As a company with roots in Phoenix, Arizona, we know a thing or two about heat and how to work safely in extreme temperatures. But even outside of the desert, heat-related illnesses are a major concern for summer projects. Depending on the region, heat exhaustion can set in when working in temperatures exceeding 80 degrees.
Every year, hundreds of workers suffer heat-related illnesses, while dozens incur fatal injury. Since we all want to make sure our teams are safe and not at risk for heat-related illness, here’s a quick list of the equipment that can help cool down those hot working conditions.
By combining an immensely powerful fan and water, an evaporative fan takes the hot dry air and converts it into a powerful, fresh, cool breeze. Evaporative fans are constructed to either stand alone or fit in a window, depending on the size. They must be connected to a water source to function and can distribute cool, evaporated air into a space of up to 2,000 square feet.
Pro Tip: Test the space’s humidity prior to rental. If humidity is high, pair the evaporative fan with a dehumidifier.
To help keep air moving, choose a box fan or air circulator. Fans come in sizes ranging from 30-inch to 52-inch, and provide powerful circulation to move heat out. Standard fans blow air in one direction while an air circulator is designed to create a vortex that circulates all the air in the room.
Pro Tip: Place the circulator in a corner and point the fan upward so the cooler air that is normally at the floor moves throughout the entire room faster.
Another ideal way to cool down interior spaces is to rent a portable air conditioner. These only need a power source or a generator to run, but they do need to be installed near a window to mitigate exhaust. If the unit cannot be positioned near a window, use a hose to direct the exhaust to the nearest exterior opening.
Pro Tip: Assess your site for an exhaust fume exit plan prior to use!
In addition to renting quality cooling equipment, be sure to check out OSHA’s ‘Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards’ for more ideas on protecting workers from heat risks.
For more tips on how to help crews work safe this summer, see our post on Preventing Heatstroke During Summer Construction Projects.
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