ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Every summer, Anniston Army Depot sees an increase in Occupational Safety and Health Administration recordable injuries. According to the Safety Office, this can be attributed to the increase in temperature.

Exposure to heat can cause illness or death.

With temperatures now regularly topping 90 degrees Fahrenheit, heat safety is vital to the health of anyone who works outside or in a building without air conditioning.

"The main thing is to prevent a heat stress injury before it can happen," said Dan Robertson, registered nurse at the installation's Dear Occupational Health Clinic.

Once an individual has a heat illness or injury, according to Robertson, they become more susceptible to future incidents.

"Heat stress injuries come from the core temperature rising so fast our natural cooling mechanisms can't keep up," said Robertson.

The most basic way to prevent heat incidents is hydration.

Robertson stresses that keeping hydrated means consuming water, fruit juices and sports drinks. Alcohol and caffeine contribute to the causes of heat injuries and do not hydrate the body.

Nutrition is also key to hydration, according to Robertson, who recommends a good diet including fruits and vegetables.

Other keys to prevention of a heat stress injury or illness are to avoid tobacco use and be aware of how medication can affect susceptibility to heat.

"Medical conditions and medications can affect people's ability to handle heat or the sun," said Robertson.

Employees with questions as to how medications or medical conditions they have may affect their ability to handle heat or sun should speak with their physician or the Dear Occupational Health Clinic staff.

Having a partner to assist with all work performed outside or in hot areas can ensure that, should a heat stress injury or illness occur, proper care can be administered quickly. And, just as importantly, emergency care can be notified.

"Watch each other," said Robertson. "Be each other's safety officer."

Some of the signs to look for include:

• Confusion or disorientation

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Weak pulse

• Lack of sweating

• Cramps, which may start in the extremities, but, as the heat injury or illness progresses, can be felt throughout the body.

Employees should also work in the shade as much as possible if they are outside.

Some additional tips from the depot's Safety Office include wearing lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes and using a Qwik Cooler tie or cooling vest.

The tie is an expendable item containing cooling crystals.

To activate the crystals, soak the tie or vest in water for a couple of minutes, gently wring it out, and it should help keep you cool for three to four days.

The ties are not to be washed.

Note that some employees may not qualify for these items. For example, a welder cannot wear the cooling vest while performing welding operations.

The ties and vests are available at the Safety Supply Store. Call the Safety Office at Ext. 7541 for additional information.