Workers that are exposed to the most extreme temperatures should always take precautions to stay safe. Dressing properly is extremely important to prevent cold or heat stress. The type of fabric worn also makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk, and most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation even when wet. Just as important as having the proper body apparel, using the correct hand protection for any given environment, such as knit, cotton, insulated or water-resistant gloves, are just as crucial to mitigate the effects of cold or heat-related hazards.
Whether you need protection from cold weather exposure, or during intermittent handling of hot objects, Ansell can help.
Ansell offers solutions for low temperature, heat, sparks, molten splash, and steam. Many gloves that protect from hot objects are lined with DuPont™ Kevlar®, leather, cotton jersey, and even non-woven felt. Some of our products even self-extinguish when exposed to flames.
When working in a very cold environment, it is very important to keep your hands protected from the harsh climate. Our cold protection gloves are normally constructed with a two-layer design with a Nylon or Polyester liner and may be coated with PVC. This type of design enhances comfort and protects against mechanical and cold weather risks. Many of our cold-weather products are also FDA-approved for food handling.
In addition to fire and explosion risks, which require full body protection, there are certain risks specific to hands and fingers that workers face on a regular basis.
For example, in the oil and gas industry, fire and explosions are the third most common cause of fatal work injuries, but hand and finger injuries make up nearly 50 percent of all incidents. At times that number is closer to 80 percent of all recordable incidents. You can find many other types of thermal injuries below.
Heat-related illnesses can affect workers, and in many cases, these illnesses are tough to determine because symptoms can be non-specific. Meaning, any unusual symptom a worker is experiencing in a hot environment could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Below you will find heat-related illnesses and their typical symptoms.
A worker suffering from heatstroke may show signs of confusion, slurred speech, rapid heart rate, and hot skin. In extreme situations, a worker may become unconscious or have a seizure.
Heat cramps are another illness that could affect workers in hot environments. Heat cramps tend to be described as muscle spasms or pain in the legs, arms, or the rest of the body.
This illness usually occurs from suddenly rising from sitting or from prolonged standing, symptoms include fainting and dizziness.
Frostbite is the most frequently occurring cold injury and it is caused by freezing temperatures. Frostbite can cause permanent damage to the body, and in some cases, could lead to amputation. It is often identified by tingling, loss of feeling, blisters, and aching to affected areas like fingers or toes.