It's summer -- and here in Texas, that means it going to be hot and humid!  Heat is dangerous, though.  And because we care about our readers, we've put together some tips on how to protect yourself against the summer heat.  We hope this Shop Talk Blog post helps you keep cool in the hot summer temperatures! 

Hydrate with WATER!

We cannot emphasize this enough: drink plenty of water!  Nothing takes the place of water -- not tea, not coffee, not soft drinks, and not even sports drinks.   In fact, caffeine and alcohol promote dehydration, which makes your sensitivity to heat far worse and can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  While sports drinks can help replenish your electrolytes and are good when combined with water, they cannot take the place of water. If you can't handle icy cold water, then opt for room temperature water. Keep drinking water all day, and don't wait until you are thirsty -- by then, you might be a little bit too late.  OSHA and the CDC both recommend about a cup every 15 to 20 minutes if you want to stay well hydrated while working under overly hot conditions.

Schedule for cooler shifts

If you are sensitive to the heat, then you should probably consider switching to a cooler shift, if you can.  In most of the hot states, the hottest time of day is between 11 am and 5 pm.  If that isn't possible, make sure to find somewhere cool where you can take your breaks and, if allowed, remove your PPE during these breaks because it can make heat-related issues worse.

Provide air flow in workplace

You may not be able to have air conditioning everywhere you work, but fans can help with the heat far more than you might realize.  At Texas Final Drive, there are several large fans scattered across the shop area. Fans circulate air which can help your sweat to evaporate more quickly and leave you a bit cooler, and some fans can be used with misters to even more effective cooling.  And we don't just mean large fans -- don't forget that you can find small, battery powered fans that can pack quite a punch.

Allow workers to acclimate

When the hot weather starts, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you allow your workers to have a chance to acclimate to the hotter weather by having them worker shorter shifts for a while.  Also encourage your crew to build up to the more strenuous activity, and remind them that slow and steady is a better option than fast and furious when it comes to working in the heat.

Dress for the occasion

Tight clothing does not go alone well with heat, so opt for looser fitting, light colored clothing.  Cotton, it turns out, helps to keep you much cooler than synthetic fabrics because it is more breathable.  Experts also recommend hats and bandanas which can be drenched in water throughout the day to keep your head as cool as possible.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a result of the body's loss of water and salt through sweating.  Here are the key symptoms to be on the lookout for (from NIOSH):

• Rapid heartbeat
• Irritability
• Slightly elevated body temperature
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Dizziness
• Lack of coordination
• Nausea or vomiting

If you or one of your crew begins to exhibit these symptoms, get them to a cool area to rest.  They need to drink plenty of water and find a way to cool down quickly.  If symptoms don't improve, it may be time for medical help.

Survive the Heat

No matter how many years you may have worked in the heat, it can still be very dangerous for your health.  Following tips like these can help you stay cool.  If you have any other tips or ideas, why not post them in the comments?

Texas Final Drive is your partner in providing new or remanufactured final drive hydraulic motors from a single mini-excavator to a fleet of heavy equipment. Call today so we can find the right final drive or hydraulic component for you, or check out our online store to find your O.E.M. manufacturer brand motor now.