What are you doing for the Maintenance/Service Team during high temps

There is no denying it is smoking hot outside and that everyone needs to be a little more cautious about how long they are exposed to high temperatures, especially if they are doing HVAC service calls and working outside

What are you doing to help make sure the service team is surviving the heat wave safely?

Hello Mark, First you want to make sure to know if any of your personnel suffered from a heat injury before and are they currently on blood pressure medication? I do not currently have to worry about this, but here is what I did in the past:

1. I made sure whenever possible that the buddy system was used, so they could help and keep and eye on one another.

2. Made sure they had water with them and if possible and ice chess where the water could be stored.

3. Made sure by going around myself to check on them that they were staying hydrated.

4. Ensured that if they were on a side where they were under direct sunlight that they had one of those portable overhead cover items which you can get real cheap at Home Depot, or Lowes these days.

5. Ensure that they also have sun screen as well.

I have always changed work hours in the summer so that the earlier they can start, the better. For example, 7-3 works well - usually. Right now, we are doing split schedules where no one is here working in the direct heat. I do not supply sunscreen because I cannot be responsible for application of this (laws don't allow this in schools, etc.) but they are encouraged to bring it and wear it and sunglasses. We switch from dark colored shirts to white T-Shirts and I will provide hats. There is always water available. We supply for the contractors as well, even though they are always surprised that I do.

During this recent heat wave I sent them all home early (with pay) as there are no vacant units at this time for them to work indoors. They are allowed to use the pool, too, at the end of the day. Someone is always on-call, of course, with regular work orders still being taken care of in the morning or offering early evening hours to spare the Techs from being here during peak heat hours.

Residents here are informed of this as well. They seem to be okay with this system since they are taken care of with same-day-service still provided. I like Nate's suggestion of the overhead covers. That's a great idea.

July is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Everyone should be aware of the UV factors for their area, and know that exposures are very dangerous in UV ratings of 10 or 11, which is a great deal of the USA at this time.
The people working grounds should be very careful, wearing long shirts and hats and lots of sunscreen. It does not take long swinging a Stihl FS-90 pro weedeater to put your sweat glands on "max". Since I am still doing grounds (even though retired) I get out there at 0630 and work until 10:00 am. Then I go home and shower up and wife makes a "light" lunch. Today was a Turkey/Bacon/Swiss/Mango Panini and salad. (You don't want to know my lunch, but now you do!).
After lunch, I "might" nap an hour, and by the time 1830 (6:30 pm civilian) rolls around, I go back and do more grounds until dark drives me in. I have what is called a "wet bulb thermometer". This measures humidity along with ambient temperatures and shows if too dangerous to work outdoors. All the military folk on the forum will know exactly what I am talking about here.

Just be extra careful. Heat Stroke
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Cramps
Skin Cancers

Nate,
Those are great ideas and the buddy system should be in effect and everyne should have check in intervals so you know someone is not passed out on a rooftop. I think makis sure everyone has a few minutes every so often to cool off is great too.

I have to say though, I don't see too many shade canopies used regularly until I go out west and I wish more Managers physically went out to check on their team.

Mindy,
Nice to see you taking extra precautionary steps for their safety. The staggered schedules can be a big relief and if it works with their schedules off property I am sure they appreciate it. Sometimes one hour can make a huge difference.

The T-shirts can really make a difference and so can the hats. Funny how some properties don't even think about the heat being a factor.

Herb,
No doubt sunscreen will help for many. I have to say I like the idea of T-Shirts but if you are out in th esun for prolonged periods loose fitting long sleeves can be best. Whe I was in the Mid-East I tanned right through my clothing. Crazy I know!

I am an Army Vet so I know exactly what you mean about the wet bulb thermometer. Not too many people use those. Are you retired Military?

Thanks for posting Ooorah!

@Mark

Yes indeed. 30 years US Army Field Artillery. Ended as Brigade CSM. We had MLRS and Paladins. Retired when I was 58, and went into property management, as I was too young to sit on my thumbs and watch the seasons come and go.

When the "wet bulb" came down from Range Control and Post, you could unblouse your boots and shuck your field gear, except for mask and weapon. (Of course everyone already had done it because a good CO/NCO NEVER waited for post to act first!!!)
Cheers

Herb,
Glad to know it. I thought you were and achiveing the rank of CSM is a tremendous accomplishment. Glad to have you on the forum and even more glad to know you are looking out for yor team, as any good CSM would.

Stay cool my friend!

Has anyone used cooling packs or cold towels for their team? I've seen them online. Supposedly you soak them in cold water and they retain the cold temperature even in hot weather for several hours. I was thinking of checking into those, since we have a lot of buildings that are spread out and our guys spend a lot of time outdoors just getting from one building to another.

The people I have been able to talk with that have actually used them said they made a difference but not everyone will use them. Some techs just don't like them but if they are willing to wear them and they are affordable I say go for it. I am so glad to know you are looking out for your team!

I admit to shamelessly endorsing this website. The owner is a long time friend of our family (getting close to 25 years now). He sells these to the motorcycle touring community and THEY WORK!


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