taiga user's guide (english)
TRANSCRIPT
TAIGA USER’S GUIDE
IPM
Ulriceham
nwww.taiga.se
Post Box 20, 432 21 VARBERG, SVERIGE stREEt ADDREss BIRGER SVEnSSonS VäG 14, 432 40 VARBERGPHoNE +46 340-666900 FAx +46 340-666922 MAIL [email protected]
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pr-ENV 50354
pr-ENV 13034
EN 1149
EN 531 EN ISO
11612:2008
EN 471
2 35
cE
RT
IfIc
AT
IonHigh visibility.
Protective clothing for industrial workers exposed to heat.
clothing with elec-trostatic protection.
clothing providing limi-ted protection against liquid chemicals.
clothing with electric arc protection.
Taiga User’s Guide – written in collaboration with Ingvar Holmér, professor
of climate physiology at the faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Sweden.
The right clothing is vital for people who
work outdoors. The right equipment
will get you a long way, but you can
improve your situation still further by
improving your knowledge. With this
booklet, we want to spread some of that
particular success factor – knowledge.
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TAIGA’S HISTORY
peOple’S InnATe cHARAcTeRISTIcS
eARTH And clImATe
mOISTuRe And TempeRATuRe
THe wInd’S cOOlInG effecT
wHY peOple GeT cOld
wHY peOple SweAT
menTAl effecTS
HeAT lOSS And InSulATIOn
clOTHInG InSulATIOn IS meASuRed In clO
bOdY HeAT And HeAT bAlAnce
OuR clOTHInG SYSTem
GOOd AdvIce And AdjuSTmenT
clImATe lAbTm
cHOIce Of mATeRIAlS
ceRTIfIcATIOn
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4
TAIGA’S HISTORYPaul Rydholm started making clothing back in 1951, following his
own strict philosophy for sustainability and function. He unswer-
vingly focused on the end users’ needs, whether he was creating outdoor wear,
work wear or other types of clothing. He started a company called Tenson, which
he operated for 31 years before founding Taiga. Tenson still exists today.
1951
TA
IGA
’S H
ISTO
RY
1982At the age of 54, Paul takes a trip to the Alaskan wilderness in
search of new inspiration. He returns home with a new business
focus and concept: functional work wear that meets the daily and sometimes ex-
treme stresses of everyday working life – in forests and harbours, on snow-covered
mountains, and in working environments that are more often hot than cold. He
names his new company Taiga, after the coniferous forests that span the globe.
1991In collaboration with the power industry, Taiga develops the
first functional outdoor wear with protection against electric
arc – a phenomenon that occurs during high-voltage work and generates
extremely high heat.
1983Taiga’s philosophy has much in common with Paul’s previous
company. The clothing is developed in close collaboration with end
users, who test it in extreme conditions, offer feedback and suggest improvements.
Taiga is one of Scandinavia’s first manufacturers to become a licensed supplier of
work wear made with GORE-TEX®.
1994 The European Union establishes new common standards
and requirements. Taiga becomes the first provider of
clothing CE-marked under the new EU standard EN 471 (high visibility).
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5TA
IGA
’S H
ISTO
RY
1997Another important new product is launched: TMB-block, the
first clothing system that protects the wearer from liquid-borne
contagion and the most common liquid chemicals released during road ac-
cidents. Taiga developed the system in collaboration with W.L. GORE, and it has
since been tested and revised in consultation with ambulance professionals.
2000 Taiga builds the TAIGA CLIMATE LABTM, a special climate
facility providing constant access to extreme weather condi-
tions. Now Taiga can create the weather conditions necessary for testing and
evaluating different clothing systems.
2009 Taiga introduces a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)
programme at the company’s own initiative, and establishes
a Code of Conduct that places requirements on its suppliers’ performance in
terms of environmental care, employees, labour laws and working conditions
in production countries. Almost all Taiga’s clothing becomes Oeko-Tex certified
this year. Meanwhile, Taiga continues developing clothing systems that leave no
room for compromise, risk or error.
1996 Taiga was quick to recognise the importance of offering a
complete clothing system with functional materials. This goal
is achieved in 1996, when Taiga launches boxershorts in functional materials.
Taiga is first on the market to offer garments that are designed to function
together as a complete system, from the inside out.
1995 Taiga is first in the industry to quality-assure its products
according to ISO 9001. This is a prerequisite for gaining
certification in class 3 – the highest level under the new EU directives.
