Heat Stress and Exterior Painting
It's the first week of June, and the temperatures are high enough to prove that. Our painters are trained to spot heat stress and exhaustion to ensure the safest job site at your home. They are very different but are both brought on by excessive exposure to the sun. MDF wants you to know how to spot it, so you can keep yourself and your family safe. The breakdown is explained below:
- Heatstroke is dangerous and can be life-threatening. Immediately treating it is absolutely critical. Someone suffering from heatstroke will have dry, hot, and flushed skin. Their pupils will be dilated, and their pulse and breathing will be rapid. Seizures and losing consciousness are possible, if severe. To treat heat stroke, move the person to a cool and shady place. Take off layers of clothing, if possible. Grab ice and strategically place them on the neck, underarms, and behind the knees. Wrap wet cloths around the body as needed, and use a fan. Monitor breathing and pulse.
- Heat exhaustion is caused by dehydration, from losing water due to perspiration or not drinking enough water. Instead of feeling hot, the victim's skin will feel cold and clammy to the touch. The breathing and pulse may be shallow and weak. Weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting can result from severe heat exhaustion. Move them to a shady area and start rehydrating them as soon as possible, using water and Gatorade. The person should be lying down, with their feet elevated at least 3 feet in the air. Keep them cool. If there is no improvement within 30 minutes, seek medical attention.
- Sunburn is the most common heat stress. It is caused by overexposure to UV rays, which can result in serious burn injuries. Severe burns can cause swelling, pain, fever, and headache. Hospitalization is rarely needed for sunburns.
The MDF family hopes you are safe and well!
