Do your techs wear shorts?
I was asked by a tech if he could wear shorts. Years ago, I would have said no but am reconsidering. It's been in the 90's and they were working on rooftop units. Do you allow your techs to wear shorts? Just curious.
Thanks
Boiler Lessons
Comments
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Yes. I have even been inclined to wear them myself. It depends on the job and the weather of course. I like wearing shorts now as much as possible and never thought that I would.
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I won't wear them. They have a "schoolboy" appearance, which looks unprofessional. The only example I can think of where this works is the guy from AC/DC.
All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting
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If you are working on residential equipment I would say that it is up to the individual or the employer to choose what to wear. Just make sure that they are clean and in good condition. Don't ever look like a slob or not look presentable. For me, I never would have worn shorts since almost all my work was in a commercial or industrial setting. In that setting there are too many objects that can jab, cut or burn you. In the winter, I wore a uniform pair of pants and a uniform long sleeve shirt and in the summer, uniform pants, a uniform Tee shirt, and have a uniform long sleeve shirt handy just in case. You never know who you will meet on the job.
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For work, no shorts, just lots of water. Coming in on a Saturday or Sunday, maybe.
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I would check and see what your workman’s company policy says about wearing shorts that will determine if shorts will be allowed.
Shorts don’t meet osha standards on a job site.
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I wear Cargo pants made by Engelbert Strauss… On every visit to Germany i would end up Spending some serious $$ on pants… Everything has a place for Tools,Wallets,Phone and other gear.
The 2020 Pants also have a Zipper down the back which helps get some ventilation on very hot days. Beginning of this year Engelbert Strauss is availble in the USA.
Here is a link to their Webpage
Sooo no Shorts here !
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I've always thought they look unprofessional.
However I honestly wouldn't blame someone for working in their underwear up in someone's 120-130f attic. Though the insulation may be an issue.
So I don't know.
It is a fact you work better if you're more comfortable.
Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.
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They make personal air conditioned suits for those hot attics…Starting very early or just Sweating it out with Serious hydrating are other options 😓
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Any personal experience with these suits? Any particular makes and models that you would recommend?
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Thanks everyone I never would have thought of wearing them but I see more techs in shorts at the supply houses. I appreciate your input
Ray Wohlfarth
Boiler Lessons0 -
You KNOW what Workers Comp & Osha are going to say. It depends..on alot of factors...
- The Worker
- Type of work sewer connections? Soldering & brazing? No...
- AC rooftop & 120 degree crawl spaces? YES!
PROFESSIONAL LOOK?
I've seen absolute slobs in White Good Humor Ice cream duds.
I've seen aces in shorts..
I lean toward personal choice..within reason..no wife beaters. Etc. Mad 🐕 Dog
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This trade is hard enough..if a guy or gal wanna wear no cargo shorts.. let em...it's the little things nothing p-'-off a great worker than, ridgid nit picky, cookie cutter, Big Brother policies. Mad Dog 🐕
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No matter what kind of work you do in the trades burns, scrapes, sharp edges, nails and screws abound.
Never wore shorts in 46 years. just think that is a really bad idea.
If you want to wear shorts you need a different job
Maybe I am being too harsh but I would think it would be a liability issue just like safety glasses and gloves are needed.
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Common Sense should be part of the equation..
If you are Soldering,Brazing,Welding or using a cutting torch do not wear Shorts with Sneakers /Sandals as you may get some very serious injuries.
Got a funny one here: About 20 years ago two UPS workers up here in the High Country Colorado had a bet going on who would be able to wear shorts the longest into the cold season ..They both Stubbornly wanted to win so they continued to wear shorts even when we Approched -40F ! Eventually in order to protect the workers Upper management had to break this up !
During my apprenticeship years we had to wear a "Blaumann" with Steel caped shoes for a good reason.. Jeans and Sneakers were Banned during work .
In Europe trades proudly wear work specific Gear as the following and it has been a very large Bussiness for Companies such as Engelbert Strauss :
Bluesish/Greyish= Plumbers,Pipe fitters,HVAC,Auto mechanics.
Greenish= Forestry
Black and white dots=Baker/Konditor
Black pants with White shirts=Office enviroment
Black pants with double zipper=Carpenter
White=Painters/Plasterer
White=Butchers
White lab coats= Labatory work/Doctors
High Vis Colors=Airport/Highway service.