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6P
EO
PLE
’S IN
NA
TE
CH
AR
AC
TE
RIS
TIC
S
PEOPLE ARE DESIGNED TO EXIST AT A TEMPERATURE OF +28 °C IN THE SHADE.
PREFERABLY WITH NO WIND
THIN SKIN
COOLING SWEAT
a function unique to humans. NO PROTEC-
TIVE FURto keep
us warm.
provides poor protection
against rain and wind.
HANDS & FEET
often get cold in our climate.
especially the head and torso
area.
SENSITIVE TO HEAT
AND COLD
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7P
EO
PLE
’S IN
NA
TE
CH
AR
AC
TE
RIS
TIC
S
According to the most widely accepted theories of human origin, our
species developed from the Homo Erectus somewhere in southern
Africa. The climate there is warm and comfortable – ideal for humans.
Biologically, humans are designed to live at temperatures of +28 to
+32 °C. Our body functions optimally in this temperature range, and
needs no clothes to keep it warm. If we get too hot or cold, our body
can cool or heat itself.
All creatures are born to live in a specific climate. But people gradu-
ally began migrating across the globe to places with completely different
conditions and demands.
Humans have adapted their lifestyle to different climates, and have also undergone biological changes. Different pigmenta-tions, body proportions etc. offer advantages in various climates.
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8E
AR
TH
AN
D C
LIM
AT
E
THERE ARE 1,500 STORMS HAPPENING ON THE EARTH AT ANY ONE TIME, AND 11
LIGHTING FLASHES OCCUR EvERY SECOND
The number of reported natural disasters has increased recently; over
the last 30 years, the figure has risen from 100 to 427. The situation is
tough – and our ideal average temperature of +28 °C is fairly uncommon.
Add to this strong winds, rain and other challenging environmental factors.
In Scandinavia, such conditions are the rule rather than the exception.
Scandinavia’s capital cities are on roughly the same latitude as Anchorage
in Alaska, so our tough weather conditions are hardly surprising.
SCANDINAvIA HAS AMONG THE WORLD’S LARGEST
TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS
The lowest temperature ever measured in Sweden is -52.6 °C, and the
highest is 38.0 °C. This means a difference of 90.6 °C. The Swedish climate
is also characterised by high precipitation and strong winds. The extreme
weather variations in Sweden and Scandinavia are caused by cold westerly
airstreams which collide with warm southerly airstreams. In fact, Scandi-
navia is considered to have one of the world’s highest temperature
fluctuations.
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EA
RT
H A
ND
CLIM
AT
E9
COLDESTAntarctica (the
southern cold pole). Annual daily average
of -58 °C.
Please note that these are only the daily average figures. The hottest temperature ever recorded is +57.8 °C (El Azizia, Libya). The coldest ever recorded is -89.2 °C (Vostok, Antarctica).
HIGHEST ANNUAL
PRECIPITATIONLloro, Colombia.
Annual precipitation of approx.
13,300 mm.
HOTTESTDallol, Danakil
Desert, Ethiopia. Annual daily average
of +34.5 °C.
Adélie Land. Annual daily
average of 48 m/s (174 km/h).
WINDIEST
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Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air. When warm air cools down, it can no longer retain all the moisture. The moisture falls like rain and remains in the clothing.
10
AIR HUMIDITY ...
MO
IST
UR
E A
ND
TE
MP
ER
AT
UR
E
People start feeling the effects of high air humidity at temperatures of about
0 °C and higher. In the province of Skåne in southern Sweden, for example,
the moist climate feels “raw” in the winter. By comparison, the climate
further north in Sweden feels more comfortable despite being several
degrees colder. This is because the air in Skåne has higher humidity.
The reason is simple: the warmer the air, the more moisture it can hold.
This is illustrated in the Mollier diagram to the right.
Air humidity also makes hotter climates feel less comfortable. At tempera-
tures above +34 °C, it becomes difficult for sweat to evaporate from the skin if
the air is humid. This is because when we sweat, our body tries to eliminate
moisture through evaporation. But this is difficult if the air is already saturated
with moisture.
In a cold climate, air humidity affects our clothing. In the microclimate
(temperature, air humidity etc.) inside a clothing system, there is a tempe-
rature of around 30–32 °C nearest the body. This allows the air against the
body to hold more moisture than the colder air outside. As the warm air
escapes from the clothing system, it cools down and can no longer retain
the moisture. Instead, the moisture remains in the clothing.
