With temperatures now well below freezing, it is no fun making your way to your next freezing cold job location – all in a days work for an electrician in Winter!
Chances are you've got the de-icer, scraper, demisting cloth and safeguarded your tools and gadgets against the cold snap – but what about you – how can you protect yourself against the cold and make sure you can still do a days work without feeling like the Michelin man.
When purchasing work wear designed to beat the cold, make sure you pay attention to the material it is made from. Cotton is not a bad choice and it is cost effective. The only problem with cotton is that the material will not allow moisture to escape and it will soak into the fabric leaving you ultimately colder than before. The ultimate choice of fabric is Thinsulate material which allows moisture to escape ensuring you maintain a comfortable body temperature.
The mornings now feel like a mission as you dress to beat the cold weather – lots of thin layers are better than 1 thick layer. Lets start off by looking at thermal underwear – every year you swear you will never be seen dead in it – but there is probably a good deal of truth in that saying(!) and it makes a huge difference without limiting your movement.
Moving onto t-shirts/polo necks/turtle necks whatever you feel you need to bulk up the layers. It is worth investing in Thinsulate type material for these. These are known as base layers and are an essential for keeping warm and protecting yourself against icy winds.
Trousers – of course work trousers need to contain the usual essential work pockets, knee pad inserts and of course maintain durability. There is a fair selection available from fleece lined to waterproof fabric. The downside with fleece lining is they can get very hot so a better options is to go for waterproof work wear trousers to avoid water soaking in from outside.
A body wrapping fleece to wear under your work jacket is essential. Great for keeping in the heat where required, Many fleeces of this type have enhanced breathability and anti odour fabrics. The work wear jacket may well be usual hi-vis jacket which is ideal as it contains a florescent strip and they're waterproof – both essential in Wintery weather.
Breathable socks are also an essential with a high mix wool variety a great option to ensure optimum warmth as well as a decent hat (for stopping heat escaping from your head) and gloves – the cut finger variety is of course an essential for all electricians we particularly like a combination gloves.
The season of goodwill will soon be upon us so for anyone seriously lacking in the work wear department knows what to ask Santa for this year!