When working with high heat equipment, it's important to follow safety procedures to prevent burns and thermal hazards. These procedures include staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, taking rest breaks, and monitoring yourself and others for signs of heat illness.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, consider the following measures:

• Slow down: Reduce your pace in hot weather to lessen the strain on your body's temperature regulation system.
• Heed early warnings: Pay attention to early signs of heat stress, such as headache, heavy perspiration, high pulse rate, and shallow breathing. Take a break and move to a cooler location immediately. Also, watch for these signs in your co-workers.
• Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to retain less heat than darker clothing.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to replace fluids lost through perspiration.
• Increase salt intake: Add salt to your food to replenish what's lost through sweating. Consult your physician if you are on a salt-restricted diet.
• Acclimatize gradually: Allow your body to adjust to warm weather slowly over the first few hot days.
• Take breaks: Get out of the heat occasionally and take breaks in a cool, shady location.
• Protect from the sun: Wear a hat and long-sleeve shirt to prevent burning, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.

[1] If a worker shows signs of heat illness, take the following first aid steps:

• Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.
• Immerse the worker in a cold water/ice bath.
• Remove heavy layers of clothing and PPE.
• Place ice or cold wet towels on the head, neck, trunk, armpits, or groin.
• Use fans to circulate the air around the worker.
• Give the worker water to drink.
• Let the worker rest. [3]

Call 911 if the employee does not improve or if heat stroke is suspected.

When participating in heat-treating operations, remember:

• Only operate heat-treating equipment when properly trained.
• Consider the properties of the quenchants plus the design, construction, location, control, monitoring and maintenance of the furnace itself to minimize risks.

[2] [2]