Functional clothing materials eliminate
the moisture from the clothing system. By
contrast, clothes in other materials such as
cotton absorb the moisture, which remains in
the clothing. This greatly reduces the clothes’
insulation capacity, while heat is robbed from
the body to dry the clothes.
As a result, you get wet and cold.
Skin
30-32 °C4 kPa
-10 °C0,2 kPa
Outer layer
0 °C
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... HOW IT AFFECTS US
MO
IST
UR
E A
ND
TE
MP
ER
AT
UR
E
Air humidity affects us in many ways, for example the way we experience the weather. But it also causes moisture to accumulate in clothing in a cold climate.
Relativ luftfuktighet i procent
100%
-10
-201 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
0
10
20
30
40°C
50%10%
TH
E C
UR
VE S
HO
WS T
HE
HIG
HEST A
IR S
ATURATION LEVEL.
AMOUNT OF WATER STEAM (IN kPa)
OU
TD
OO
R T
EM
PE
RA
TU
RE
S
MEDIUM AIR HUMIDITY
Typically feels comfortable and
pleasant.
HIGH AIR HUMIDITY
Feels sticky and stifling. Sweat has difficulty evaporating.
LOWAIR HUMIDITY
The mucous mem-branes become
irritated, causing symptoms such
as coughing.
When the air is saturated, the excess
moisture falls in the form of
rain, snow, mist etc.
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1,5
3
6
9
12
15
18
21
24
Temperature (°C)
0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40
-2 -7 -13 -19 -24 -30 -36 -41 -47
-3 -9 -15 -21 -27 -33 -39 -45 -51
-5 -12 -18 -24 -31 -37 -43 -49 -56
-7 -13 -20 -26 -33 -39 -46 -52 -59
-7 -14 -21 -27 -34 -41 -48 -54 -61
-8 -15 -22 -29 -35 -42 -49 -56 -63
-9 -16 -23 -30 -37 -43 -50 -57 -64
-9 -16 -23 -30 -37 -44 -51 -59 -66
-10 -17 -24 -31 -38 -45 -52 -60 -67
m/s
12
We all know that the wind has a cooling effect. But why? Humans con-
stantly produce energy, so our bodies are surrounded by a layer of heated
air. When the air flow increases around a warm body, the layer of warm
air is simply blown away. As a result, the body cools down. This pheno-
menon, know as convection, accounts for 40–80% of the wind’s cooling
effect on the body. An extremely strong wind can even press the warm
air out of the clothing system.
The wind’s cooling effect is known as the wind chill factor. The stronger
the wind, the higher the wind chill factor. This is illustrated in the diagram
to the right. However, note that the temperature does not change just
because it’s windy. The temperature always remains the same; it’s the
chill factor that varies.
In a climate with a wind force of 6 m/s and a temperature of -5 °C, the
heat loss is the same as in completely wind-free conditions at -12 °C. On
the other hand, a warm surface can never become colder than the actual
temperature – in this case -5 °C. To illustrate this, imagine a parachutist.
If the temperature is over 0 °C, the parachutist will sustain no cold damage
during a jump – even if the chill temperature, in theory, is colder than -40 °C.
The main purpose of a chill table is to assess local chilling, for instance
of the face.
WE FEEL COLDER …
The wind cools us down by blowing away the layer of warm air that collects around the body. This is called convection.
TH
E W
IND
’S C
OO
LIN
G E
FF
EC
T
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LU
FT
-LA
GE
R
LU
FT
-LA
GE
R
LUFT-LAGERLUFT-LAGER
1,5
3
6
9
12
15
18
21
24
Temperature (°C)
0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40
-2 -7 -13 -19 -24 -30 -36 -41 -47
-3 -9 -15 -21 -27 -33 -39 -45 -51
-5 -12 -18 -24 -31 -37 -43 -49 -56
-7 -13 -20 -26 -33 -39 -46 -52 -59
-7 -14 -21 -27 -34 -41 -48 -54 -61
-8 -15 -22 -29 -35 -42 -49 -56 -63
-9 -16 -23 -30 -37 -43 -50 -57 -64
-9 -16 -23 -30 -37 -44 -51 -59 -66
-10 -17 -24 -31 -38 -45 -52 -60 -67
m/s
15
-20
-35
-350
CHILL FACTOR
... but at a wind force of 15 m/s, the chill factor is -35 °C.
