For Immediate Release

RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES TO HELP WORKERS AVOID THE DANGERS OF HEAT STRESS

RefrigiWear Offers Expertise and the CoolZone Personal Cooling System to Help Workers Beat Heat Stress

Dahlonega, GA. -- May 23, 2005 - As temperatures begin to warm, the risks of heat-induced illnesses increase for millions of workers across the nation. RefrigiWear, the leading manufacturer of insulated industrial work wear, accessories and equipment, reminds workers and employers of the importance of taking proper safety precautions and using appropriate work wear to minimize the dangers of heat stress.  

For some, like workers in metal foundry environments, dealing with heat stress is an ever-present working condition. For outdoor workers, the warmer weather brings an increased, often unnoticed, threat of heat-related illnesses and accidents. For all these environments, the right combination of equipment and safety precautions can help workers stay safe and productive.

"Being outfitted with the right work wear is one of the most important steps employers can take to keep workers safe in hot conditions," stated Ron Breakstone, president of RefrigiWear. "For example, our CoolZone Personal Cooling System regulates and stabilizes workers' internal temperatures, allowing workers to use less energy and to ward off heat stress. Testing shows that use of the CoolZone Personal Cooling System results in a 22 percent increase in productivity and work tolerance."

For employers and workers, purchasing the right personal protective equipment is a very important step in preventing heat-related stress, but additional safety precautions are necessary to ensure worker safety. To prevent excessive heat stress, it is essential to educate supervisors and workers of the hazards of working in heat and the benefits of implementing proper controls and practices. Following are RefrigiWear's top five tips for ensuring worker safety:

1) Stay Hydrated - Keeping the body hydrated is the golden rule of combating heat stress. Workers should drink at least a cup of cool water every 30 minutes, every 10-15 minutes for extremely hot conditions.  

2) Know Your Environment - Conditions of little wind, high humidity and direct sunlight can all increase the effect of heat stress on the body and lower a person's heat tolerance. Workers should have knowledge of their environment and work to mange their workload to avoid accidents or unscheduled work stoppages.

3) Take a Break - The Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Center for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Health all agree that toughing it out to finish task in hot environments can be dangerous and even deadly. Rest breaks are essential to help workers recover from the heat as it allows the heart rate to slow, cooling the body and replacing lost fluids.

4) Know the Symptoms - Know the warning sign of heat stress, if left untreated heat stress can lead to heat stroke and possibly death. Symptoms include: headaches; dizziness or lightheadedness; weakness; mood changes such as irritability; confusion, or the inability to think straight; colored urine; feeling faint or passing out; and pale, clammy skin.

5) Stay Acclimatized - Acclimatization is the gradual process where the body adjusts to higher heat levels.   Workers in good physical shape will have an easier time adjusting to warmer working conditions. Full adjustment to the heat takes about 2 weeks, and workers will stay used to the heat as long as they work at least every fourth day in similar conditions. During adjustment periods it is important to take greater care and follow acclimatization procedures to avoid heat related injuries.

In addition to taking the necessary safety precautions, purchasing the right personal protective can make a difference in worker safety and productivity. RefrigiWear's CoolZone Personal Cooling System is comprised of the CoolZone Carrier Vest/102 and the CoolZone Phase Change UniPak™ /102-PK, designed to reduce the dangers of heat stress for workers in extremely warm environments. The CoolZone Personal Cooling System utilizes phase change technology to provide an average of three to five hours of effective relief from heat and its dangers. As the cooling material in the UniPak absorbs excess body heat, it cools the blood and surrounding tissue regulating and stabilizing the user's internal temperature.

The CoolZone Carrier Vest/102 is constructed of quilted 200 denier nylon and features adjustable side and shoulder straps to ensure a proper fit.   The vest is also available in banox, Nomex™ and HiVis colors. The CoolZone Phase Change UniPak/102-PK is safety tested and made from non-toxic, non-carcinogenic carbon-based crystalline alkanes and resists terms and abrasions with its specially designed exterior. Cooling the vital organs, the CoolZone Phase Change UniPack allows for ease of movement and maintains an optimum heat absorption temperature of 53°F - 55°F.

Availability and Ordering Information

Companies and employees may order the CoolZone Personal Cooling System and other RefrigiWear products on the RefrigiWear website, by phone or fax, or through an authorized RefrigiWear distributor. Each product line includes a comfort rating so workers may easily find the product that best suites individual temperature environments. RefrigiWear customer service representatives are also available to assist customers in finding the right products for each individual's need. Custom sizes, colors, services and logo embroidery are also available. For more information visit www.refrigiwear.com or call 800-645-3744.  

About RefrigiWear

RefrigiWear, the leading manufacturer of insulated industrial work wear, accessories and equipment, supplies Personal Protective Equipment to keep workers warm, safe and productive. Established in 1954, the company pioneered the insulated outerwear industry and since, has led the industry with continuous product innovations to provide a "modern way to keep warm." Since its inception, RefrigiWear has addressed productivity and safety issues and has evolved its product line to provide high quality "head-to-toe" coverage, offering work wear for every cold-weather environment, from -50°F to 50°F, and also extremely warm environments, at pricing competitive with the industry.  

The Personal Protective Equipment product line is comprised of Iron Tuff Freezer Wear, ChillBreaker Industrial Activewear, ComfortGuard Bull Denim, CoolerWear, CoolZone Personal Cooling System, gloves, head and footwear. Additionally, RefrigiWear is the developer and maker of the WeatherGuard Thermal Cover System for the protection of perishables. The company also offers product customization, custom embroidery and repair services for all of their products. Based in Dahlonega, Georgia, RefrigiWear is a private company. For ordering and information contact RefrigiWear at (800) 645-3744 or visit www.RefrigiWear.com .

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