Summer temperatures are sky rocketing. With the extreme heat comes opportunity for heat-related illness. If you work in a confined space such as an attic or crawl space, preparation is the key to your health and success.
5 Tips for Preventing heat-related illness in the Attic
1. Wear appropriate clothing.
While it is recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while installing TAP® Pest Control Insulation, it is wise to choose lightweight and loose-fitting clothing to allow your body to breathe under the recommended personal protection equipment (PPE) you will don as you enter the attic space. A cooling vest or wet sports towel is a great addition to your PPE.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
We can’t say this enough. The attic can feel like a desert. Remember to take frequent breaks for hydration. Avoid the sugary, carbonated beverages and opt for simple water. At the completion of the job, sip a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. If you are diabetic or have high blood pressure, consult a doctor before drinking sports drinks. The key is remembering to keep the body well hydrated to help you cooler during the installation.
3. Pace yourself.
Whether you are installing an attic cap or conducting attic restoration, there is no need to install at a sprinter’s pace. Take your time and avoid pushing yourself to finish in record time. A few planned breaks will help you steer clear of a heat-related illness.
4. Know the Signs.
Look for signs of heat-related illnesses to avoid pushing yourself into a situation needing medical attention. Here are a few signs for the more common heat-related illnesses:
Heat Stroke
- High Body Temperature
- Fast Pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness or Nausea
- Confusion
Recommendation for Treatment – Move to a cooler place, call 911, don’t provide anything additional to drink
Heat Exhaustion
- Heavy Sweating
- Cold, Clammy Skin
- Weak Pulse
- Nausea
- Muscle Cramps
- Fainting
Recommendation for Treatment – Move to a cooler place, loosen clothes, sip water
Heat Cramps
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle pain or spasms
Recommendation for Treatment – Move to a cooler place, drink water or a sports drink, rest for an hour to give muscles time to relax.
5. Rely on a Buddy.
Always work in teams when installing TAP® Pest Control Insulation. Monitor the condition of your colleagues and ask them to monitor you.
Safety is Critical
When working in an attic space, safety is critical. Take precautions to stay as cool and you can this Summer.
If you have questions regarding installing TAP® Pest Control Insulation in an attic during the summer, contact us for assistance.