Summer heat can be stressful for equipment machinery parts operators and their machines. Higher temperatures and longer work days can increase the risk of dehydration and exhaustion. The fact that heat can also interfere with the working of the machinery can make your job even more stressful. While everyone waits for the summer months that bring plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, longer days, and more outdoor activities, they are not always welcomed by heavy machinery operators.

The advantages of summer can soon turn into challenges on the job site. Heat-related illness is more common than you realize and the chances increase significantly when you are operating heavy equipment loaders and parts. So, what are some important heat safety tips for heavy equipment operators? At Tornado Heavy Equipment Parts, we have some valuable tips to help you keep safe as the temperatures rise.

1. Maintain Proper Hydration

Make sure to always have enough water when working. When the temperatures rise, thirst is not just the only indicator that your body needs to be hydrated. Don’t wait until you start feeling thirsty. When it’s hot, you don’t want to be beyond the point when you need to replenish fluids in your body. It is recommended to take water every 15 to 20 minutes.

It is further recommended to follow these tips:

· It is best to start getting hydrated even before your day begins at the job site

· Carry water in a bottle and keep it alongside and refill it all day long

2. Spend Time to Get Acclimatized to the Heat

When you move out of your air-conditioned car or room to your machine cabin, your body will need some time to acclimatize. When the temperatures rise, you should bring down your activity levels. Spend some time resting in your new environment so that your body can get used to the conditions.

There is no doubt that the human body is an amazing machine. During the first few days of summer when the temperatures start rising, slow down the pace at which you take on activities, else things can be physically too taxing on your body.

You certainly have a job that needs to be done and you are committed to your work. It is important to avoid overdoing anything while your body is getting used to the new conditions.

The following is further recommended to keep safe when operating heavy machinery parts in hot conditions:

· Avoid going in and out of the air-conditioning, as it will put more strain on your body.

· When operating heavy equipment in hot conditions, pay close attention to your body. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, tell your supervisor or someone close to you.

· Dress properly in hot conditions. Wear light-colored and lightweight clothes that can readily wick away moisture. If you need to operate construction equipment parts out in the sun, make sure to put on sunscreen and sunglasses.

3. Control What You Eat & Drink

As a heavy equipment operator, you should never overeat or skip your meals. This becomes even more important when the temperatures start rising. Follow these tips to stay healthy and safe:

· Eat light during the hottest part of the day

· Make sure to take 8 ounces of water every hour

· If you need to operate the equipment machinery parts in hot conditions, avoid a heavy lunch. It is especially important to avoid high-protein foods.

· Keep your snacks smaller and take light meals throughout the day. This will help prevent your body from producing more metabolic heat. The body releases more metabolic heat when it has to break down heavy foods.

· Add lots of leafy green veggies and fresh fruits and nuts to your hot weather diet, as they can help restore your electrolytes.

Contrary to common belief, spicy food tends to cool the body down. They can stimulate the heat receptors in the mouth, improve circulation, and increase sweating.

4. Monitor the Weather

You should know about the weather in advance. Avoid operating heavy equipment loaders and parts during the hottest hours of the day. There are a few hours when the temperatures reach their peak. You should give your machines and your body a break. It is also recommended to get your equipment out of the sun during these times.

Check your local weather service to find the hottest hours of the day. You can adjust your schedule to compensate for the hours you will not be working. These tips can help:

· Start your day a little earlier

· Complete the most physically demanding parts of the job during the early part of the day

If your job allows flexibility with the schedule for operating the equipment, an early start means you will have less heat to bear. If possible, you should consider adjusting your work hours to the coolest part of the day or even to nighttime hours.

So, follow all these tips to ensure heat safety as a heavy equipment operator. If you or your organization operates heavy machinery and need a reliable equipment parts store online, feel free to get in touch with Tornado Heavy Equipment Parts at 1.844.202.0123 or support@tornadoparts.com.