UniTech CoolVest Uses Space Technology to Assure Worker Comfort in Hot Environments
CoolVest Outlast Adaptive Comfort® developed for NASA reduces overheating and perspiration
Even with the end of the space shuttle era at hand, a garment with the Certified Space Technology™ seal of approval is proving timely in the nuclear industry. Faced with a busy and aging population of plant employees, nuclear facility management is focusing intense attention on issues of worker comfort and wellbeing. As part of this focus, ongoing challenges involving worker overheating and resulting health and safety issues are being addressed.
In hot environments, a worker's body temperature fluctuates, resulting in discomfort and reduced safety. In response, UniTech Services Group, the industry's leading nuclear health services company, has introduced the CoolVest, a garment designed to be worn next to the skin under protective clothing when working in hot environments.
CoolVest's patented Outlast Adaptive Comfort® technology helps workers adapt to surrounding conditions, including heat and cold, for enhanced comfort and safety. The Outlast principle involves creating a well-balanced climate for optimum comfort. Varying environmental temperatures and conditions can of course upset worker comfort levels. Outlast material (with patented Thermocules®) absorbs, stores and releases excess body heat to maintain temperature balance, providing a permanent cycle of comfort through constantly regulated temperature. The vest's material is cool to the touch, reduces perspiration and responds to management and worker concerns about ease of use. For example, it has a zip front, so is easy and quick to get on and off, is lightweight and provides comfort without excessive bulk. It is launderable and reusable, responding to industry trends toward waste and cost reduction.
