We have a plant in Trinidad. They wear Category 4 gear when it calls for it. And I've done it lots of time, too even working in the South. It's aggravating and hot. But the easiest way to do it is to don the gear, open all the doors you need to open, and then take it back off.

If it is really bad, you can buy cooling vests. There are two types. One basically contains pockets that hold cold packs. The other type is a vortex cooler that uses compressed air. I've tested both in a foundry (floor temperatures can get over 120 F) and they work quite well. The cold pack stuff is good for about an hour or so. The vortex cooler works all day, but you do have the extra hassle of pulling an air line around.

The other key is acclimation. It takes several days to acclimate to working in a different climate condition but it can be done and is your best defense against heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Unexpected and emberassing interaction. Had company's electrician remove cover of older equipment to collect data. I asked to make sure it was not interlocked - I was pretty sure it might have been. He assured me it was ok.

Oops! interlocked - thump of breaker operating - lights out - alarms on. "Uninteneded interaction"

So while doing the study on a QMB I can suit up, open all the doors, suit down, read the fuses and wires, then suit back up to shut the doors? How is the only dangerous part (Arc Flash wise) opening the door? Don't get me wrong, if this is good information then I am grateful for it!