Hydration
Our body can sweat about one litre an hour performing heavy work, however we often drink less fluid than we need because our thirst response lags behind the actual level of dehydration. Most heat-related illnesses are caused by dehydration.
- Drink 150-200ml of cool fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, rather than consume a 1 litre drink every now and again.
- Choose water or a sports drink rather than tea, coffee or milk.
- Increase your intake of fluids if your urine is dark (the normal colour should be pale yellow).
- Add a little extra salt to food if you are acclimatising to hot working conditions, however do not take salt tablets.
- If you suffer dehydration, do not recommence work until you are fully rehydrated.
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