Heat injuries such as heat cramps, heat stress, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration are very serious and can often sneak up on thermographers. Often the victim is not aware of how bad of shape they are in until it is too late and they require professional treatment.
Most of the time thermographers work with an escort because they know the area to be inspected and have the expertise to open the cabinets (part of important electrical safety). The escorts are there to keep an eye on us (and we, in return, keep an eye on them) for any safety issues that may arise during the inspection. This also includes heat related injuries; we are after all wearing multiple layers of PPE, which reduced our ability to maintain a comfortable environment. When thermographers perform mechanical inspections, we often do not have an escort or someone accompanying us. We may have an escort the first time the route was put together, but afterwards we are on our own.
While working at a Virginia coal preparation plant in the middle of summer (the hottest week of that year), I was spotted by one of the mechanics as I was entering the building via the upper conveyor belt. The concerned mechanic asked me if I was alright. Confused as to why he would ask me such a question I replied, “I’m OK, it’s a little warm today.” I guess my answer did not convince him of my outstanding health because it was requested I follow him and not to worry about the inspection. The mechanic took me to the only air-conditioned part of the plant, the control room. He sat me down and started handing me water bottles and told me to start drinking. I took a few sips and put the bottle down and started to get up. This caring mechanic insisted I sit back down and finish my drink. Apparently when I came into the building following my route, I ran into the mechanic and I actually ran into him. From the way he recounts the story, I was on the verge of heat stroke. I was very pale and my shirt showed signs of heavy sweating. He informed me that I was not using my imager but rather just wandering around without direction, not really sure of where I was. I incorrectly told the mechanic I was at a different plant entirely and tried to pass it off for “they all look the same.” I had no idea how I had gotten to that point!
I am grateful he took the time to “assess” my condition and helped. I had no idea that I was in that bad of shape. It is easy to see the signs in others but not in yourself. The rule of thumb states we need to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water during the day. This holds true, but you may need to increase while working in the heat. It’s not the season, but the area you are working in can have an impact on the temperature. Foundries, boilers, furnaces, and other high heat areas in the plant can make for sweltering temperatures inside, even if it’s not warm outside. All of these can cause heat related injuries, even in the winter!
Thus, become aware of the signs of heat related injuries and precautions to prevent these injuries. It may save you, or somebody else from becoming a victim!