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VICTORIA – Technology is often associated with software and gadgets, but there are many companies leveraging technology to improve on traditional safety and protection.
Cooler Heads is one such company, developing a flame shield for head and face protection. Historically, in industries like mining, oil and refineries, workers in high risk situations have had no way of protecting their face and head from flash fires.
While fire retardant boots, coveralls and gloves have long been used there has been nothing to protect the face and head. It’s simply expected that workers unlucky enough to be caught in a flash fire will suffer third degree burns to their face and head.
Not being willing to accept the status quo, local businessman Edward Sawchyn decided to do something about it. Despite the fact he did not have scientific training, he was certain that using sensor and airbag technology concepts that something could be created to solve this problem.
While the Cooler Heads Flame Shield FX1 is not expected to be commercially available until early next year, the product recently went through an official “fully destructive burn test.” The mannequin wearing the Flame Shield suffered 0 per cent 3rd degree burns to the face and head, a groundbreaking achievement.
One of the challenges of launching the Flame Shield is that the product has never existed before so there is no actual standard through which to approve it for use in the field. Says’ Edward, “There are no standards as there is simply no comparable product!”
Nonetheless, with Edward’s passion for innovation, the ingenuity shown in this invention, and the life changing differences this product will make, we’re sure it’s only a matter of time before it becomes standard issue safety gear in many industries.
– Rob is a Director at VIATeC and founder of PlusROI Online Marketing, a web development & marketing firm. He can be reached at Rob@PlusROI.com.