The warm air layer is pressed and/or blown away by the wind ...
... this increases the chill factor. In this example, the tempe-rature is -20 °C ...
-200TEmP
15 m/s
WIND
THE WIND’S EFFECT ON THE CHILL FACTOR
13
... WHEN IT’S WINDY
TH
E W
IND
’S C
OO
LIN
G E
FF
EC
T
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14W
HY
PE
OP
LE
GE
T C
OLD
WHAT HAPPENS ...Generally speaking, we feel cold when our body loses more heat than
it produces.
On average, it takes 5 to 7 minutes for a person to consciously feel
cold. This happens when the cold starts affecting our deep body tempe-
rature. Consequently, feeling cold is a sign that our body is out of balance.
The chilling process also affects our nerves and muscles and impairs
our fine motor function and our concentration ability.
The first body parts to start feeling cold are our hands and feet. This
isn’t necessarily caused by inadequate socks or gloves, It’s also because
the body saves heat by reducing the blood circulation.
Our hands and feet are the first body parts to be deprioritised in favour of
more vital organs. If our hands reach a temperature of around 15–20 °C,
they start feeling acutely painful. Below 10 °C, the hands go numb. Below
0 °C, freezing injuries occur.
The last body functions to stop working are the heart, lungs and brain.
The body keeps them warm for as long as possible. A particularly large
amount of energy is stored in the head. In extreme conditions, 80% of
body heat can escape through the head if no hat is worn.
If nothing is done to improve the situation, the body activates its next
mechanism for keeping warm: shivering. This starts long after we begin
feeling discomfort.
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FINE MOTOR PRECISION
When we cool down, it affects our nerves and muscles. Our fine motor precision is impaired.
KEEP YOUR HEAD WARM
Up to 80% of body heat escapes from the head. Use a hat!
We get cold when our body loses more heat than it produces. Consequently, feeling cold is a sign that our deep body temperature is out of balance.
REACTIONS AT LOW bODY TEMPERATURE
37 °C Normal body temperature.36 °C Cold hands and feet, shaking, discomfort. 35 °C Severe shivering, impaired work capacity. Severe discomfort.34 °C Exhaustion, lack of strength. Apathy, impaired judgement.33-32 °C Shivering subsides, deterioration of muscle function, difficult to use hands. Confusion, depression.32-30 °C Muscle fatigue, inability to walk, skin cold with bluish tinge. Progressive loss of cons-ciousness. 30-27 °C Stiff muscles, slow pulse and breathing. No response to communication attempts. <27 °C No nerve reflexes, irre-
gular heartbeat, heart may stop.
15W
HY
PE
OP
LE
GE
T C
OLD
... WHEN WE GET COLD
THE FIRST SIGNS
The first body parts to start feeling cold are the hands and feet. This is because the body saves heat by reducing the blood circulation.
DEEP bODY TEMPERATURE
It takes 5 to 7 minutes for the cold to start affecting our deep body temperature.
SHIVERING
Shivering is caused by uncontrol-lable muscle spasms. It is one of the body’s ways of generating its own heat.
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16W
HY
PE
OP
LE
SW
EA
T
WHAT HAPPENS ...Just like when we get cold, sweating is a sign that our deep body tempera-
ture is changing. In this case it rises, and the body sweats to cool down.
In a resting state and a normal climate, we lose approximately 30 grams
of body moisture per hour through evaporation. If the body overheats, for
example during heavy work in warm weather, the skin’s sweat glands are
activated and sweat is produced over the whole body. Sweating is also cau-
sed by mental stress, in which case our hands and head start sweating.
It’s not the actual sweating process that cools us down. The cooling
occurs when the sweat evaporates. The evaporation process eliminates
large reserves of body heat through the skin. If you sweat and evaporate
1 litre of water per hour, this produces a cooling effect of approximately
680 W.
To illustrate this, imagine what it’s like to take a cooling dip on a sunny
summer day. When you get out of the water, the air feels cold – even though
the weather is sunny and warm. This is because the body releases heat
during the evaporation process.
During hard work at low temperatures, the cooling effect of sweating
can actually be dangerous. When you stop working, the sweat cools your
body down just when it needs all the heat it can get.
We sweat when our deep body temperature starts getting too high. The body cools down when the sweat evaporates.
