High temperatures and high humidity can create heat stress hazards. To be Mission Ready, you need to be well hydrated, rested, and acclimated to higher
heat environments.
Acclimation to reduce the risk of heat-related injury or illness is accomplished through gradual progressive exposure to physical work in the heat. Proper
acclimation results in beneficial adaptations such as increased sweat rate, lower heart rate, lower core body temperature, and lower fatigue levels.
The acclimation process increases workload and heat exposure over five days. The ability to adapt depends on the worker’s physical fitness and health factors.
Acclimation protocols should be tailored to the individual, demands of the job, environmental conditions, and protective clothing. The sample acclimation timetable below gradually increases work intensity and time in the heat.
For re-acclimation, (after a week or more off work) gradually increase the work time each day as shown below.
NOTE: Unacclimated workers should not work full-time in high heat conditions during the first few days of assignment. Longer periods of rest should be implemented.
Group Discussion:
1. Identify examples of how heat acclimation can be lost.
2. How should you acclimate to higher heat environments?
3. What beneficial adaptations does your body experience with gradual heat exposure?
