Dressing for extreme heat or cold is a matter of safety, as well as comfort. The right gear provides protection from frostbite, hypothermia, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Hot-Weather Gear
In extreme heat, wear light-colored clothing to minimize heat absorption and enhance heat dissipation. Loose fitting clothes enhance sweat evaporation, but avoid clothing that could become entangled in machines and tools. Instead, wear form-fitting clothing, such as Under Armour heat gear, which removes perspiration from the skin to keep you cool and dry.
Natural materials improve heat dissipation. For example, Blaklader pants in 100 percent canvas cotton are perfect for hot weather. The pants have reinforced utility pockets; lightweight Cordura kneepads of foam or gel, four bellowed pockets that keep tools from cutting into the legs; pockets for pencils, wallet and cell phone; a hammer loop; and detachable screwdriver pocket.
A cooling vest or Carhartt cool reflective t-shirt eliminate the need to wear a safety vest. Wear a hat in the sun or to keep cool under a hard hat, fit it with a shade, sweatbands and other cooling product. Try lighter weight gloves coated in polymetric materials that are cooler and more comfortable than leather. Work in non-insulated boots with breathable uppers.
Cold-Weather Gear
When it’s cold, layer your clothing, without restricting mobility. The first layer should fit snug against the skin and be made of a non-absorbent material, such as polypropylene, silk or wool. For the middle layers, choose synthetic or wool pants, shirts and sweaters.
Dickies quilt-lined coveralls, for example, are lined with Arctic-weight quilted nylon polyester fabric for warmth in extreme conditions. Two-way leg zippers make it easy to get boots on and off. The outer layer should be insulated down, Polarguard, Thinsulate or Permaloft, covered by a wind-repellant shell that adds 25 to 50 degrees F of warmth.
Protect ears, noses, hands and feet from frostbite. Hats and neck gaiters help avoid heat loss and prevent frostbite. When hard hats are required, consider the MSA Safety Works Hard Hat Winter liner, which is a soft, two-ply liner that fits inside any hard hat.
Waterproofed, insulated work boots with slip-resistant soles and extra tread offer protection against cold, and slippery and wet surfaces. To protect hands, choose heavy-duty gloves with the right amount of flexibility, insulation and waterproofing for the job.