Radiant or contact? Which type of heat do you need to protect yourself from at work?

What is radiant heat?

Numerous activities take place inside a foundry that expose operators to extreme heat conditions. Some are involved in melting and casting metals, others manage high-temperature furnaces, others handle and transport parts, and others perform quality checks on metal castings. There are also those responsible for plant maintenance and cooling the structures.

Each task involves a different level of exposure to heat, sparks, and molten metal splashes. For this reason, choosing the right protective equipment is never optional but is a fundamental requirement for operator safety.

Radiant heat is a form of thermal energy that is transmitted through electromagnetic waves, without the need for direct contact with an object. This type of heat can warm people and nearby surfaces simply through radiation. In industrial environments such as foundries, steelworks and iron and steel plants, radiant heat is particularly dangerous due to the presence of molten metal and high temperatures.

Radiant heat vs contact heat

• Radiant heat propagates through space and can affect operators even without direct contact.
• Contact heat requires physical contact with hot surfaces and can cause immediate burns if the skin touches incandescent materials.

This difference is crucial in choosing the appropriate protective clothing, known as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), based on the type of exposure.

Not sure what type of heat, radiant or contact, you need to protect yourself from in the workplace? Read our article!

The risks of exposure to radiant heat in foundries

n foundries, radiant heat generated by molten metal and high-temperature furnaces is one of the main threats to workers' health. Unlike contact heat, which causes immediate burns on contact, radiant heat acts constantly and invisibly, accumulating in the body and causing serious consequences if adequate PPE is not used.

Prolonged exposure to radiant heat can cause:

• Thermal stress: the body struggles to disperse excess heat, resulting in fatigue, intense sweating and reduced concentration.
• Heatstroke: an acute and potentially fatal condition that manifests itself with dizziness, mental confusion, nausea and loss of consciousness.
• Cardiovascular problems: increased thermoregulatory effort can put pressure on the circulatory system, posing risks especially for those who already have medical conditions.
• Reduced cognitive and motor skills: hyperthermia compromises lucidity, reflexes and judgement, increasing the likelihood of errors and accidents at work.
• Long-term damage to tissues and respiratory tract: repeated exposure without protection can weaken the operator's physical resistance, leading to chronic dehydration and other medical complications.

For this reason, it is essential that operators are trained on the symptoms of heat stress and equipped with certified PPE against radiant heat, such as those made of aluminised aramid fabric, which reflect up to 95% of heat, creating an indispensable protective barrier.

Would you like to learn more about the dangers caused by heat in foundries and which roles are most at risk?fonderia e quali sono i ruoli più a rischio? Read our blog! 

Why is aluminised aramid fabric essential

 Aramid fabrics are ideal for the metallurgical industry because they reflect approximately 95% of radiant heat. This means that operators in foundries, steelworks and ironworks can work safely, reducing the risk of burns and heat stress.

Find out when and why to wear aluminised PPE to protect yourself from extreme heat and molten metals, ensuring safety and comfort at work: Aluminised PPE: when and why to wear it.

The solution: Coval Alusoft Comfort line

The Coval Alusoft Comfort line, developed by Coval Safety, is designed for operators who work daily in extreme temperatures.

Made from lined Alusoft aluminised fabric, the garments in the Alusoft Comfort line combine durability, protection and comfort without compromise: 

• reflect up to 95% of radiant heat, protecting the operator even in the most extreme conditions
• resist molten metal splashes and occasional flames, reducing the risk of serious injury
• thanks to their generous cut and ergonomic fit, they guarantee prolonged comfort and freedom of movement even during intense work shifts.

NEW: all garments in the Comfort line are EN ISO 11612:2015 certified and have achieved the maximum C4 level for protection against radiant heat. This makes them among the best performing garments on the market for protection against radiant heat, offering maximum safety and reliability in high-risk environments such as foundries, steelworks and iron and steel plants.

Find out everything you need to know about clothing for protection against heat and flames and how the ISO 11612:2015 standard ensures safety at work. Clothing for protection against heat and flames: the ISO 11612:2015 standard.

The main features of the models include a wide cut to ensure maximum freedom of movement, adjustable Velcro straps for a customised fit, and sturdy Velcro and button fastenings that ensure maximum protection during the most demanding operations.

Available models

• V2TCKAF COMFORT Coat: The ideal choice for those who work in extreme temperatures: maximum protection and freedom of movement, even during the most demanding shifts.
  
  
• V3TCKAF COMFORT jacket: Uncompromising safety. Avanced torso protection and extended comfort, to tackle any challenge in foundries or steelworks.
  
  
• V4TCKAF COMFORT trousers: Stability, resistance and practicality. Thanks to the support braces and aluminised fabric, they protect the lower limbs even in the most extreme conditions.

All models are EN ISO 11612:2015 certified, achieving the maximum C4 level against radiant heat, a guarantee of reliability and safety.

Choose Coval Alusoft Comfort to work safely, even in high thermal risk environments!