As Mad Dog 2 said :This trade is hard enough..if a guy or gal wanna wear no cargo shorts.. let em...it's the little things nothing p-'-off a great worker than, ridgid nit picky, cookie cutter, Big Brother policies. Mad Dog 🐕
Just Maybe: Trade specific for the job safe Zipoffs with Knee pad insets that can be converted to shorts when needed would be great. 😅
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I've been wearing shorts at work for over 50 years. I dislike long pants and usually wear shorts April through November here in the northeast.
I do keep several styles of coveralls on my service truck to cover up when needed.....
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Boxer briefs. Never Commando.
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Up here in the high Country we do not have to get into Hot Attics very often so it is not worth investing in that equipment..I hear that some contractors in the Denver area are using this and will try to find out which equipment they are using.
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I would let the female technicians wear shorts.
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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Ed! You’re going to get this thread closed on us! 😎😂
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The outside workers that I see around here in the summer are completely covered head to toe even in the 100° heat. Some with hoodies and a truckers cap below, some have face masks with sun glasses, no exposed skin, anywhere!
They look more like hamburglers than construction workers 😎
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
Living the hydronic dream2 -
the wicking hot weather shirts are definitely better than cotton.
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When I wear them, I never look unprofessional.
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After an hour in a 130° attic, or working on a condenser with the sun beating down on me, you could put me in white lab coat with a pocket protector, and I'd still be the furthest thing from looking professional. Clients often ask, "Are you ok?" I just laugh, and drip. Always have spare shirt and pants (or shorts) though. I even keep spare boots for the dirty areas. I'm not ruining my Red Wings.
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Especially if you have well developed calves....I used to do toe raises till My calves burned 🔥 😳…Mad Dog 🐕
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One thing I hate looking at is hairy legs, but times they are a changin' as Bob Dylan sang. Why not? Lets face it people go to church in flip-flops. Pics of the 1930's, even bums are wearing hats and a neckties.
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Homer...I'll shave them if you'd prefer like We used to do for Bodybuilding contests...ha ha..Mad Dog 🐕
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I still have my six pack abs.
it's somewhere under that bear barrel belly
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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First I've heard of these. What brands do you all like?
All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting0 -
Ed, I'm sure you have all the Ladies in a tizzy.
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Under Armor Velocity T’s are good for the hands on guys. The UA Tech Polo are good for estimators and sales.
Nike also makes some nice ones. You can get em branded with your logo.0 -
Thanks! Not only is UA based in Baltimore, but they currently have a half-off sale on their site, so this was a no-brainer. I bought four.
All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting1 -
I recently started wearing long sleeve "wicking" shirts under my collared polo's just because I kept ripping up my arms. I'm finding they do help with my body temp as well. Cool down is much quicker than with a soaked cotton t-shirt. It's a little weird wearing long sleeves when it's 90° (and I feel like I get looks that I'm hiding sleeves under my sleeves, but I'm 100% inkless) , but I actually feel cooler. It could be psychological for all I know, but I really notice a difference.
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The wicking type shirts make a big difference to me. Recently we’ve had days/weeks of weather in the high 90s temperature and humidity. Light cotton shirt I wore became saturated to the point it was inhibiting my bodies ability to cool. Switch to a workout shirt and while still hot I wasn’t dripping wet and was much more comfortable.
Shade and fans really help too. I use pop-up shades to created covered area when I have to work in sun.
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I have never worn shorts to work but it hit 106 on Friday. And we hit the century mark six times this year already in NC. Might be time to reconsider.
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Hi, I'm the only tech that is willing to work for me long term. I wear long double knee jeans all the time except to weddings. And I'm nervous if I don't have my tools close by. 😬
Yours, Larry
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i live in connecticut i wore shorts every day except 2 in 2023 much easier to move around with them. also i 4 extra shirts in the truck when one gets saturated with sweat i change to a new one cools me off. i hate the heat.
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My theory is this: what looks more unprofessional- a guy with clean cargo shorts and a T shirt on or a guy buried in PPE that's dripping sweat on everything? I had multiple heat strokes as a younger person being forced to wear long pants and sleeves in 130* boiler rooms, on roofs, etc. OSHA's joke about being safe when simultaneously dying of heat stroke caused me to quit the commercial life completely. I now wear shorts every day over 60* to prevent getting sick and looking like a wet mop. I can absolutely guarantee that my clients would rather see me comfortable than a sweaty mess.
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Shirts came yesterday- that was quick. I tried one today and it worked as advertised/recommended. Sale is still on so I ordered four more. Here's the link:
Thanks to all who recommended these!
All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting
2 -
nice, on the site now. What code did you use for discount?
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