Beat the Heat This Summer at Your Manufacturing Facility
Posted July 31st, 2020
Many manufacturing facilities get incredibly warm during the summer. Along with the outdoor temperature, equipment operating can increase the temperature. Additionally, certain building materials amplify the heat from the sun or prevent inside heat from escaping. Overall, it can make any manufacturing facility a bit uncomfortable.
Luckily, there are things you can do to beat the summer heat. If you want to stay as comfortable as possible, here’s what you need to know.
Choose the Right Attire
While you might not be able to bypass steel-toed boots or certain other safety-oriented clothing, choosing the right attire when the option is available can make a difference. Focusing on lighter colors and lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton can make it easier to maintain your body temperature. Moisture-wicking materials can also be a reasonable choice, increasing your comfort level.
In some cases, you may want to bring a change of clothes with you. That way, if your first set gets damp with sweat, you can switch them out midday. This is especially true for clothing like socks, where dampness can make you more uncomfortable and could lead to health issues.
Make Use of Fans
Since air conditioning isn’t always practical in manufacturing facilities, it’s wise to turn to fans. Moving air can help keep you cooler and make you feel more comfortable. Plus, they are primarily a low-cost solution. They can even be moved around, allowing companies to adjust the number of fans in a space based on its size and how frequently it’s being used.
Work at the Right Time
Generally, it’s colder in the early morning hours than at any other time of day. If heat is an issue, scheduling physically intensive tasks as early as possible is a smart move. That way, you aren’t doing body temperature-increasing activities when the facility is at its hottest.
When that isn’t an option, another approach can work. If employees rotate in and out of those tasks, they can take turns cooling off. Otherwise, regular breaks in a cool space might be necessary, ensuring no one overheats.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is critical at all times, but it is especially important during warm months. When you get hot, your body sweats to cool down. If you are dehydrated, your body can’t cool itself properly or maintain certain functions. This can create a dangerous situation, potentially leading to conditions like heat stroke, electrolyte imbalances, and more.
Ideally, everyone should sip on water regularly throughout the day. That way, you can replenish what you lose as you work. If keeping water close isn’t an option, frequent water breaks can be a suitable alternative.
Call Us Today
Ultimately, all of the tips above can make it possible to beat the summer heat at your manufacturing facility. If you’d like to learn more about maintaining your work environment, the team at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us today and see how our workplace safety expertise can benefit you.