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COOLINGIf you sweat and evaporate
1 litre of water per hour, this produces a cooling
effect of 680 W.
THE WHOLE bODY SWEATSThere are sweat glands all over the body. They are activated in hot environments and during hard work.
LIMITED EVAPORATIONAt high air humidity, the body has trouble cooling down during sweating. This is because the sweat cannot evaporate effi-ciently into the saturated air.
THE ACTUAL SWEATING DOESN’T COOL US DOWN
The cooling occurs when the sweat evaporates.
150 ML A DAYOur feet release about 150 ml of sweat a day.
ADJUSTING OUR HEAT bALANCETo stop the body from over- heating, we need to sweat.
REACTIONS AT HIGH bODY TEMPERATURE37 °C Normal body temperature.38 °C Temperature during mo-derately hard work. Blood vessel dilation and sweating.39 °C Temperature during very hard work. Exhaustion.40 °C Inefficient temperature regulation. Unbearable.>41 °C Risk of heatstroke and permanent heat damage.
17
WHAT HAPPENS ...
WH
Y P
EO
PLE
SW
EA
T
... WHEN WE SWEAT
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It feels nicer to get up on a sunny summer morning than on a dark, cold and
windy winter morning. The weather affects our mental state. Temperature has an
especially strong affect, influencing both our performance and our behaviour.
A person suffering from excessive cold has trouble concentrating. Complex
tasks performed under time pressure are especially sensitive to the effects of a
cold environment. More errors are committed, many of them caused by lapses
in concentration. Our learning ability is also impaired, and it becomes harder to
memorise new information.
After prolonged work in the cold, you may get used to your body reactions and
feel less discomfort. This is not entirely positive. You risk getting used to the body’s
warning signals and overlooking them. This can result in freezing injuries etc.
The nature and severity of physical and mental reactions to cold varies
from person to person, and may also be influenced by individual attitudes
and motivation.
The opposite of cold stress is heat stress. This occurs when the body
cannot release enough heat (for example due to a thick layer of clothing) and
consequently overheats. Besides causing discomfort and reduced stamina
(working capacity), heat stress also has a negative mental effect. Memory and
spatial orientation ability are impaired.
THE WEATHER AFFECTS OUR MENTAL STATE
BODY HEAT IS PARTLY CONTROLLED BY THE MINDM
EN
TA
L E
FF
EC
TS
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19
THE WEATHER AFFECTS OUR MENTAL STATE
BODY HEAT IS PARTLY CONTROLLED BY THE MIND
Our mental state affects the way our body reacts to the climate in extreme
or vulnerable situations, for example if we’re worried, nervous or simply
under pressure.
The body reacts to these situations by tensing up. The degree of stress
required in order for this to happen varies from person to person, but the
symptoms are the same for everyone. The blood vessels contract, obstructing
blood circulation. As always, reduced blood circulation makes us feel cold.
Another reaction worth mentioning is cold sweating. This happens when
the inner tension is so strong that the body secretes sweat, primarily on
the head and hands.
COLD/STRESS
INDIVIDUAL CHARACTE-
RISTICS
PERFORMANCE CAPACITY
SITUATIONAL FACTORS
RISKSCOSTS
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL
REACTIONS
PERFORMANCE
many factors affect our performance and our reactions to the weather, for example stress and individual characteristics.
ME
NTA
L E
FF
EC
TS
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20
Our body is constantly losing heat. In hot environments, it is necessary to
prevent the body from overheating. At cold temperatures, we can easily lose
too much heat. As a result, we get cold and are at higher risk of freezing
injuries. The colder the temperature, the more heat we lose. Cooling takes
place by means of five processes: convection, radiation, conduction, evapo-
ration and breathing. In a cold climate and with a low level of activity, these
processes are distributed roughly as follows:
THE BODY LOSES HEAT IN vARIOUS WAYS
50% / CONVECTION – air is heated by the skin and flows away. This process is strongly reinforced by wind and ventilation in clothing.
30% / RADIATION heat is released in the form of light, in the same way as the sun’s rays.
10% / bREATHING when we draw cold air into the lungs, this also has a cooling effect.
5% / EVAPORATION heat energy is transported away when the body evaporates moisture (e.g. sweat), which has a cooling effect.
5% / CONDUCTION heat is exchanged when two surfaces meet (e.g. warm feet on a cold floor).
