Keeping Cool In The Heat
Too much heat can place an abnormal stress on your body. When your body temperature rises even a few degrees above normal (about 98.6), you can have muscle cramps, become weak, disoriented, and dangerously ill unless you can help your body to cool down. If your body temperature rises above 105 degrees, your condition can be fatal. People who work in hot environments--foundries, kitchens, laundries--must take special care against heat stress. The following guidelines can help you keep your cool in the heat and avoid the dangerous consequences of heat stress.

Adapt To The Heat
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggests that all workers exposed to extreme heat gradually get used to their environment over a one week period. This means that on your first day in a hot environment, you may only be able to do half the work that a fully-adapted worker would do. Each day, your workload increases slightly until you are able to operate at "full steam."

Drink Water Frequently
Sweating is one of the ways your body cools itself down. Sweating results in water loss, and the only way to replace the loss (and help your body continue to cool itself) is to drink water frequently. Ideally, you should drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20-30 minutes while working in hot environments.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for hot environments can range from ordinary work clothes made from "breathable" fabrics to specially designed suits that are cooled by air, ice, and even portable air-conditioners. Check with your supervisor about the appropriate PPE for your specific task.

Use Engineering Controls
Your employer may also provide engineering controls such as fans, ventilators, exhaust systems, and air-coolant or conditioning systems. These controls can help reduce worksite temperatures to more adaptable levels. Other controls such as using heat shields and insulating heat-producing machinery can also help lower the environmental temperature.

Keep Cool
People who work in hot environments should become familiar with first aid techniques for heat stress. If you or someone you know suffers from heat exhaustion, cramps, or other signs of heat stress, get medical attention immediately. Keep your cool--heat stress is dangerous, but it's also preventable.