When workers perform in extreme heat, it doesn’t just affect their comfort; their health and productivity suffer as well. Heat exhaustion can cause dangerous accidents and even hospital visits. As a result, businesses have started to deploy cool down rooms to prevent such problems. In this article, we’ll define what cool down rooms are, why businesses use them, and more.
What are Cool Down Rooms?
Cool down rooms are exactly what they sound like. They are spaces where workers can cool off or recover from heat. They usually have air conditioning, seating, and “hydration stations” (a fancy way to say a place to drink water). These rooms are typically set up in places where workers are exposed to high temperatures for long periods, like industrial/factory environments or locations with warm climates.
Why Use Cool Down Rooms?
The main reason to use cool down rooms is to protect your workers or employees. When they overheat, there is a risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or worse. But even if workers are not in immediate danger, they can still help the body recover by lowering temperatures.
What are Some Features of Cool Down Rooms?
The features of cool down rooms can differ depending on what their exact application is, but overall, they tend to have similar features. Here are a few of the most common characteristics of them:
Temperature Control
Temperature control is obviously the main purpose of these spaces. The exact temperatures can differ depending on what the exact use is, but in general temperatures hover around 60°F to 70°F. HVAC systems and misting fans are commonly used to keep the environment cool and comfortable.
Comfortable Seating
Furthermore, workers need a place to sit and rest. These spaces also act as break rooms, and so comfortable seating can help improve their recovery times.
Hydration Stations & First-Aid Supplies
As you might expect, long exposure to heat often results in a loss of water. As a result, hydration stations that allow access to water or electrolyte drinks are necessary for full recovery. Also, first-aid supplies in cool down rooms can help treat any heat-related illnesses quickly.
Entertainment
Typically, workers will have to spend more than just a couple of minutes in these spaces to recover, so it’s important that they have things to do. TV, magazines, and books can help employees relax and take a mental break while resting.
Industries That Use Cool Down Rooms
Though these rooms are usually seen in industrial spaces or where workers are exposed to the outdoors, they can technically be useful in any situation where workers need to cool off for a time. Here are some of the most common uses we see at Allied Modular:
- Construction: Outdoor workers are affected a lot by the heat, which makes them necessary for many businesses in the construction industry.
- Manufacturing: Temperatures can get hot near certain machinery, and especially around furnaces, so cleanrooms are often used in manufacturing plants.
- Mining and Oil Drilling: In extreme conditions like mining and drilling, they are often necessary to prevent heat-related illness as much as possible.
- Agriculture: Similar to construction, outdoor agricultural workers in the sun need to cool down and stay hydrated throughout the day.
The Bottom Line
In high-temperature environments, cool down rooms are necessary to protect workers. They can reduce the risk of heat-related illness, help workers rest and recover, and improve both safety and productivity. If your workplace exposes employees to heat for extended periods of time, investing in them is a smart choice for both your workers and your business.
Interested in adding cool down rooms to your location? Reach out to the experts at Allied Modular today to get a free quote on a new buildout.
