The science is clear - this is not a gimmick.
In workplace simulations, portable cooling systems maintained thermal comfort and work performance in hot environments, with participants reporting lower perceived exertion and better productivity.
(The effects of portable cooling systems on thermal comfort and work performance in a hot environment. Building Simulation. 14, 1667–1683 (2021))
Another meta-analysis of personal cooling strategies, including fans, showed they significantly alleviate physiological strain, with fans reducing mean skin temperature rises just after 15 minutes of sustained use.
(Meta-analysis study on the effects of personal cooling strategies in reducing human heat stress: Possible application to medical workers, Journal of Building Engineering, Volume 85)
A biophysical modelling study recommends fan use under almost all circumstances that we perceive as “hot“.
(Electric fan use for cooling during hot weather: A biophysical modelling study, The Lancet Planetary Health, 5(6). doi:10.1016/s2542-5196(21)00136-4.)
Open Pit
Turning 40 degrees to 23 degrees by evaporative cooling - the magic of wet bulb temperature.
You know what it’s like when it hits 45 degrees and the job won’t do itself.
The kind of heat where it presses you like it has physical weight. You feel it from above and below - reflecting off the pit floor like you’re standing on a barbecue plate.
You’ve done it for years, you can handle it. but it doesn't have to be this way.
How can this serve you?
Underground
Airflow for workers that need it the most. With an emergency torch if your cap lamp ever goes out.
You’re three hours into your shift. 800 metres down. Dead-end heading. Water dripping off the walls. No vent bag in sight.
The air’s so thick, it’s like breathing through a wet rag. The only thing moving is sweat - running down your back, stinging your eyes, your shirt is like a cling wrap.
You’re tough, you can handle it, but some airflow would be great..
Management
A low-cost tool that helps reducing idling time - and heat-related incidents.
If you're running crews in the heat, you already know what happens: Machines get left idling just to run the aircon.
You can't stop them, and honestly, you can’t really blame them. But what if there’s an alternative that pays for itself within a week?
Also, if it reduces just one heat-related incident this summer, a dozen instantly pays for themselves