Alabama News Center — Alabama Power’s Southeast Division Safety Committee wins Power Delivery Safety Innovation Award for Cool Shirt Program

By: Ingram Holt

Last month, Alabama Power’s Southeast Division Safety Committee was awarded the Power Delivery Safety Innovation Award for its Cool Shirt Program.

The intense summer heat poses a significant challenge for crew members who work diligently to maintain energy distribution. The Cool Shirt is a flame-resistant garment designed to mitigate heat stress for employees working in hot conditions. It functions by circulating cold water through tubes within the vest, which is then re-cooled in a specialized cooler before being recirculated, thereby maintaining a lower core temperature for the employees as they perform their tasks.

Each summer, Power Delivery crews face challenges with heat-related injuries and illnesses. The mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) limits the body’s natural cooling mechanisms, raising the risk of heat-related issues. The Cool Shirt helps maintain a lower core body temperature during work and does not interfere with the required PPE.

The Alabama Weather Blog is pleased to present an excerpt from a featured article in partnership with the Alabama News Center. For the full post including images, videos, and related links, please visit the article HERE.

Category: ALL POSTS, Partner News Stories