Rethinking Safety.
Redefining Comfort.
Protecting the operator in the event of an accident is, of course, the primary purpose of PPE. But true safety goes beyond just protection; it’s also about comfort. An operator weighed down by restrictive gear or battling heat stress isn’t just uncomfortable — they’re at greater risk. Freedom of movement and effective heat management shouldn’t be considered luxuries but essentials, as they prevent fatigue, help maintain focus, and ensure a truly safe worksite. So how does one balance protection with comfort? Let’s take a closer look.
While protective clothing for water jetting must shield against extreme forces, it doesn’t have to come at the cost of comfort and mobility. For operators to be able to perform their jobs safely, they need to be able to move around comfortably and freely. At TST Sweden, we constantly strive to make our protective clothing more flexible and compliant.
– Comfortable protective clothing is essential in our line of business. First of all, if the clothing isn’t comfortable, there is a high risk that operators won’t wear it. Secondly, flexible clothing allows operators to perform their jobs more safely. When operators can move around more freely, not limited by their clothing, there’s a lower risk of accidents. Therefore, we have done our utmost to create the most comfortable and flexible protective clothing out there, says Peder Lindström, Market & Sales Director at TST Sweden.
Over the past few years, we have updated our already flexible and compliant protective clothing with something we call Athletic Design. This design philosophy focuses on enhancing mobility, flexibility, and comfort without compromising safety. By incorporating ergonomic construction and innovative use of fabric, our EliteOperator® range for PPE for water jetting up to 3,000 bar / 43,500 psi and our ProOperator® range for PPE for high-pressure cleaning up to 500 bar / 7,500 psi now boast the highest mobility and compliance in the industry.
Wearing TST Sweden’s EliteOperator® PPE, the operator can move freely and safely, combining extreme protection with comfort and mobility.
Water jetting is demanding work, and to withstand high water pressures, operators need protective clothing that fully covers the body. As a result, operators can become warm and sweaty during work shifts, increasing the risk of heat stress and compromising their safety, efficiency, and well-being. Overheating disrupts cognitive function, making it harder to assess risks, react quickly, and follow safety precautions. This can lead to delayed decisions, misjudged hazards, and a higher risk of accidents. We are aware of this challenge and offer multiple solutions to help operators stay cool and comfortable for longer.
– An operator who can manage heat exposure, both from the work and the surroundings, can work longer, more safely, and with a lower risk of heat stress and fatigue. Therefore, we offer multiple solutions to ensure that operators can stay cool and comfortable in our protective clothing. In our ProOperator® range, we have added ventilated zippers, and in all our overalls and trousers in our EliteOperator® and 10/28 range, we offer the option of added ventilation. This solution allows compressed air to flow through the clothing, cooling the operator during their entire work shift, says Peder Lindström.
After hearing from distributors and end-users that there was a need for a more flexible ventilation option, we recently launched a new ventilated product — the Ventilation Vest. The vest is a standalone garment, lightweight and easy to wear, crafted for flexible cooling, and can be worn under any garment. The vest comes with an integrated hose allowing for easy connection to a compressor and keeps the operator cool and comfortable through even air distribution thanks to the perforated lining.
If compressed airflow is not an option at the work site, a cooling vest can be a great alternative.
– Our cooling vests absorb heat from the body instead of shocking it with cold, like ice vests do, ensuring effective yet gentle cooling. Powered by Temptech®, a special energy element, the vests help operators maintain an optimal body temperature by providing cooling precisely when needed — keeping the user comfortable without feeling cold, says Peder Lindström.
Another option we offer to keep operators safe and comfortable is the Safety Booth. The booth provides shelter from water, wind, sun, rain, hail, and snow. Adding a fan or a heater for additional comfort ensures just the right temperature for every situation.
TST Sweden’s Cooling Vest and Safety Booth, smart solutions for comfort and protection.
At the end of the day, safety isn’t just about shielding the body; it’s about creating the right conditions for operators to work safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary strain. When protective clothing is flexible, breathable, and designed with real working conditions in mind, operators can focus on the task at hand rather than discomfort or fatigue. For us, rethinking safety means recognizing that comfort and protection aren’t opposing forces — they’re the foundation of a smarter and safer work environment.