The hot summer heat can make working uncomfortable. Without the right preparation and equipment, it can also quickly become very dangerous.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are not only uncomfortable, but can lead to serious illness or even death. Even less-serious overheating can lead to injuries and accidents affecting other construction workers and property.
As your job sites begin to heat up this year, it’s important to create an environment where construction workers are able to reduce the risk of overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Some methods and tools to keep in mind include:
1. Stay hydrated and have plenty of accessible drinking water
Staying well-hydrated is the body’s best defense against hot working conditions. On-site, make sure workers have ample water on hand, and are encouraged to drink throughout the day.
For long shifts, making sure everyone has a chance to eat is also important for hydration, since both water and salts are a necessary part of maintaining an electrolyte balance.
2. Provide shaded areas for resting
Making sure workers have a chance to avoid direct sun exposure during breaks helps to keep workers cool and prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
Having proper equipment and supplies, including cooler mesh gear where possible, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all also important tools.
3. Take constant breaks
Giving the body a chance to cool down during activity is key during hot weather. Continuous work in the heat is not advisable.
The CDC estimates the amount of break time needed depending on the environmental conditions, air temperature, and type of work being done – for example, doing moderate work at 101 degrees Fahrenheit typically requires 20 minutes of break time for every 40 minutes of work.
You can adjust the work/rest schedule to your worksite, but keep in mind that self-pacing alone may not be sufficient.
4. Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses
Heat stress is dangerous partly because it can come on suddenly – the person experiencing it may not realize what is happening. Making sure you and your workers know how to recognize signs of heatstroke and heat sickness, and what to do if someone has these symptoms, can be key to keeping everyone safe.
Some signs to look for include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Clammy, damp, or pale skin
- Strange behavior or altered mental state
- Panting/rapid breathing, rapid heart rate
If someone has these symptoms, they should stop working and seek medical attention immediately.
Some people may be at higher risk of heat-related illnesses due to their age, health history, or other factors.
5. When working indoors, make sure to use construction climate control
Being in an enclosed space can quickly make even mild days feel sweltering. Construction air conditioning and dehumidification are both essential to keep workers safe, cool and productive. The Pro Group carries a range of portable climate control options for sale and rental.
Construction dehumidifiers
Humidity is the presence of water molecules in the air. Warmer air can hold more water than cold air, meaning that warmer temperatures often mean higher indoor humidity.
Your body’s main defense against heat is to sweat, which works because water evaporating off your skin makes you cooler. If there is too much moisture in the air, more water will sit on your skin.
Construction dehumidification is already an important tool for many indoor jobsite environments since damp air can mean poorer drying and curing for many processes. When it comes to heat protection, making indoor spaces dryer can also make the difference for worker safety.
The Pro Group carries several indoor dehumidification tools, including the DRI EAZ lgr 7000, which offers portable, high-performance water removal at rates of up to 130 pts./day. This option also offers a built-in self-monitoring system which make automatic fan speed adjustments over the course of the day.
Construction air conditioning
When keeping the air dry and moving isn’t enough, air conditioning can also be a helpful tool at keeping indoor spaces habitable.
Pro Tool also carries a number of air conditioning units to fit most indoor construction climate-control needs, including the Americool WPC-4000 which offers a powerful and effective cooling mechanism. This can be especially important in areas where heavy work is being done or surfaces get very hot to the touch.
The Pro Group is here to help you stay cool all summer
Preparing for rising temps is just good business. Climate control results in a safer construction site, but also a more efficient site – overheated workers have less energy and find it harder to concentrate. Keeping things cool is not only safer, but helps to keep projects on schedule.
For help finding the right climate control solutions for your team and your job, our skilled technicians are always on hand. Request a Quote or call us at (857) 706-2980 to speak with a Pro Tool & Supply representative for more information on our stock of construction dehumidifiers, ventilators, portable construction air conditioners, and fans.
