United Tool and Fastener carries all the heat-protective products and tools workers need to remain productive and safe while working in heat. Now that summer has arrived, and the triple-digit temperatures seem to have no end in sight, employers must have plans in place to keep workers safe. OSHA’s website outlines ways employers and workers can work in the heat without falling prey to heat exhaustion or stroke.
According to OSHA, “The keys to protecting workers from heat exhaustion and heat stroke are to stay cool and hydrated.”
United Tool and Fastener carries an array of products to keep heat at bay, including Sparkle bottled water, ice chests, AllSport electrolyte powders and popsicles, industrial fans, 10- by-10 canopies, PIP visors, shades, sweat bands and cooling towels, and Generac generators.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published criteria for a recommended standard for occupational heat stress. The NIOSH document includes recommendations for employers about how to prevent heat-related illnesses, which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2016-106/.
Hydration is Key.
NIOSH says workers need to consume at least one cup of cool water for every twenty minutes of work outside. UT&F carries pallets of Sparkle water bottles to help workers remain hydrated. In addition to bottles of water, UT&F offers AllSport electrolyte drinks, mixes and popsicles, which are excellent ways to remain hydrated.
Heat and Sun Protection.
Utilizing cooling textiles or clothing and sun protection such as hats, visors and sunglasses is also advised. Our three showrooms in Houston, San Antonio and College Station offer an array of protective products from Protective Industrial Products (PIP), including cooling towels such as the EZ-Cool Cooling Towel, which can help workers remain cool while working outdoors (and can be reused).
Additionally, visors and broad-rimmed hats are extremely helpful for shielding workers from the strong, burning rays of the sun. UT&F carries the PIP EZ-Cool Hard Cap-Style Hat Visor and the PIP EZ-Cool Full-Brim-Style Hard Hat Visors, which are effective protective products for working outside.
To protect workers’ eyes from the bright rays of the sun, UT&F carries an array of sunglasses and protective eyewear from companies such as PIP, Milwaukee and DeWalt. The glasses can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit an array of face shapes and to protect from the sun and flying objects.
Specifically, NIOSH recommends “Employers should have an acclimatization plan for new and returning workers, because lack of acclimatization has been shown to be a major factor associated with worker heat-related illness and death. NIOSH recommends that employers provide the means for appropriate hydration and encourage their workers to hydrate themselves with potable water <15°C (59°F) made accessible near the work area. Workers in heat less than 2 hours and involved in moderate work activities should drink 1 cup (8 oz.) of water every 15–20 minutes, but during prolonged sweating lasting several hours, they should drink sports drinks containing balanced electrolytes. In addition, employers should implement a work/rest schedule and provide a cool area (e.g., air-conditioned or shaded) for workers to rest and recover.”
To learn more about the generators or heat-protection products UT&F carries from Generac, AllSport, Sparkle, PIP, Milwaukee, DeWalt and others, and any sales that may be occurring, please contact a local UT&F showroom in Houston at 713-692-2323; in San Antonio at 210-495-8665; or College Station at 979-731-8665.
