Working Safely In Extreme Heat - Summer Temperatures Can Be Dangerous!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Texas had a heat wave in early July where we were well above 100 degrees, and we've still got a long, hot summer season ahead of us where temperatures will no doubt be in the triple digits....zapping our energy, our endurance, and posing real health risks. As a matter of fact, I just heard our weather outlook for the upcoming work week, and as we head into August it looks like we can expect an entire week of temperatures in the 100 degree range!

Working on your classic car or truck project in summertime heat conditions can be dangerous, especially if you are not used to working outdoors. With temperatures in the triple digits all week, it is no wonder that many are wisely planning to stay indoors. But, there are always those who underestimate the affects that this type of heat can have on your body, and how quickly innocent seeming symptoms can turn deadly!

Guy Algar says, "We're accustomed to working outdoors and without A/C in the shop, even in 100 degree weather. But we're also acutely aware of the dangers and take precautions each and every day, including protection from heat and sun and drinking a lot of water and consuming drinks that contain a lot of electrolytes." I send this caution to those who don't spend so much time outside, or go back and forth between air conditioning and short stays outside. Heat exhaustion can set in unexpectedly, and heat stroke (sometimes called sunstroke) can follow extremely quick if the symptoms of heat exhaustion are ignored. Guy and I offer the following information on the dangers of heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke so you can quickly recognize the symptoms. The information here is not a substitute for medical advise. We urge you to contact your physican and or emergency services or 911 if you suspect you are having symptoms and take action quickly.



Dehydration - Where it all starts!


Photo by: petheatstroke-urban-pet.ca

  If you can prevent dehydration, you'll avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It's as simple as that. The problem is that most people, especially when faced with finishing a task, ignore the symptoms of dehydration, telling themselves that they'll take care of it in a minute when they go indoors.

There has been quite a bit of controversy over what liquids are best for you to drink when you're in the heat, and are experiencing the effects of dehydration. Some people insist drink water, water, water...some to the point where they say no other liquids. Others insist that beverages that contain electrolytes are important. Some caution that drinking too many drinks containing electrolytes can increase the risk of developing painful kidney stones. And, most everyone agrees that avoiding beverages that contain caffeine (such as iced tea, iced coffee, soda, etc), as well as any type of alcoholic drink (beer, wine or hard liquor) should be avoided at all cost!  When you've been engaged in activities where you've been sweating, you need a balance of water and other beverages so that you don't wash out all of the sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and chloride which are the electrolytes that fight to keep your body in balance. Like most things in life, moderation (as in mixing it up a bit) is probably the best approach. Electrolytes affect your blood pressure, muscles, bone support, fluid balance, cell function and converting food to energy. If you've ever experienced leg cramps, you've probably had an electrolyte imbalance!

I had a personal experience many years ago where I suffered from heat exhaustion which was quickly escalating into heat stroke. I'd been at the shore to watch the Tall Ships sail into the Boston Harbor back in the late 1970's. The parade of magnificent ships was lasting for many hours as we watched from a seawall at the tip of Nantasket Beach, overlooking the Boston skyline. I did my best to "pound the water" as I felt myself heating up. As I began to feel ill, I removed myself from the direct heat (although I did have to walk back to the beach house several blocks away), and immediately felt the nausea set in, along with muscle cramps, bouts of extremes in profuse sweating or the chills, dizziness, and being on the verge of blacking out. At this point I couldn't even think of drinking anything! The nausea turned into vomiting and diarrhea and I knew I was in trouble. An ER doctor later told me that a couple of days of basically drinking only water actually helped to wash away vital electrolytes that my system needed. I now use a method of alternating a glass of water with a beverage that contains electrolytes. There are alternatives to Gatorade in case, like me, you don't particularly care for that drink. You can try Cytomax, GU20, Propel Fitness Water, Accelerade, or PowerBar Endurance, and a host of other brands you can easily find in your supermarket or neighborhood store.

