Healthmark Industries Introduces a Cool Solution to Uncomfortably Warm SPD Environments

On recent field visits with staff in the sterile processing department (SPD) and operating rooms (ORs) of various hospitals, staff revealed that one of the greatest challenge they face is being uncomfortably hot in their working environments. Shifts can be long and especially hot while wearing necessary PPE. With this in mind the Healthmark Industries team worked to deliver a solution and announces the launch of Cool Aids cooling products.

OSHA specifies that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard 1910.132(d) requires every employer in general industry to conduct a hazard in the assessment to determine appropriate PPE to be used to protect employees from the hazards identified in the assessment.(1) Keeping cool underneath PPE is important to the employees' comfort so they can effectively perform their tasks.

Cool Aids are designed to manage a person's body temperature from the head, neck, and chest and core body. They are available in beanies, skull caps, neck wraps and vests. The combination of unique fabrics creates an evaporative temperature management system. Evaporation through the multi-layered material creates a cooling effect. It is the same technique the human body uses to cool itself. It is simple to activate; start by submerging in cool water for a minute or two allowing the material to absorb the water. Gently squeeze the remaining water from the Cool Aid, then apply to where you are wearing it. The products provide cool comfort for hours, and may be used multiple times. The vest is designed with cooling inserts that are refrigerated before each use. Cool Aids are easy to care for by hand-washing in mild soap and air drying after each use. The vests are machine washable.

"It's amazing the immediate relief Cool Aids provide," one SPD manager recently shared. "My team and I tried them out and were very satisfied with the results. I believe that improving comfort will improve performance."

Professionals working in the OR can be on their feet for extended hours in a high-stress setting. The Cool Aids vest was designed with cooling inserts that are refrigerated before each use. They provide the perfect solution of extended cooling relief.

Reference: 1. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/standards.html

Source: Healthmark Industries