Heat Wave

Record-breaking, triple digit weather in the Northeast reminds me of how brutal these hot days can be on the ramp.  The heat of the day combines with the heat from the equipment — including the aircraft — and with the radiant heat emanating from the tarmac.  Men and machines are sorely tested by this triple whammy.  Add high humidity to the mix, and the situation can rapidly become dangerous. My concerns are not just with the equipment that needs to function in the high heat, but also with the workers who are out where shade and access to air conditioning are limited. I have seen the effects of high temperatures and high humidity on coworkers and have felt them myself. Under pressure to move aircraft, we often forget how much water we lose when we perspire heavily and how quickly the effects of losing body fluids can manifest themselves. I’ve seen people who became dehydrated suffer dizziness and weakness. I’ve seen them become disoriented and require assistance off the ramp.   It’s important for all those on the ramp on high heat days to not only drink plenty of fluids themselves and rest at appropriate intervals, but also to remain on the lookout for signs of distress from their coworkers. This is especially important when they are operating equipment around aircraft or performing high-risk functions. It’s especially important for crew chiefs or supervisors to plan ahead for high heat days by having plenty of non-carbonated fluids (soda is not a substitute for water) available for their workers and to stay vigilant to the effects the high temperatures may have on their workers.