Understanding Cold Stress

Cold stress occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a drop in core body temperature. This condition can lead to several harmful effects on the human body, ranging from discomfort and reduced work performance to more severe consequences such as frostbite, hypothermia, and even death. The risk of cold stress is amplified in various industries where employees must work in cold or wet conditions, including construction, agriculture, and maritime occupations.

The Dangers of Cold Stress

1. Frostbite: This occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze. It can lead to tissue damage, amputation, and permanent disability.
2. Hypothermia: Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition where the body’s core temperature drops below 95° F (35° C). Symptoms include confusion, shivering, and loss of coordination. If not treated promptly, it can be fatal.
3. Trench Foot: Trench foot results from prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions. It can cause pain, numbness, and damage to the nerves and tissues in the feet.

Preventing Cold Stress in the Safety Industry

Training and Education

• Employee training and education are fundamental to cold stress prevention. Workers must be aware of the risks, early signs, and appropriate responses to cold stress.
• Encourage employees to recognize the symptoms of cold stress in themselves and their colleagues.

Adequate Clothing

• Provide suitable protective clothing such as insulated jackets, thermal pants, and waterproof boots.
• Layering clothing is essential, as it traps warm air close to the body and offers flexibility to adjust to changing conditions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Ensure that all employees have access to PPE like gloves, hats, and face masks.
• High-visibility PPE should also be incorporated into the winter gear to enhance worker visibility during low-light conditions.

Work Scheduling

• Implement regular breaks for warm-up and rest. Encourage workers to spend time in heated areas during their breaks.
• Rotate workers to minimize prolonged exposure to the cold.

Hydration and Nutrition

• Stay well-hydrated and consume high-energy foods to help maintain body temperature.
• Warm beverages can be a great source of heat, and a well-balanced diet aids in the body’s ability to generate warmth.

Shelter and Heating

• Provide designated warm-up areas where employees can take refuge from extreme cold conditions.
• Ensure that heating equipment is in good working order and safe to use.

Monitoring Weather Conditions

• Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and adjust work schedules as necessary to minimize exposure to extreme cold.

Preventing cold stress in the safety industry is not just about providing warm clothing—it’s a comprehensive approach that involves education, awareness, and planning. With the right measures in place, the safety industry can significantly reduce the risks associated with working in cold environments, ensuring the well-being of its employees and maintaining high standards of safety. By taking these steps, we can protect workers and foster a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment, even in the coldest of conditions. Contact us to learn more about our cold stress prevention products.

Water should always be readily available to all workers at all times. Workers should be encouraged to drink at least one cup (8 ounces) of water every 20 minutes while working in the heat, not just if they become thirsty. For a full workday, that would require about 1.5 gallons of water for a singular worker.

Rest refers to taking a break from the sun’s heat. The length and frequency of rest breaks should increase as heat rises. Breaks should last long enough for workers to recover from the heat, usually an hour or even more, depending on how hot the day is. It is IMPERATIVE that your employees do not skip their breaks. Breaks should last longer if there are limited shaded or cool areas. In order to make the most of the breaks, the best course of action is to cool down and hydrate. Our assortment of hydration-cooling products is the perfect choice for staying cool in high temperatures!

Shade is the final recommendation to keep workers safe from the heat. Workers should have a shaded, cool location where they can take their breaks and recover. Examples of a proper location could be:

• A shady area (objects that cast large enough shadows, like our selection of umbrellas, tents, and shelters)
• An air-conditioned room or vehicle
• An area with fans and/or misting devices

With products readily available and keeping those three solutions in mind for any sweltering day, workers’ only concern is to get the job done right. See more heat relief products here and for more information about heat stress, go to the OSHA website.

Here is a closer look at the various product categories Allegro offers:

AEDs Storage

Allegro’s AEDs storage selections are designed for easy operation, portability, and safety, from standalone units to complete packages. In addition, you can choose from a variety of wall-mounted plastic and metal cabinets with and without visual and audible alarms to ensure quick access to your AEDs in an emergency.

Blowers and Fans

Allegro offers an extensive range of blowers for controlling dust and hazardous materials in confined areas. A proper air movement system is vital for any hazardous environment, and Allegro has the blowers to meet your needs. So whether you need an industrial-grade blower for a large area or a portable blower for spot cleaning, Allegro has the right solution. We also offer High Output Fans with adjustable speed settings for proper air circulation in various environments. 

Confined Space Products

Allegro is your one-stop shop for all your confined space needs, whether on a construction site around manholes or in tight, isolated, confined spaces. Offering everything from Manhole Guard Rails and Lid Lifters to Tents, Umbrellas, and Dewatering Pumps, anything you will need on the job site can be found at Allegro!

Knee Protection Pads

Knee pads are essential for safety regardless of the environment you’re working in. Allegro’s knee pads protect against scrapes, bruises, and other minor injuries common in risky environments.

Respirators

The dust, fumes, and other hazardous materials found in many workplaces can be dangerous if inhaled. Allegro offers a complete line of NIOSH-approved respirators that filter out contaminants and protect your workers while comfortable enough to be worn for extended periods of time. Our experts can help you pick the suitable respirator for your environment and provide training to ensure proper use. 

