CMMS Can Protect Workers From Extreme Heat

If you’re maintenance team has tasks outside this summer, you need to ensure that they are protected from heat stroke and other extreme heat conditions. 

CMMS can help you keep track of those annual preventative tasks that help keep you and your team safe in all sorts of temperatures.

BEAT THE HEAT

One thing that not everyone may know is that when you work outside, you build up a heat tolerance. This means that the first hot days of the season or above average heat waves make workers even more vulnerable to heat exhaustion.

Read More: Use Preventative Maintenance Software to Reduce Most Safety Issues

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

There are many symptoms of working in extreme heat conditions but without the proper precautions they can lead to heat stroke, ehich is a serious medical emergency and if not treated, can be fatal. There are a few signs to look for:

• disorientation
• agitation
• confusion
• no sweating
• pale skin
• rapid pulse
• shallow breathing
• muscle weakness
• lethargy

KEEP WATCH

Prevention is crucial so here are a few things you can do to help your workers during the sweltering, summer days.

• Make sure employees don't overexert themselves
• Make sure employees drink a litre/quart of fluids every hour
• Employees should wear loose clothing light in color and fabric, as well as a hat and sunblock, and stay in the shade or indoors if possible
• Keep indoor work areas cool and ventilated by opening windows or using fans, or turn on air conditioning
• Have employees avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can speed up dehydration
• Allow employees to take frequent breaks and get out of the heat
• Have supervisors on the look out for heat-related symptoms

PREVENTION IS KEY

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be prevented but it can also sneak up on someone and the problem is there before you know it. It is important to educate your employees on how to stay safe and what to do to prevent a heat stroke.

Luckily, extreme heat conditions are usually seasonal and can be  handled by using preventive methods. By adding annual reminders into a CMMS you can ensure you are well prepared for each and every season, hot or cold, to ensure safety and productivty.