In light of these factors, we need clothes that match the body’s heat loss.
Low evaporation resistance prevents moisture from remaining in the clothing
system. Windproofness protects against heat loss through convection. Water-
proofness protects against wet (which results in cooling through evaporation).
Insulation retains the heat in the clothing system.
HE
AT L
OS
S A
ND
IN
SU
LA
TIO
N
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THE BODY LOSES HEAT IN vARIOUS WAYS
RADIATION
< 30 %bREATHING
≈ 10 %
CONVECTION
> 50 %
EVAPORATION
≈ 5 %CONDUCTION
< 5 %
LOSS OF bODY HEATOur body is constantly giving off
heat. This is important in order to prevent overheating. However, in
cold weather it creates problems.
Your clothing is vital in reducing heat loss. It needs to insulate and keep your body dry, since moisture has a cooling effect.
THE HEAT PROPERTIES OF CLOTHINGTo prevent heat loss, you need suitable clothing that keeps you warm and dry. This process can be divided into four factors:
WINDPROOFNESS
WATERPROOFNESS
INSULATION
EVAPORATION RESISTANCE
HE
AT L
OS
S A
ND
INS
UL
AT
ION
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22
THE INSULATION ABILITY OF CLOTHING IS MEASURED IN CLO
Appropriate clothing is vital for operating and working in cold weather. Your
clothing provides insulation and keeps you warm. It creates an outer layer
of heated air around your body that helps insulate your body heat. However,
this layer of air is sensitive to convection and can easily be blown away.
Your clothing must keep you warm – even in windy conditions. However,
it mustn’t provide so much insulation that you sweat. Your clothing should
provide the right degree of warmth. But how can you determine this?
To determine how warm a clothing system needs to be, various factors
must be considered. It is vital to determine the right CLO value.
CLO is a measurement unit that indicates a garment’s insulation ability.
It is based on an international standard (EN 342), and is measured and
determined using a thermal manikin. When clothes are CE marked, the
measurement value m2 K/W is used to determine their insulation capacity.
1 CLO = 0.152 m2 K/W.
Calculating the CLO value is a scientific means of identifying the right
clothing. There are several determining factors, such as temperature, wind
and type of work.
CLO
TH
ING
IN
SU
LA
TIO
N IS
ME
AS
UR
ED
IN
CLO
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Clothing can provide insulation up to 3.5 CLO. You are also surrounded by an outer layer of heated air that keeps you warm – as long as there’s no wind.
23
INSULATION PROVIDED bY
CLOTHING
0-3,5 CLO
INSULATION PROVIDED bY
OUTER AIR LAYER
0,2-0,8 CLO
CLO
TH
ING
INS
UL
AT
ION
IS M
EA
SU
RE
D IN
CLO
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24B
OD
Y H
EA
T A
ND
HE
AT B
AL
AN
CE
HEAT BALANCE REqUIRES THE RIGHT CLO vALUE
THE BODY GENERATES HEAT DURING WORK
In a resting state, the body generates a heating power of 100 W, about the
same as two light bulbs. As soon as we start moving and working, the heat
production increases. During “light work”, for example using light tools, we
produce 240 W. During “very heavy work”, such as climbing or fast digging,
we produce 600 W or more.
When the body produces heat, our clothing requirements change. For
example, clothes that keep you warm in a resting state quickly become too
warm if you start doing physical work in them. For this reason, the user’s heat
production should be taken into consideration when determining the right
clothes (see next page).
MEDIUM-HEAVY WORK
320 W 180 W/m2
VERY HEAVY WORK
600-2000 W 360-1200 W/m2
LIGHT WORK
240 W 133 W/m2
VERY LIGHT WORK
180 W 100 W/m2
REST100 W 60 W/m2
STANDING125 W 70 W/m2
400 W 233 W/m2
HEAVY WORK
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25
The optimal heat balance means that your body has an internal temperature
of roughly 37 °C. This is vital in order to function optimally and feel comfortable.
Feeling cold is the body’s reaction to a drop in deep body temperature.
Conversely, we sweat when our deep body temperature starts rising. In both
cases, this is the body’s way of maintaining an optimal heat balance. When
you add factors such as changes in weather, temperature and work activities
(own heat production), it becomes clear that heat balance is no easy equation.
It is vital to dress right. Your clothing requirements are calculated using CLO,
according to the scale below.