Seasonal Climate Control

Working in large or confined spaces during the hot season is challenging and uncomfortable and can put your workers at serious health risk. Allegro offers cooling products that keep your workers safe and comfortable, improving productivity.

Lens Care Products 

Keeping your workers safe includes making sure their vision is not impaired. Allegro offers lens care products and fans to help clean the air in hazardous environments. Our lens care products are designed to protect lenses from dust, dirt, and other contaminants. 

Keep Your Workplace Safe

Don’t let hazardous environments jeopardize the safety of your workers. Allegro can help you protect them with our comprehensive line of safety products and personal protective equipment. Please browse our selection today and get started on keeping your workplace safe. Contact us if you need help creating a safe and healthy work environment for your team. 

Breathing Cold Air Source

Our cold air source uses a refrigerated system to provide fresh and cool air. The breathing cold air source is sealed and comfortable, especially during long work hours. As a result, it maximizes productivity by reducing heat stress, heat stroke, exhaustion, and dehydration.

Our cold air unit is easy to maintain and has a removable, washable filter. It has an adjustable handle for portability and is configured to provide cool air for one or two users.

For ease of use and comfort, it has a value that regulates airflow. In addition, the unit features three different headtop options in the systems, which are:

• Full Mask Cold Air Systems. The Full Mask Cold Air System provides a cool air source for one or two users. Our unit includes a cold air blower, one or two full mask air respirators, and one or two breathing air hoses.
• Single Bib Tyvek Hood Cold Air Systems. They include the features of the Full Mask Cold Air System, plus one or two disposable, lightweight Tyvek hoods.
• Double Bib Tyvek Hood Cold Air Systems. It includes the features of the Full Mask Cold Air System and Single Bib Tyvek Hood System.

Vortex Cooling/Heating Vest

The vest provides a cooling alternative when you’re working in areas without access to air conditioning. It continuously cools your temperature with cold air from a clean source.

In addition, we also have other all seasonal control products such as:

• Neck Cooling Wrap, Deluxe
• Phase Change Insert
• Poncho Cooling Vest, Economy
• Vortex Cooling Vest, Low Profile
• Cooling Beanie
• Cool Offs

Get Top-Quality Heat Relief Systems

Be prepared for hot working days with our Breathing Cold Air Source. We have other hard hat cooling products such as the Cooling Neck Shade, Hard Hat Cooling Liner, and Cooling Skull Cap. Contact us at Allegro Industries for the correct heat protective equipment today!

The Vortex Cooling/Heating Vest that you rely on during the summer for cool air circulation can also provide you with a hot air stream, thus keeping you warm and comfortable and, overall, more productive when the temperature takes those wintertime nosedives!

Designed to Keep You Warm

The Vortex Vest was designed to keep you cool during the summer, but if you replace the cool air connection (part number 8300-95) with the heated air connection (part number 8310-95), you turn your Vortex Vest into your personal heating system!

This black polyvinyl chloride vest stays put with hook and loop closures and comes in a V-neck style for maximum comfort. The perforated inner lining gives the air a unique channel to flow in and around the vest.

The thin profile of the vest can be worn under your other protective covering, providing you with a full range of motion.

The Vortex Vest provides you with constant warm airflow from the vortex tube, which spins compressed air along the inside of the tube centrifugally, creating a warm air stream with simple air compression! The air is then forced to the control valve, where you can control the amount of heat being generated and delivered to the vest!

Look at the benefits of using the Vortex Vest during colder months;

• Provides continuous warm air delivery!
• Easy to operate control valve, even with gloved hands!
• No moving parts for reliability!
• Control valve keeps the temperature constant!
• Will warm compressed air by 25 degrees!

The Vortex tube chamber is constructed from durable black plastic with a stainless steel snap-tite 1/4 inch coupler worn around your waist with a black nylon belt.

Stay ahead of those chilly mornings and days with the Vortex Heated Vest from Allegro Industries!

Contact us for more information!

• Limiting time spent in heat-intensive environments
• Increasing airflow in workspaces
• Offering potable water that is easily accessible
• Designating a person to monitor conditions of workers

Heat-related illnesses can be life-threatening if left untreated and include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Training your employees to know the signs of these conditions and how to respond is crucial. But being proactive is the best way to approach safety in the workplace. Think about the concept of preventive maintenance: one typically thinks of equipment and machinery. It is a proactive strategy that serves to extend the lifespan of company assets. However, when it comes to personnel, a company’s most valued asset, providing a safe work environment through workplace strategies, is only half the battle. Consider implementing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses.

A Cool Way to Work Safely

ALLEGRO’s Standard Cooling Wrap, just one of the many heat prevention products we offer, is designed with comfort and protection in mind. It works well in most commercial, industrial and manufacturing settings, and its ability to cool the wearer is matched only by its lightweight material and versatility. Our line of cooling products is ever-expanding and includes:

• Cooling beanie
• Cool offs (neck wrap/headband)
• Cooling vests
• Breathing air blower
• Breathing cold air source
• and much more

Summertime temperatures are heating up—and industries worldwide can look to ALLEGRO to keep their workforce cool, safe, and productive. With our industry-leading expertise and commitment to safety, we hope to exceed your expectations. For more information on our extensive line of cooling products, contact us to get in touch with your regional representative.