Blue Ridge Electric Offers Safety Tips For When The Heat Is On

For Immediate Release

Contact: Renee R. Whitener, Director of Corporate Communications, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, Phone: (828) 758-2383; Pager: 1-800-471-1323; E-mail: Renee Whitener

Lenoir, North Carolina (August 20, 2001) –In the dog days of summer—when the heat is on—it’s especially important to “think safety”, according to Ronnie Jewell, safety manger for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation.

“Soaring temperatures during the late summer months can quickly push your body temperature above its normal healthy range,” said Jewell. “Your body responds by bringing more blood to the skin surface, producing sweat, which cools the skin as it evaporates. But, when the temperature is up in the 90s and the heat index even higher, this may not be enough to bring your body temperature back down to a safe range.”

When this happens, you begin to suffer from heat stress, which can easily lead to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Jewell, who oversees the safety program at Blue Ridge Electric and has a special concern for line technicians and other employees who work outside during summer heat, said safety tips regarding heat stress could apply to anyone performing outside activities.

According to Jewell, the most common signs of heat stress are nausea, excess thirst and dizziness. As soon as you, a co-worker, friend, or family member experience any of those symptoms, get out of the sun and into an air-conditioned building and drink water. If you start to feel fatigue, cramps and pale or flushed appearance and clammy skin, you are in serious danger of heat exhaustion or even a heat stroke and need medical help as soon as possible.

Jewell says keeping in mind some simple safety steps can reduce the risk of heat-related problems, and still allow you to have some fun in the sun:

Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing, and wear a hat in the sun.
Drink plenty of water – at least 16 ounces about every hour before work or exercise and then 5 to 7 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes while working.
Eat regular, balanced meals, avoiding heavy or hot foods.
Go easy on alcohol and caffeine. They can dehydrate you.
Take frequent breaks in a cool, well-ventilated place, if possible.
Work at a steady pace. Try to reduce extra motions and overexertion.
Be alert to any of the warning signs of heat stress and get immediate relief.

Linemen at Blue Ridge Electric are especially vulnerable to heat stress problems, because the majority of their work is outside in the sun with hot power lines. The workers follow all of these guidelines themselves on the 90-degree plus days, according to Jewell.

“Our workers pace themselves and they schedule all of the ‘hot’ work as early in the day as possible,” he explained. “We take more than the regularly scheduled breaks from work and we supply all of the trucks with water colors filled with water and sometimes Gatorade. We don’t take any chances.”

Remember, heat stress can happen to anyone. The recent death of a Minnesota Vikings lineman, Kory Stringer, from complications from a heat stroke is a reminder that everyone is in danger in the heat; even professionally trained athletes.