With spring underway, we all know what is soon to follow: the dead heat of summer. While you may be grateful to be through with the frigid days of winter, demo projects can become more dangerous during the summer heat. One of our goals, when we created our unique demo bar, was to create a safer product. It is important to always practice safety during demo projects, which we discussed in our previous post: Safety Tips For Demo Projects.
Summer brings it’s own unique set of challenges, though, which is why we have compiled a list of summer safety tips for demo projects. Whether you are professional demolition contractor, or you are simply a homeowner looking to remodel parts of your home, safety should always come first. One of the largest dangers during the summer is succumbing to heat stroke. By practicing proper safety, you can avoid this dangerous condition.
Avoid The Heat Of The Day
When you are working on a demolition project during the summer heat, try to avoid working during the hottest parts of the day. Shoot for an earlier start to your day, as the wee hours of the morning are often still cool.
If you must work all day on a project, try to stagger your work accordingly. If part of the project will take place indoors with air conditioning, schedule that part of your work for the heat of the day. For demolition work that requires you to be in a building that is not air conditioned or places you outdoors in the direct heat, try to implement these parts of your project during cooler hours of the day.
Stay Hydrated
One of the best ways to prevent heat stroke is to stay hydrated. Keep in mind that when the heat of summer hits, your body may require more fluids to prevent dehydration. Manual labor combined with high heat can lead to rapid dehydration. Opt for water and electrolyte-rich sports drinks to replenish your salt levels.
Take Breaks
Although you may want to push through your project and complete it as rapidly as possible, it is wise to slow down when the summer heat strikes. To prevent your body from heat stroke, take intermittent breaks. Rest when you feel like you are overheating and spend time in a cooler area.
Listen To Your Body
If you start to demonstrate any of the symptoms of heat stroke, listen to your body and stop your work. There is no amount of hitting a deadline or finishing a project that is worth your health and safety. Some of the symptoms of heat stroke you should watch out for include the following:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea, possibly followed by vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures
- No longer sweating
When these symptoms worsen they can lead to unconsciousness. If you notice yourself or anyone else on the job site with you displaying these symptoms, get out of the heat immediately and seek medical attention. If you don’t handle heat stroke properly, you can actually cause more damage than good, including possibly shocking the person’s system.
Use The Right Tools
One of the best ways to ensure a safe demolition project is to use the right demo tools. A tool, such as the Gutster Demo Bar, allows you to perform projects faster and with less strain on your body. This tool will prevent you from overstraining during the heat of the summer. Read more about the advantages of the Gutster Demo Bar here, and stay safe.