Working Outside? Stay Safe!

Is there anything more Canadian than conversations about the weather? It seems like we just we just shared cold weather home improvement ideas, and now here we are talking about what to do now that it’s hot outside!

Summer is the perfect time to take care of maintenance projects around the house that you have been putting off. With some music to keep you company, it can be downright pleasant to spend the day working outside. We totally understand, we work outside providing parging services in Edmonton and the surrounding area – all day, every day!

If you’re going to tackle your to-do list on a hot day, make sure you take a few precautions to stay safe.

Light, loose clothing that allows plenty of airflow is the best choice for working outside in the heat. Remember how your mom always told you to wear a hat? She’s right, you know. Without a hat, the sun can dry the sweat from your scalp too quickly, which minimizes one of your body’s natural cooling mechanisms. So make mom happy and put on the hat!

If you feel thirsty in the heat, you’re probably already a little dehydrated. The trick to maintaining proper fluid levels is to drink a little bit every 15-20 minutes. And try to stick to water. As refreshing as a frosty adult beverage seems when you’re working in the great outdoors, alcohol contributes to dehydration. Stick to water while you’re working, and reward yourself with something a little stronger when the job is done.

If you feel dizzy, confused, have a headache or feel faint – GET OUT OF THE HEAT! Sorry for yelling, but you may be experiencing heat stroke, and that’s no joke. Rest in a cool place for a short time and call your doctor if the symptoms don’t pass quickly. Actually, call your doctor anyway. There may be something else going on.

Sure, you’ve meant to tackle that project for weeks now, but if there are heat alerts all over the place, what’s one more day? If you simply must get something done TODAY, try doing it first thing in the morning or the early evening when temperatures are cooler.

If you need more safety information or you work outside for more than the occasional project around the house, check out WorkSafe Alberta’s Best Practice – Work Safely in the Heat and Cold.

Got more home improvement projects on the horizon? While we specialize in parging in Edmonton, Alberta, we have acquired expertise in many areas of home repair over the years. Join our online communities on Twitter and Facebook for our best tips and tricks to make your home repairs easier.