Smart underwear for safety at work
Not only does working in hot industrial environments cause a range of heat-related illnesses, but it can also increase the risk of injuries. Until now, preventing and reducing these risks depended mainly on controlling the work environment and employing good work practices. Protecting workers by providing a dynamic cooling system inside personal clothing was just one objective of the 'Protective responsive outer shell for people in industrial environments' (PROSPIE) project, funded by the EU. By integrating sensors into both under- and outerwear garments, essential body parameters as well as workplace conditions could be measured and monitored. Initially, the PROSPIE project developed salt compounds that can absorb moisture while simultaneously generating just a minimal amount of heat. In this way, more sweat can evaporate from the skin and cooling can be enhanced. This cooling system was integrated into personal protective clothing. In addition, PROSPIE designed a wireless early warning system based on temperature and humidity sensors incorporated into textiles. The use of such non-invasive methods demonstrated that the body's core temperature could be accurately estimated. Of the project's many exploitable results – the concept of combining the cooling and warning system – was identified as the most attractive one to bring to market first. An initial description of how this combined system could be constructed has now been specified. In the next stage, PROSPIE project partners will work on finalising the product and delivering the cooling system underwear. Other workers in dangerous occupations, such as firemen, police and paramedics, could also benefit from the successful outcomes of this project.
