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In this Issue: Heat Stress Primer
No Sweat
In last month's issue we focused on skin cancer and what you can do to avoid it. But that's not the last word we have on summer prep. In fact, we're just getting warmed up [pause for rimshot].
In this issue you can read about heat stress and what you can do to keep yourself, and your entire crew, safe. Like most Outdoor Pros, you work hard to make the most of every moment you have out in the field. That's why it never hurts to remind ourselves just how dangerous even moderately high temperatures can be.
Before you start reading about how to beat the heat, we'd like to take a moment to thank all of you who submit entries to our monthly Editor's Challenge. Some of you are very creative in the way you tell us your answers and we love hearing from everyone. That's why we want to encourage you to send us your answers for your chance to win!
And who knows. . . win or lose, there might be a little something extra in it for you.
Gary Ben Meadows Team Leader g.clark@benmeadows.com
A Heat Stress Primer
Exposing yourself to the dangers of working in hot environments is a fact of life for many Outdoor Pros. While most of us our unable to completely avoid the risks of heat-related illness we can take measures to protect ourselves.
Too much heat can cause loss of concentration and/or fatigue increasing the risk of on the job accidents and injuries. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, an increase in body temperature by just two degrees Fahrenheit can affect mental functioning. An increase of five degrees Fahrenheit can result in serious illness or death. It's also noted that the risk of heat stress increases when working in high temperature, high humidity, sunlight and with heavy workloads. Individuals at elevated risk are those older than 65 years old, overweight, have heart disease, high blood pressure or take medications that can be adversely affected by high heat.
There are five types of heat stress: Heat Rash, Heat Syncope, Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke. Here are some warning signs plus tips to help you deal with these high temperature hazards:
Heat Rash occurs due to excessive sweating in hot and humid environments where the sweat isn’t allowed to evaporate. It is a skin irritation that shows up on small areas of the skin or the entire torso. After the affected area is healed, sweat production to the affected area will not return to normal for four to six week.
Symptoms
Treatment
Heat Syncope is dizziness or fainting when standing in the heat for an extended period of time.
Heat Cramps are painful cramps or spasms in the muscles. They occur when someone is doing strenuous work in the heat while sweating heavily and not replenishing his/her body with salt. Low salt levels in muscles cause the cramps.
Heat Stroke is the most serious health issue when working in the heat. It happens when the body is no longer able to regulate the body’s core temperature. This will result in coma or death if not properly treated.
These are some of the basic steps you can take this summer to prevent heat stress:
And remember, Ben Meadows has the gear you need to help sidestep most of the potential hazards of summer weather. Turn to us for items like hydration packs, cooling vests, coolers, activity drinks, insect repellents, protective apparel and sun block.
The Natural Resource Editor's Challenge!
Last month we asked this question:
According to our catalog SunX Sunscreen can help employers comply with which OSHA regulation?
Patricia from Texas knows that SunX Sunscreen can help employers comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132(a). This regulation states that employers must protect employees against over-exposure to the sun's radiation.
We're sending Patricia a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool!
Take a look at our latest catalog or use our Web site (www.benmeadows.com) for help with this month's challenge. Don't have a catalog? You can get a free copy by clicking here. Now here's the question:
Now that summer is almost here we ask—what is the primary material used to make the Stearns® Ice Rescue Suit featured online and in our catalog?
If you know, send us the correct answer before July 14, 2010. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool (a $60 value)! Be sure to include your name, mailing address and how best to contact you.
Send your answers to: editor@benmeadows.com
If you deal with water and water quality issues then you need a FREE subscription to THE WATERMAIN! Sign up here and every other month you will get helpful information, hot product overviews and the chance to win great prizes by correctly answering our quiz! Get your FREE subscription TODAY!
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any specific questions about product specifications, applications or compliance issues, call one of our Technical Support Specialists at 1-800-241-6401 or e-mail them at: productpros@benmeadows.com.
If you have any questions about the list or its contents, send e-mail to the Editor at: editor@benmeadows.com.
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