As spring wraps up and summer is quickly approaching, it's important to remember that regulating body temperature in the summer months can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't have to sacrifice comfort for protection even in hot working conditions. When developing an FR garment program for hot environments, special considerations should be taken to keep workers as safe and comfortable as possible on the job.

AMTEX TC is a lighter fabric, but with excellent FR protection. One of the primary fibers in AMTEX TC fabrics, Tencel ®, is a cellulosic fiber similar to cotton, but with added strength to create protective fabrics that withstand tough jobs. Despite their strength, AMTEX TC fabrics feel lighter than they actually are, which enhances the comfort of garments made with the fabric. Enhanced comfort increases the probability that workers will wear garments correctly and reduces risk of injury due to improper wear.

The Symptoms.

If you notice the following symptoms of heat stress, consider taking a break or seeking medical attention: throbbing headache, dizziness, light-headedness, red, hot, and dry skin, muscle weakness or cramps, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, shallow, rapid breathing, etc.

Prevention.

The dangers posed to workers in summer months are preventable. Make sure to encourage your team to drink water and to wear their FR apparel appropriately. Not being thirsty and not sweating are results of dehydration, so be on the lookout for these signs.