Clothing Insulation - Thermal comfort is very much dependent on the insulating effect of clothing on the wearer. Wearing too much clothing or PPE may be a primary cause of heat stress even if the environment is not considered warm or hot.
• Metabolic heat - The more physical work employees do; the more heat they produce. The more heat is produced; the more heat needs to be lost so workers don’t overheat.
Weatherwear Selection Tool
Our winter weatherwear selection tool has been created to allow the user to select the most appropriate garments from a layering system for their working environment.
Click here for the latest weather in your area.
How to dress for the weather
Base Layer
Traditionally thermal underwear was worn to provide an additional layer and to keep the body warm in cold conditions. More recent styles of base layer use innovative fabrics so the layer will not only provide warmth but will also keep the body cool by wicking sweat thus keeping you dry.
Mid Layer
The purpose of the mid layer is to trap in heat and provide warmth, even though it is relatively lightweight. This insulating layer should be made of synthetic or wool fibres and be quite tight fitting so that it allows minimal air movement which retains heat.
Outer Layer
The outer layer is your shield against wind, rain and abrasion; it protects the wearer from the elements, so it needs to be windproof and waterproof. The wearer should also look for an outer layer that is breathable enough for their chosen activity so they don’t overheat.
GORE-TEX® Fabric Technology
GORE-TEX® products allow wearers to work in ultimate comfort and give durable protection by providing best-in class material, construction and technologies.
Hats and Non Safety Gloves
It has long been recognised that much of heat lost through the body is through the head, so this is a key area to protect when working in cold environments. By wearing a hat, it allows the body to retain heat and keep warm.
When working in cold temperatures the body starts to try and keep organs warm by reducing blood flow to areas furthest from the heart including, ears, fingers and toes. These areas require additional protection.
Hand Protection against Thermal Hazards
Don’t be tempted to sacrifice safety for comfort and warmth during the winter months. Arco provide a wide range of gloves that provide the necessary protection for your hands while insulating properties ensure that they stay warm, even in the coldest conditions.
Waterproof Footwear
Comfort is a key aspect when working on your feet all day as a worker suffering from discomfort is less likely to be alert and more likely to act unsafely resulting in an accident. We carry a large range of safety footwear including safety boots, hiker safety boots, shoes and wellingtons suitable for various climate conditions.
