Safety

It’s that time of year again, when the summer sun is high in the sky and temperatures are reaching their peak. Whether you work outside for a living or just enjoy outdoor recreational activities, your friends at 20/20 Plumbing & Heating, Inc. want to make sure you’re playing it safe in the summer heat.

Wear Eye Protection

One of the first priorities to consider is eye protection. Just like your skin, your eyes can also be damaged by the sun’s UV rays. You can protect your eyes against ultraviolet radiation simply by wearing a pair of quality sunglasses with UVA-UVB protection. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB radiation, they also protect against sand, dust and debris.

Choose the Right Clothing

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors is the best for hot weather. It may seem counterintuitive, but wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts will help you avoid UV exposure. A hat with a wide brim is a great choice for protecting your scalp, eyes and face.

Eat and Drink Wisely

What you put in your body is as important as what you put on your body. It’s best to eat smaller meals and avoid diuretics like caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar. Also, if you take medications, check to make sure which ones may make you vulnerable to sun exposure and heat.

Wear Sunscreen

SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and is a measure of how many harmful ultraviolet rays a product absorbs or reflects away from your skin. According to lab studies, an SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% of UVB radiation, and SPF 30 blocks 97%. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply plenty of sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 (preferably broad spectrum), and reapply it every two hours throughout the day. Choose a waterproof variety if you will be in water or sweating a lot. Even if you’re wearing a hat and/or protective clothing, sunscreen is still an important extra layer of protection.

Take Frequent Breaks

Frequent breaks for water and shade are crucial to remaining hydrated and healthy in hot weather. It’s best to drink small amounts frequently rather than a lot of water at once. If your work is particularly strenuous and/or takes place in direct sunlight, take regular breaks in a shaded area.

Watch Out for Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature — a person’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. During a heat stroke, body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher in only 10 to 15 minutes, causing death or permanent disability if not treated.

Similarly, heat exhaustion occurs when the body experiences an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. People most prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, those who have high blood pressure and those working in a hot environment.

A combination of high temperatures, high humidity and physical exertion can increase the risk of a heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Warning signs include headache, lightheadedness, confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, abnormally high body temperature and hot, dry skin.

Avoid Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus

Working and playing outside — especially in the summer months — can exposure you to some undesirable critters and the diseases they carry. Ticks can carry Lyme Disease and other bacteria, and mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus. Select a repellant that is rated for pests in your area and is safe for use on skin.

An industry leader in California and Nevada since 2015, 20/20 Plumbing & Heating can help you beat the heat with a frosty AC system. Our skilled tradespeople have the training and resources to meet your most challenging plumbing and HVAC needs in all kinds of weather.