You are here:
EVALUATION OF PERSONAL COOLING DEVICES FOR A DIOXIN CLEAN-UP OPERATION
Citation:
Lawrence, W. T. AND R. F. Goldman. EVALUATION OF PERSONAL COOLING DEVICES FOR A DIOXIN CLEAN-UP OPERATION. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-92/137 (NTIS 92-206895), 1988.
Impact/Purpose:
information
Description:
The study investigated the use of personal coolers to increase worker productivity and safety while working at elevated, ambient temperatures cleaning up dioxin contaminated soil.^The study included laboratory tests to measure the thermal characteristics of the chemical protective clothing worn and the performance of ice vest and vortex personal coolers.^In addition, field tests were conducted at a dioxin clean-up site to evaluate the performance of these two types of personal coolers.^The use of personal coolers was found to be an effective method of reducing the risk of heat stress.^In addition, workers were able to work continuously in hot weather without following the procedure normally used to decrease heat stress, i.e., working one hour followed by one hour of resting.^Both types of personal coolers were acceptable for the task being performed.