BO
DY
HE
AT A
ND
HE
AT B
AL
AN
CE
HEAT BALANCE REqUIRES THE RIGHT CLO vALUE
THE BODY GENERATES HEAT DURING WORK
Calculate the CLO value you need. Visit www.taiga.se
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10°C
Temperature
Insu
latio
n re
quire
men
ts, C
LO v
alue
THE CLO-THING LIMITAt this point, it’s not
possible to dress any warmer without
obstructing mobility.
125 W [STANDING]
240 W [LIGHT WORK]400 W [HEAVY WORK]
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DRY
WARm
SECuRE
The first layer limits convection immediately next to the skin, eliminates moisture and keeps you dry.
The second layer provides insulation, generating heat in the clothing system.
The outermost layer protects you from extreme weather and other threats.
26O
UR
CLO
TH
ING
SY
ST
EM
DRY, WARM, SECUR E – OUR SOLUTION
Good work clothes should keep you dry, warm and secure without restricting
your movement. Through research and intensive testing, we have developed
clothes that provide optimal mobility and heat balance even in situations
that call for very high CLO values. Taiga’s clothing systems are based on the
layer-on-layer principle: Warm, Dry and Secure.
TO OPTIMISE YOU R PERFORMANCE
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27O
UR
CLO
TH
ING
SY
ST
EM
DRY, WARM, SECUR E – OUR SOLUTION
The first layer limits convection immediately next to the skin and keeps you
dry. After this comes the insulating Warm layer. If necessary, this layer can
be supplemented. The outermost layer is your protection against external
factors, from rain and wind to electric arcs and hazardous chemicals.
TO OPTIMISE YOU R PERFORMANCE
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28
GOOD ADvICE FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
The layer-on-layer principle makes it easy to change your clothing’s
CLO value. But besides adding and removing garments, there are
other solutions for extremely cold or hot conditions.
ADjuST YOuR CLOTHING
Adjust your clothing to your needs. If your level of activity varies, your
clothing must vary accordingly. The layer-on-layer principle makes
it easy to change your clothing system’s CLO value. For example, if
you pass from a light to a more demanding activity, it’s a good idea to
remove warm garments such as fleeces. If you start feeling cold, put
more clothes on. Your hat is especially important. A lot of heat escapes
if your head is bare.
AVOID COTTON CLOTHING
Cotton has no place in a functional clothing system. When
cotton gets damp (as it easily does), it loses its heat insulation
ability. Moreover, it uses your body heat to dry, thereby
cooling you down.
GO
OD
AD
vIC
E A
ND
AD
JU
ST
ME
NT
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29
GOOD ADvICE FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
RAISE YOuR HEAT FROm THE INSIDE
If you start feeling cold outdoors, activate your large muscle
groups for 5-7 minutes. This raises your heat production
and blood circulation. The large muscle groups are your
stomach, back and legs.
WASH YOuR CLOTHES REGuLARLY
Clean clothes function more efficiently. This particularly applies to the inner
surface of clothing, which is exposed to sweat and body grease. For example,
moisture-wicking membranes can get clogged, reducing the
clothes’ breathability. Socks are particularly important. Feet
release about 150 ml of sweat a day. Change your socks
often to ensure they’re always clean.
REST IS VITAL
Don’t work for too long in extreme cold or heat. The risk of heat
stroke and exhaustion starts increasing at outdoor temperatures
of over 30 °C. The problems are greatly aggravated at cold
temperatures below 30 °C. Take regular short breaks from
the cold or heat.
DRINK WATER
Normally, a healthy person should drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day.
During hard work, we sweat more so we need to drink more. Make
sure you drink lots and regularly. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty
– thirst is a sign that you are already suffering from dehydration.
Other symptoms of dehydration are headache, dizziness and
reduced concentration.
GO
OD
AD
vIC
E A
ND
AD
JU
ST
ME
NT
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CLIM
AT
E L
AB
™
WE REFUSE TO TAKE CHANCES.
THAT’S WHY WE CREATED
CLIMATE LABTM
We need access to extreme weather to test our
clothes’ function. But instead of travelling the globe
in search of the perfect bad weather, we create it
ourselves. The TAIGA CLIMATE LAB™ is a world-
unique facility where we subject both our clothing
and ourselves to tough tests and environmental
factors – both for research purposes and to show
how the body reacts in extreme conditions. Of
course, our customers, suppliers and other part-
ners are welcome to visit the CLIMATE LAB™ to
test different clothing systems.
