Know When to Cool it When Working in Hot Conditions

Keep the water flowing. Medical experts recommend drinking five to seven ounces (142 to 199 ml) of water every 15 to 20 minutes when working in hot conditions. You must continue to drink water whether you are thirsty or not and also take periodic cool-down breaks. Caffeinated or sweet beverages or alcohol worsen dehydration, so these must be avoided.

Know the signs of heat illness. There are three types of heat stress:

• Heat cramps: Excessive loss of water and salt during sweating can cause painful cramping of the arms, legs or stomach.
• Heat exhaustion: With heat exhaustion, dehydration and salt loss through heavy sweating can cause symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse and rapid breathing.
• Heat stroke: With this condition, dehydration and salt loss rob the body of its ability to sweat. The body quickly overheats and body temperature can rise to fatal levels.

Anyone working outdoors in the heat should wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Workers should also watch co-workers for signs of heat illness and talk to a supervisor if a problem becomes evident.