Brady Supplies Associates with Heat Safety App for Cell Phones

ith record-breaking temperatures endangering the health of construction workers and outdoor repair people, Brady, a company that provides energy-efficient HVAC systems and comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across North Carolina, sent notice to all 328 associates to download and use the OSHA Heat Safety Tool. Temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees for the next several days, which will strain some cooling systems. To keep AC systems operational, maintenance teams will often have to work on rooftops where reflected heat can significantly increase the ambient temperature.

“A technician whose body overheats is not only in danger themselves but, risks the safety of those around them,” says Pete Malone, safety director for Brady. “Falling, electrocution and injuries from mechanical equipment are some additional hazards that technicians face as a result of dehydration and heat-related illness.”

The Heat Safety App by the U.S. Department of Labor is currently available for Android and iPhone users. It allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite. Based on this information, risk levels can be communicated to outdoor workers. In addition, with a simple “click,” App users can get reminders about steps to take in order to avoid heat-related illness. These include drinking enough fluids, scheduling rest breaks, planning for what to do in an emergency, adjusting work operations, gradually building up the workload for new workers, training on heat-illness signs and symptoms, and monitoring each other for heat-related illness. Free of charge, the App can be downloaded from the Department of Labor website.

Malone also reminds associates that there are indoor locations where radiant energy is apt to accelerate heat exhaustion or have other dire health effects. These include machinery spaces, boiler rooms, and access spaces beneath roofs. He warns associates to be careful about using fans in these high heat areas, noting that blowing hot air on the body does not help cool it. In fact, it may actually raise a person’s core body temperature. As an alternative, Malone promotes drinking lots of cool fluids. He also advises holding ice in your mouth as it melts. This is very effective in help lower core body temperatures.

About Brady: Celebrating its 50th year, Brady is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina with locations in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Charlotte. Founded in 1962 by Chairman Don Brady, the company remains a family owned enterprise, today employing 328 associates. The company works with building owners, facility managers, developers, architects, engineers and contractors providing sustainable, comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. Brady provides customers with a diverse range of HVAC and building solutions including building automation, energy conservation, green design, performance contracts, access controls, security, mechanical systems, parts and supplies, as well as world-class technical support. For more information, visit www.bradyservices.com or call (800) 849-1915.

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