Project: Reduce heat stress for workers in hot environment

Tuesday, 07 June, 2011

GRW Industries’ CoolMe vest is a cooling garment to limit the effects of heat stress and promote rapid recovery for workers in extreme heat conditions.

Unlike other cooling garments, CoolMe vest, which has been developed by three James Cook University researchers - Dr Glen Deakin, William Armstrong and Robert Ennis-Thomas - does not require any pre-cooling or preparation work, said Deakin.

CoolMe vest is suitable for emergency situations as it can be activated by simply adding water to the reservoir and offers immediate strong cooling. Some of the other cooling garments currently being sold in the Australian market take hours to get cold, claimed Deakin.

Australian research commercialisation company UniQuest is helping Deakin and his two fellow researchers commercialise the product. A company, GRW Industries, has already been formed and the product is expected to be commercialised this year. The researchers have closely been working with Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) to develop the first product which is being optimised for intense-heat and short-duration situations.

CoolMe generates a strong cooling effect, of between 3-5°C, that promotes recovery and limits heat stress when undertaking intensive short-duration activities; it does not require access to refrigeration or power. It is single-use disposable, therefore reducing maintenance/hygiene issues, and is effective when worn under protective clothing and in humid environments.

The product, which is yet to be formally launched in the market, has already received accolades. In 2009, GRW Industries won the University of Queensland Business School Enterprize competition, and the inventors also won the James Cook University Trailblazer competition for innovative ideas.

The vest could benefit firefighters/emergency workers, miners, military professionals and sportspeople among others. In a hot environment, workers in protective suits can experience temperatures up to 50°C and lose 2 litres of fluid in 30 minutes, according to GRW Industries. In a study at a single Australian underground mine, over 100 cases of acute heat exhaustion were recorded in a single year, according to the company website. It is estimated that within the United States fire service alone, approximately 50 deaths and a further 12,500-25,000 injuries are connected to heat stress.

It could also lead to a reduction in cardiovascular strain and provide thermal comfort, the company claims.

GRW Industries undertook controlled trials with product prototypes to assess the effectiveness of the vest. Measurements of fluid loss, core body temperature and heart rate showed the positive impact of using the vest, claims the company. Results are shown in the graph. (Blue = CoolMe vests, Red = control).