Heat stress can be a very dangerous aspect for employees in many professions - particularly those that work in the heat for extended periods of time, both outdoors and indoors. So how do you properly prevent heat stress and other heat-related health issues while wearing FR apparel?
The best way to beat the heat is to dress appropriately, however, that's a little hard to do when your job requires specific uniforms, safety clothing, and... FR apparel. With an increase in regulation surrounding the use of PPE and FRC, comes a much higher risk of heat-related illnesses. If your job requires you to wear FR apparel in hot temperatures, it is important for you to keep these safety tips in mind:
1. Understand the elements!
Whether you are working indoors or outdoors, you must understand your surrounding area and its conditions. When you factor in humidity, drier climates, and sun etc., you might just be in a dangerous area. Humidity can reduce the effectiveness of sweating and cooling the body, which you might not even realize until you are having heat-related symptoms. Regardless where you are working, hot temperatures will eventually cause everyone to perspire and then potentially causing heat stroke or other heat-related health issues.
2. Understand and identify the symptoms!
What exactly should you look for?
- Nausea
- Loss of desire to hydrate
- Fainting
- Light-headedness
- Disorientation
- Heat rash
- Heat cramps
- Dizziness
Heat exhaustion can occur after you have been exposed to high temperatures for multiple days and become dehydrated. Even though exhaustion is not as serious as heat stroke, it is still dangerous and can be the beginning of many other illnesses, such as damage to the brain or any vital organs. Heatstroke is the most serious risk for those working outside and should be treated as a medical emergency. Heatstroke occurs when the body cannot handle or control its own temperature, therefore causing damage to the brain and other internal organs. If not taken care of or if emergency treatment is not provided, heatstroke can cause permanent disability and possibly even death. Other symptoms of heatstroke includes:
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
3. Avoid overexertion!
When you are faced with extremely high temperatures, your body is continuously, over and over, working hard to keep itself cool - it is important to not make your body overwork. How do you prevent this?
- Take frequent breaks in the shade
- Hydrate continuously
- Avoid drinks with a high amount of caffeine or sugar
4. Have the right FR Apparel
Lapco FR Apparel offers high-quality items that protect you and keep you comfortable!
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