Dr-Fix-It! Notebook Archive:
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| A Cool Idea . . . In the air conditioning business, we used to have a saying: " When it is comfortable, it is time to go." That is to say, an A/C technician has completed his work when the indoor air temperature is comfortable again and it is time to for him to move on to the next service call. The irony of the air conditioning business is that a great deal of the installation and repair work is conducted in sweltering heat. Other professions frequently find themselves working in extreme climates. Even in summer, welders and industrial workers must wear heavy leather garments to protect themselves from hot steel 'cherries'. Its all a part of the job for firefighters who must battle the extreme heat daily. And, of course, soldiers deployed to fight in desert countries struggle to keep cool. Emergency services personnel and even race car drivers look for a way to beat the heat. A new product shows great potential to protect these industrial workers, soldiers, emergency services and HVAC technicians from the danger of heat stress. The ClimaTech HeatShield vest weighs less than four pounds, is comfortable to wear during an active workout, and exhibits excellent cooling performance under test conditions.  Endorsed by fire department instructors, the HeatShield does an excellent job of protecting the HVAC technician from extreme heat while working in a confined attic space. Not only does this safety measure protect the wearer from heat stress or heat stroke, it has also been shown to improve productivity, reduce labor costs, help employee morale and increase profitability.Quoting ClimatechSafety.Com: "The HeatShield uses several patented technologies that keep the wearer's body temperature in a safe range -- a radiant heat barrier, a patented synthetic ice core, a moisture barrier, and a hydrophobic quilted liner. It is "recharged" overnight in a freezer and remains effective for up to four hours, depending on the temperature." Something so useful and technologically innovative MUST be expensive, Right? Wrong! The Heatshield Vest currently lists for less than $200 ! Hey ! That's about as much as a good pair of steel-toed boots. Cool. Very Cool Indeed. Doc 2004.12.19 |
