Year after year of record-breaking hot weather might make you wonder if you’ll ever be able to stay cool on the construction site. If you spend most of your time outdoors, particularly if you live in hotter parts of California, lowering the temperature can be a matter of life and death. Try these tips to help you chill out and avoid the risk of heat-related sickness or injury.
Set Up Shades
The difference between working out in the hot sun and working in the shade is noticeable. If you were to measure the temperature of shaded concrete and compare it to the temperature of concrete after hours of baking sun, you would have a better understanding of what that heat can do to you. The good news is that there are lots of ways to set up a canopy or shade to provide you with a break from the sun. Pay attention to the shading that each option provides, as some shades and umbrellas offer little more than a sheer curtain’s worth of protection. If you’re working for hours outside, you may need something that can more effectively block the sun versus merely filtering it.
Use a Portable Mister
A mister can be an effective way to make the airfield cooler even while it’s hot. It’s a simple principle of evaporative cooling. If you spray cool water across the surface, the surface itself will cool as it evaporates. It won’t work as well in an area with high humidity, but if it’s somewhat dry outside, you’ll notice a beneficial difference. You can attach a mister to a hose if you have one. Otherwise, there are a variety of products on the market that use battery operated fans and a short hose that connects to a bucket full of water. That way, you could take the mister practically anywhere. Just make sure it won’t make your walking surface or handles slippery.
Stay Hydrated
When you start to get hot from the day or the work you’re doing, you’ll probably start to sweat. Sweat is the body‘s way of decreasing the temperature of the skin surface. You’re going to need to replace the liquid that you lose. Think about it a little like going to the gym. When you go to the gym, most experts recommend that you drink at least 8 ounces of water per 15 to 20 minutes of high-intensity activity. You should be drinking a similar amount if you’re doing heavy or hard work. And don’t forget about electrolytes. If you’re losing a lot of water, you may need to balance out your liquid intake with something that has some carbs and salt.
Take Cool Breaks
It would be nice if you could do all your work inside an air-conditioned space, or during the cooler hours of the day or night. Unfortunately, that’s not always a possibility. If you can, try to set up a space that has access to cooler temperatures. You might need to purchase a portable air conditioner, or plan to use your vehicle if necessary. The ability to take a snack or lunch break in a conditioned space might make the difference between a healthy workday and the risk of heat exhaustion.
Wear Protective Clothing
When you’re working outside in high heat, it’s tempting to try to thin out your clothing and protective gear to help keep you cooler. But if you take a tip from people who live in parts of the world that are consistently hot, you’ll notice that they often wear more clothing than most Californians do in summer. There’s a good reason for it. Wearing light-colored, lightweight fabrics can protect you from excessive sunburn, thereby lowering your risk of developing cancer. Choose a material that can wick moisture away, so you feel drier even though you’re wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants. Invest in a few good pairs of socks that will do the same. You’ll feel better throughout the day that way.
The best way to stay cool on the construction site involves having a plan in advance. For more information about what you’ll need to run a contracting business, visit CSLS today!