Many screen printing shops will be 15-25 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. No print shop can afford to lose someone a week or more due to dehydration. Here are some simple screen printing tips that you can follow.
- Keep plenty of water and ice available
- Have cooling areas established
- Keep Popsicles in the freezer
- Set a 15 minute timer to remind people to hydrate
- Start shifts earlier in the day
Most of us recognize the need to stay hydrated, but how much is enough? The conditions are similar to what a marathon runner will face during the course of the race. Everything you're sweating out has to be replaced and then some. Staying hydrated means consuming 3-6 ounces of water/sports drink (avoid soda) every 15 minutes, a sports drink with carbs and electrolytes will replenish sodium. If you're low on sodium, your body will be forced to dump water to keep you from going into a state of hyponatremia (low sodium). Also its a good idea to pre-hydrate in the morning or pre-shift with 16 ounces of water one hour before starting. This keeps your body from playing catch up all day. Following this regimen will keep you well hydrated and everything well saturated in these elevated temperatures. Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water. A better indicator is the color of your urine: Clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration. So lets keep in mind symptoms associated with dehydration:
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Extreme thirst
- Decreased urine output ?eight hours or more without
- Lack of sweating
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
If you're a healthy adult, you can usually treat mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, such as water or a sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, stay away from carbonated beverages if at all possible). Nothing is more important than you and your employees health. Dont let production in your screen printing shop decrease due to dehydration. Educate your employees on the symptoms and treatment. Seek medical attention with any concern associated with dehydration.
