Staying Safe by Staying Hydrated - July 8th, 2014

Greetings from Gemini Energy Services! Here is the latest issue of our Monthly Safety Newsletter, and thank you for taking the time to check it out.

The wind industry is filled with hazards and the purpose of this newsletter is to share useful information, refresher training and safe work practices to our subscribers so that we can raise the bar for safety throughout the industry.  This week's topic focuses on Staying Safe by Staying Hydrated.

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Best regards,
The Gemini Team

 Are You Drinking Enough Water?

 

Being a wind technician is not only a mentally challenging job, it is physically demanding as well. After climbing up tower, lifting tools, and bending in awkward positions to reach equipment, your body can feel like it has been put through the ringer! Add scorching temperatures and dry air, and you have a recipe for dehydration. One of the ways to combat dehydration and the negative side effects it causes, is to drink plenty of water! Staying hydrated can not only help your body regulate its' temperature, it can help lower your blood pressure and prom  ote muscle efficiency.  

 

To understand exactly how much water you should drink each day, you should consider the following factors. Experts say you can calculate your resting intake requirements by taking your weight and dividing by 2. For example, if you are 180 pounds, you should drink around 90 ounces of water a day. Please note, this calculation is based on sedentary jobs. For our technicians who deal with the rigors of the wind industry each day, the amount needs to be greater. For every pound of sweat you lose while you are on the job, you need to intake a pint of water to replenish. A good thumb rule to use is adding an additional liter of water if you are having a hotter than normal day up tower. It is always a good practice to drink adequate fluids before the jobs starts. This helps begin the day hydrated to prevent playing catch up.  

 

So how do you know if you are drinking enough water? If you wait until you are thirsty, then it is too late. Thirst is your brain telling you that your body is already feeling the effects of too little water. Headaches, fatigue and dizziness are just a few negative side effects of being dehydrated. As a wind technician, these are maladies that not only put you at risk, but could put members of your team at risk as well. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately sit down and drink a bottle of water. If symptoms persist, contact the designated medical facility. Also, watch out if your body is not perspiring when it should be. This could be an indication that you are past the point of dehydration and on your way to heat exhaustion.     

 

Helping your body stay hydrated doesn't solely have to be with drinking water. You can eat fruits and vegetables which contain a high water percentage. You may also choose to drink sports drinks with electrolytes. These can help replenish vital minerals lost during times of excessive perspiration. Try to stay away from caffeinated drinks which will act as a diuretic.

 

In summary, stay hydrated, listen to your body and when you packing all the essential in your tool bag to go up tower, and don't forget your water bottle!

Gemini Energy Services is the premier independent service provider to the wind industry.  Safety is not just a philosophy at Gemini; it's our defining characteristic.  Whether Gemini technicians are driving to the project site or working on energized equipment in the hub, we strive for zero injuries.  Our proactive safety initiatives, which incorporate safety indoctrination, tailgate safety meetings, ongoing Personal Qualification Standards (PQS), a safety incentive program and completion of thorough Job Site Assessments, have resulted in an unblemished safety record.  We are confident that our colleagues in the wind industry share our commitment to safety and a zero-injury workplace.  

 

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