31
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32C
HO
ICE
OF
MA
TE
RIA
LS
OUR MATERIALSWe’re only satisfied with the best – so we only work with the best.
We also actively develop new materials, functions and solutions
– often in collaboration with suppliers, but also with external
specialists in function and quality.
3-LAYER GORE-TEx® FLAMELINER
Used for our fireproof products that
must meet very high heat protection
requirements.
WINDSTOPPER®
Total windproofness with high
breathability.
CROSSTECH®
A windproof and waterproof ma-
terial that protects against liquid-borne
contagion and liquid chemicals.
POLYESTER
High tolerance to many chemicals,
extremely low water absorption level.
GORE-TEx®
A Teflon membrane that is
breathable, waterproof and wind-
proof. Its quality is durable and not
affected by washing.
2-LAYER GORE-TEx®
The membrane is laminated against
the outer fabric so that water runs off
it immediately.
3-LAYER GORE-TEx®
A GORE-TEX® membrane laminated
between two layers of fabric. For in-
creased durability.
GORE-TEx® STORMLINER
A flexible, waterproof, ultra-light
membrane.
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33C
HO
ICE
OF
MA
TE
RIA
LSOUR MATERIALS
POLYAMID
A strong, lightweight material. Often used
in outer shells.
CORDURA
A hard-wearing and very lightweight
polyamide material.
THERMOLIGHT PLUS
AND ExTREME
Material with hollow fibres. Good insu-
lation and moisture wicking ability.
MODACRYL/COTTON
A fabric made of fireproof fibres. Excellent
colour resistance providing high visibility.
bIOACTIVE
A moisture-wicking material with good
antibacterial properties.
TAIGA WP
Windproof and waterproof,
releases condensation.
TMb-bLOCK
A clothing system that protects
against liquid-borne contagion.
TP-122
An exceptionally hardwearing
material with high windproof
and waterproof properties.
POLARTECH WINDPRO
HARDFACE
A stretch fabric providing high comfort,
excellent insulation and effective wind
protection.
POLARTEC THERMAL
PRO HIGHLOFT
A material with exceptional insulating
ability in relation to its weight. Fast-drying,
excellent moisture-wicking ability.
POLARTECH
POWERSTRETCH
A very warm, flexible material with
relatively low water absorption.
TAIGA SOFTSHELL
A windproof and waterproof material
with exceptional breathability.
TAIGA SOFTSHELL
SUPERSTRETCH
An extra flexible four-way stretch fabric.
NOMEx
One of the most flameproof materials.
POLARTEC POWERDRY
ODOUR RESISTANT
A 2-layer polyester weave used for base
garments. Exceptional wicking ability.
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34C
ER
TIF
ICA
TIO
N
CERTIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS
Our clothing systems both meet and exceed the highest requirements.
This is the result of hard work and a principle based on offering end
users the best possible conditions for working in extreme weather and
under mental and physical stress.
Foul weather protectionEN 343
EN 342 Cold protection.
EN 14058 Cool climate protection.
EN 342EN 14058
Protective clothing against liquid-borne contagion from humans and animals, chlorine, battery acid, petrol, fire extinguishing foam and hydraulic oil.
TMb block
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pr-ENV 50354
pr-ENV 13034
EN 1149
EN 531 EN ISO
11612:2008
EN 471
2 35c
ER
TIf
IcA
TIo
nHigh visibility.
Protective clothing for industrial workers exposed to heat.
clothing with elec-trostatic protection.
clothing providing limi-ted protection against liquid chemicals.
clothing with electric arc protection.
Taiga User’s Guide – written in collaboration with Ingvar Holmér, professor
of climate physiology at the faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Sweden.
The right clothing is vital for people who
work outdoors. The right equipment
will get you a long way, but you can
improve your situation still further by
improving your knowledge. With this
booklet, we want to spread some of that
particular success factor – knowledge.
TAI_BOK_Omslag_UK.indd 2 11-05-04 13.28.32
TAIGA USER’S GUIDE
IPM
Ulriceham
n
www.taiga.se
Post Box 20, 432 21 VARBERG, SVERIGE stREEt ADDREss BIRGER SVEnSSonS VäG 14, 432 40 VARBERGPHoNE +46 340-666900 FAx +46 340-666922 MAIL [email protected]
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