When the temperature is above 93 or 94 degrees, your skin is actually absorbing heat so you want to take preventive steps. Symptoms can escalate even if you think you've acclimated yourself after spending several days outside in the heat. Take steps if you experience any of the early warning signs of: thirst, dry skin, dry mouth and/or headache. Take a break from whatever you're doing and take a drink and cool down before returning to work, especially if the work is strenuous.

Heat Exhaustion - Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion is usually brought on when people who are not well adjusted to heat go outside and work in a hot or extremely humid conditions. When temperatures are high outdoors, the human body cools itself mostly through evaporation of sweat. When conditions are hot and humid, the sweat-evaporation process does not work properly. Your body experiences loss of fluids and important salts or electrolytes. When these are not replaced, or not replaced in sufficient quantities, your body experiences symptoms that can resemble mild forms of shock.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion can include:

• Moist skin which is often paler than normal and cool to the touch
• Profuse Sweating
• Muscle cramps or pains
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Headache
• Weakness
• Unquenchable Thirst
• Nausea
• Increased pulse rate
• Core temperature 100 F or more (most accurate taken rectally)

Heat stroke can develop rapidly if you do not take care of heat exhaustion symptoms. One of the easiest forms to recognize occurs in people whose cooling mechanisms may already be impaired, such as those that suffer from medical conditions which predispose them to the symptoms.You may already be sensitive to light shifts in temperature, or have problems with sweating. The most dangerous form occurs in people who are considered healthy, but may be engaged in strenuous activities in the heat, because it is unexpected and symptoms can escalate very quickly.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke can include one or more of these:

• Previously moist skin becomes hot and DRY, even under armpits
• Skin appears flushed (red or dark pink)
• Blood pressure elevates, then may suddenly fall later
• Hyperventilation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Unconscious
• Dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, even coma
• Rectal temperature of 105 F or more

What should you do?

Photo credit: myfatpocket.com

At the first signs of heat exhaustion, you need to immediately lower your body temperature, rehydrate and rest.

• Get out of the heat - reduce your body temperature.
• Use a fan, get into A/C
• Hose down with a garden hose, cool shower or bath.
• Drink cool water.
• Avoid further activity and rest until you're feeling better.

Call your doctor if these immediate remedies do not work, or if symptoms get worse.

If you suspect Heat Stroke 

Call 911 IMMEDIATELY - People die of heat stroke. It should be taken very seriously.

Prevention

Every motorhead at one time or another has put themselves in a dangerous situation or circumstance when we've developed tunnel-vision about finishing a much needed repair or project on our cherished rides. What can you do to help prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke from stopping you if you must work outdoors in extreme heat? 

Photo credit:
portacoolcyclone.blogspot.com

First, make sure you have plenty of fluids handy, and take the time to drink them! Alternate water with other fluids as long as non-caffeine and non-alcoholic. If you can, set out a fan near where you will be working. Avoid alcohol and caffeine(including soft drinks and tea) which can all lead to dehydration. Take frequent breaks, and each time you do, hydrate yourself! Wear a ventilated hat to deflect some of the sun and heat, and wear light-colored, lightweight, loose clothing.

If you work outdoors a lot and live in a hot climate, you might want to invest in one of the new portable evaporative coolers such as those by Port-A-Cool, including the popular Port-A-Cool Cyclone (pictured to right) and units from KuulAire,  CoolTool, Pro-Kool and others. These cooling devices are like outdoor air conditioners which cools air through the evaporation of water to effectively reduce temperatures around you and replace much needed moisture that helps your body process its heat. They can be an efficient and inexpensive cooling system for places that typically cannot run A/C like warehouses, shops, loading docks, and even outdoors! We see them a lot at car shows and at raceway events. Port-A-Cool has rental units available as well! They've become so popular, we've even seen units at Home Depot.

Don't let the heat stop you from enjoying the outdoors, and plans for the work you want to complete on your classic car, but please use common sense, plan well, and be careful! It will be awhile before we see cooler temperatures here in Texas!

Again, this article is not intended to replace sound medical advice. Please contact your physican or emergency services and/or 911 if you suspect you are having symptoms.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.