Protection From Flame Sources in the Heat
Every year, hundreds of workers suffer from heat-related injuries that in some cases can lead to death or very serious injury. A nationwide campaign was launched by OSHA to arouse awareness about the hazards of working outdoors during hot weather. Workers who are required to wear flame resistant clothing should plan ahead and take utmost precaution to reduce the risks of heat exposure. This is especially true when concerned with high heat along with high humidity.
Following are some tips recommended by experts to help you stay cool and protected from heat:
- 1. Drink plenty of cool water frequently even if you do not feel thirsty.
- 2. Take short breaks in shaded or air conditioned places particularly during peak daytime temperatures; short, repeated breaks are the best when working long work days.
- 3. Learn and recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness in yourself and in others and report observations immediately.
- 4. While removing or unbuttoning flame-resistant clothing may cool you off temporarily, it is not advisable to unnecessarily expose yourself to the thermal hazards around you like electric arc, molten metal splash or flash fire. Your flame-resistant clothing provides protection only if it covers your skin and can cause more serious injury if not worn properly.
- 5. An FR base layer adds protection and comfort. Wicking base layers of your FR clothing can improve comfort by shifting perspiration from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric. Choose base layers that are 100% cotton or are flame-resistant. Potential terrible injury can come from fibers that melt into the skin even if they do not ignite. This would include fabric made of a polyester blend type material.
Therefore, instead of exposing your skin by rolling up the sleeves or unbuttoning your FR shirt, take some simple steps to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in cooler temperatures and get protection from the dangers and oftentimes deadly effects of summertime heat.
This advice can also be applied to regular work conditions but more so when flame resistant protective clothing is required. It is advisable to review these tips periodically as when a person is involved in the heat of the job it is easy to get side tracked and forget why you are wearing the flame resistant protective clothing in the first place. Your sub conscience can bring these safety tips to mind at a time that you need them most and may help protect you from a burn injury.
Terry Smeader
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