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When Is Hot Too Hot?

posted by: Supply Link Thu Jul 7 2011 | 2:33:52 PM
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When Is Hot Too Hot?

Most of the United States is currently dealing with extreme heat conditions that can pose a real threat to worker safety.

"According to NOAA's National Weather Service, approximately 995,000 square miles and 150 million people in the United States are under a heat alert (Excessive Heat Warning or Watch or Heat Advisory) as of Wednesday morning, [July 20th]. Temperatures in the 90s to near 100 degrees [could] feel as hot as 115 degrees or higher when factoring in the high humidity. Record high temperatures are likely to be set in some locations — adding to the more than 1000 records that have been set or tied so far this month."1

So what if delaying the work until it cools off just isn't an option?

Here are some tips for working outdoors in extreme heat:

• Drink small amounts of water frequently.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing--cotton is good.
• Take frequent short breaks in cool shade.
• Eat smaller meals before work activity.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
• Work in the shade.
• Find out from your health care provider if your medications and heat don’t mix.
• Know that [the use of certain ] equipment such as respirators or work suits can increase heat stress. 2
 
Do you work outdoors? What are some of the things you do to deal with the heat?  What happens when the work must continue, no matter what the temperature? And when is hot, just  too hot?

Tell us what you think.

Sources:

1. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
2. OSHA Fact Sheet: Working Outdoors in Warm Climates