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Many workers will be able to handle the full workload after four days of acclimatization. But the acclimatization process will continue and heat tolerance will improve for up to two weeks after the first exposure.

Here are some important acclimatization do’s and don’ts:

Do

• Take it slow. The best way to acclimatize yourself to working in the heat is with a gradually increasing workload over one to two weeks.
• Start with at least two hours of heat exposure per day. You can break this up into two one-hour blocks if necessary.
• Drink small amounts of water throughout the day. And remember that when you’re acclimatized, you actually need more water, not less, because you’re sweating more.
• Eat regular meals. Food helps replace the salt and other electrolytes you lose when you sweat.
• Make room for flexibility in your plans. You may need to adapt based on the intensity of the heat, the level of humidity, physical fitness and other factors.
• Remember that acclimatization is only a temporary adaptation. You start to lose it in one week.
• Be aware of heat waves. The sudden rise in temperatures during a heat wave makes workers more vulnerable to heat illness, even if they’re fully acclimatized. Be especially cautious with early-season heat waves.
• Know the signs of heat illness and be on the lookout for them.
• Make sure you understand the heat stress policy in your workplace.

Don’t

• Don’t work to the point of heat exhaustion. This will interfere with your heat tolerance, rather than building it up.
• Don’t wait till you’re thirsty to drink water. If you aren’t replacing the water your body is sweating out, you’ll slow or even prevent the acclimatization process.
• If strenuous tasks are part of your normal work, don’t avoid them during acclimatization. You need to work at your normal intensity if you want to acclimatize to that intensity.
• Don’t worry that air conditioning will impair your acclimatization. You won’t lose it by taking breaks in a cooler place. In fact, working in cooler conditions for one or two days won’t affect it.
• Don’t think that working indoors means you shouldn’t acclimatize. Some indoor work can be just as hot and hazardous as work in the worst outdoor conditions.

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The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.