Newsletter

Be Cool OBJECTIVES:

-To inform workers of the dangers of extreme heat
-To identify the advancing levels of heat related illness
-To prevent heat related illness using simple prevention methods

Shops will get awfully hot in the months of July and August. Since few shops are fully air conditioned, it is important to know how to identify and prevent a heat related illness. Thinking smart, as well as “working cool” on some of the extreme summer days is important to your health, your income, and the shop’s compliance responsibilities.

Heat illness can make you sick. It can put you in the hospital, and sadly, like professional football players have recently learned in their extreme summer practices, heat can kill you.

Handled correctly, heat shouldn’t be a problem. Since many accomplished technicians earn in relationship to the amount of work they produce, heat related inefficiency can also be costly to the pocket book.

Automotive repair shops are difficult to air condition since they may have many doors, which open and close often. Incoming vehicles are, for the most part, large metal masses where heat builds up in motors, exhaust systems, and the body itself. Even when a car's motor is cold on a very hot day a car sitting in the sun soaks heat into the body and when pushed inside, the body radiates tremendous amounts of heat into the already warm shop.

Your reaction to the heat may take the form of a heat rash. It isn't life-threatening, but it isn't pleasant either, and it is a sign that the weather is affecting you. Lotions that block pores contribute to prickly heat, as do synthetic fabrics. A shower after each work shift should help, along with a sprinkling of talcum powder or corn starch.

Heat stress is another common reaction to high temperatures. Thirst, tiredness, dizziness, even trouble seeing are indications of heat stress. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, take a break and drink some water or fruit juice to replace lost body fluids.

Heat cramps are another sign of heat sickness. These are painful muscle spasms in the arms, legs, or intestines. Heat cramps are caused by losing salt while sweating. Again, cool down and drink some juice.

Sometimes, in extreme heat, you or a co-worker can feel faint, especially when working long hours in a hot facility. So avoid standing in one place, and drink plenty of fluids while working. If you do faint, lying down for a period of time should help you recover.

Heat exhaustion is a common response to working in summer weather. If you are suffering from heat exhaustion you may feel dizzy, weak, or physically ill. Stop working, move to a cool spot, and lie down or rest with feet slightly elevated. Drinking liquids is a must! Heat exhaustion, unlike heat stress, is fairly serious and you should slow your pace for a couple of days.

Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat sickness and is life threatening. Simply pay attention to signs of heat illness, you can avoid heat stroke. A doctor or an ambulance should be called when a fellow worker seems to have heat stroke. A person with heat stroke will appear confused and may show poor coordination. Move that person to a cool place at once. Sponge the person with cold water, apply ice packs or cold soft-drink cans, or immerse the person in cold water. Don't stop until help arrives. If the person is conscious, offer water.

In the very hot months, be a professional, just like a top athlete. Be smart, keep cool, and drink lots of water, sports drinks, or juices. Eat fruits on your breaks and during your times off skip the alcohol, which places you at a higher risk for heat stroke. Ignore the heavy milk drinks that may turn your stomach in the heat.

 

FINAL TIPS:

-Work earlier hours and stop earlier during the worst times
-Keep some water nearby
-Drink something every 15-20 minutes when it is very hot
-Wear natural fibers and lose clothing
-Have sports drinks or juices available on very hot days
-Use fans to circulate air where possible and safe

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