Those working in occupations which involve spending time in cold environments are at risk of hypothermia or ‘cold stress’ and need workwear that will provide sufficient thermal protection. Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has worked with its cold store customers to develop products for this unique environment and has launched a full range of clothing, footwear, gloves, head protection and thermal base layers which will keep workers who operate in cold storage areas safe.
Research carried out by Arco revealed some major problems experienced with the existing ranges of cold store clothing. Cold store garment components often cracked at extreme temperatures, bulky clothing restricted movements and didn’t allow for layering below and cold store garments were susceptible to becoming scuffed, torn and damaged, reducing essential thermal protection. The garments in the new Arco cold store clothing range have been designed to eliminate these problems. Cold store workers can be confident that the garments are robust, hard wearing and water repellent and entirely machine washable. All the components are tested to perform at low temperatures and have been specifically designed to enable good freedom of movement and to allow for base layers to be worn comfortably. The garments are also made with double layers of 3M Thinsulate Wadding, keeping workers warm, comfortable and protected in temperatures above -50°C.
When working in cold environments it is often the extremities that are most at risk of frostbite and so the range includes four different gloves to protect hands, including the Arco Thermo Fast Grip Dotted Glove which features a thermal lining to provide comfort and warmth, PVC dotting ensuring great grip and a breathable liner preventing the build up of moisture on the hand. Also included is the Arco Cold Store Safety Boot, a lined, rubber bottomed, leather-topped boot with removable felt that will keep feet and toes warm in the coldest temperatures.
Good protection starts with a good foundation and it is recommended that clothing should be worn in multiple layers which provide better protection than a single thick garment. Arco’s thermal underwear is manufactured to give excellent thermal performance and ‘wick’ moisture away from the skin to help keep it dry. Arco’s thermal underwear offering includes the Xcelcius™ Men’s Megatherm Underwear, Long Sleeved Top and Long Pant.
All garments in the new Arco cold store clothing range satisfy the requirements of EN 342:2004 which determines that adequate protection is provided at temperatures lower than -5°C and also meets EN:340:2003 which specifies ergonomic requirements including weight and comfort, performance requirements and sizing requirements.
As the experts in safety Arco has launched an expert guide to Cold Store protection to help businesses understand and choose the correct protective clothing for employees working in cold environments. To request a copy of the Cold Store Protection Guide visit www.arco.co.uk/coldstore.
Arco
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