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Do your techs wear shorts?

RayWohlfarth
RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,649

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

Ray Wohlfarth
Boiler Lessons
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Comments

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,181

    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.

  • retiredguy
    retiredguy Member Posts: 974

    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.

    Derheatmeister9326yssh
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,778

    For work, no shorts, just lots of water. Coming in on a Saturday or Sunday, maybe.

    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
  • Derheatmeister
    Derheatmeister Member Posts: 1,580
    edited July 4

    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 https://us.strauss.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US%20-%20Brand&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkJm0BhBxEiwAwT1AXF8VvA04cPr04Vi96W2Ashc_Uns-A7CKvDyefJnCrUDl-TN7lZCWNBoCZuYQAvD_BwE

    https://us.strauss.com/products/work-pants-es-motion-2020

    Sooo no Shorts here !

    PC7060
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,294

    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.

  • Derheatmeister
    Derheatmeister Member Posts: 1,580

    They make personal air conditioned suits for those hot attics…Starting very early or just Sweating it out with Serious hydrating are other options 😓

    ChicagoCooperator
  • STEAM DOCTOR
    STEAM DOCTOR Member Posts: 2,204

    Any personal experience with these suits? Any particular makes and models that you would recommend?

  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,649

    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 Lessons
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,515

    You KNOW what Workers Comp & Osha are going to say. It depends..on alot of factors...

    1. The Worker
    2. Type of work sewer connections? Soldering & brazing? No...
    3. 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

    GGross
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,515
    edited July 5

    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 🐕

    GroundUpGrallert
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,410

    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.

    kevinj_4pecmsg9326yssh
  • Derheatmeister
    Derheatmeister Member Posts: 1,580

    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. 😅

    Mad Dog_2MikeL_2
  • MikeL_2
    MikeL_2 Member Posts: 514

    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.....

    Mad Dog_2gunn308Sootmaster
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,302

    Boxer briefs. Never Commando.

  • Derheatmeister
    Derheatmeister Member Posts: 1,580

    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.

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,515

    Jim Morrison style...no underoos...Mad Dog 🐕

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,323

    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?

    old_diy_guyCLamb
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,437

    Ed! You’re going to get this thread closed on us! 😎😂

    DerheatmeisterEdTheHeaterManChicagoCooperator
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,281

    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 dream
    DerheatmeisterChicagoCooperator
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,437
    edited July 6

    the wicking hot weather shirts are definitely better than cotton.

    Derheatmeisterneilc
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,181

    When I wear them, I never look unprofessional.

    GGross
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,302

    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.

    Mad Dog_2
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,515

    Especially if you have well developed calves....I used to do toe raises till My calves burned 🔥 😳…Mad Dog 🐕

  • HomerJSmith
    HomerJSmith Member Posts: 2,635
    edited July 6

    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.

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,515

    Homer...I'll shave them if you'd prefer like We used to do for Bodybuilding contests...ha ha..Mad Dog 🐕

    Steamhead
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,323

    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?

    PC7060Mad Dog_2GGrossChicagoCooperator
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,364

    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
    Consulting
  • HomerJSmith
    HomerJSmith Member Posts: 2,635

    Ed, I'm sure you have all the Ladies in a tizzy.

    ChicagoCooperator
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,437

    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.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,364
    edited July 7

    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
    Consulting
    PC7060
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,302

    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.

    PC7060
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,437
    edited July 7

    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.

  • SlamDunk
    SlamDunk Member Posts: 1,664
    edited July 7

    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.

  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,581

    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

    PC7060GGrossMad Dog_2Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
  • mikedo
    mikedo Member Posts: 230

    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.

    PC7060Mad Dog_2
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,364
    edited July 11

    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:

    https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/chandails_et_hauts/ua_velocity_-_modele_a_manches_courtes_pour_hommes/1327965.html?dwvar_1327965_color=001

    Thanks to all who recommended these!

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Erin Holohan HaskellPC7060
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,437

    nice, on the site now. What code did you use for discount?