Tips for Beating the Heat

1. Practice pre-hydration. Drink water before you get thirsty!

2. Drink the right stuff. Plain water is better however you can also drink flavored water or sports drinks.  Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol.

 
3. Wear the right fabric. Cotton is great at absorbing moisture from the skin while sweating, but it can create a problem if the fabric becomes soaked. If possible, wear a loose, thin, white, synthetic t-shirt while working in the heat.  Synthetic material does not absorb sweat, but instead, sends it off the skin to be quickly evaporated. Synthetic fabrics will keep you cooler and safer from dangers of heat illness.

4. Don't remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). You must wear all required PPE even when working in hot conditions. Keep contact with your supervisor to ensure breaks are offered as needed.

 Heat related illnesses include:

·  Heat rash is not dangerous, but definitely uncomfortable.
·  Heat stress symptoms include extreme thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and even trouble seeing. Take a break in the shade and drink cool water.
·  Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms in arms, legs, or intestines, caused by losing salt as the result of sweating. Again, cool down and drink water.
·  Heat exhaustion may cause weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, chills with clammy skin and profuse sweating. Have the victim rest in a cool spot, with feet slightly elevated, and drink cool water unless vomiting.  If there's no improvement in a short time, get medical help quickly.
·  Heatstroke—is the most serious, in fact life-threatening, form of heat illness. The cooling action of perspiration stops; the skin may be hot to the touch; and the victim may appear confused and show poor coordination. Call a doctor and/or ambulance and move the victim to a cool place at once, then continuously sponge with cold water; apply ice packs or cold soft-drink cans until medical help arrives.