Personal Protective Equipment

When working in environments in which temperatures or humidity is high, it is important to remember to dress for protection. Air temperatures higher than skin temperature put workers at risk for heat-related stress. Clothing can prevent the transfer of heat from the air to the body.

In dry climates, sweating is effective because the humidity is low. Employees working in dry work environments with high temperatures should wear clothing to protect against heat-related stress. These protections vary and should be established according to the work conditions.

Clothing may not be helpful if the clothes interfere with the evaporation of sweat. Wearing light-colored, lightweight clothing and hats; and using sunscreen are important, basic ways workers can protect against heat exposure. Some other types of PPE for heat exposure include auxiliary body-cooling ice vests, wetted clothing, and water-cooled garments. Certain work in hot environments may require insulated gloves, insulated suits, reflective clothing, or infrared reflecting face shields.

For extremely hot conditions, thermally-conditioned clothing is available. One such garment carries a self-contained air conditioner in a backpack, while another is connected to a compressed air source that feeds cool air into the jacket or coveralls through a tube.

To learn more about Heat Stress visit our Heat Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.