Lineworkers Share Safety Tips for Extreme Heat
Lineworkers Share Safety Tips for Extreme Heat
What do pickle juice, early bedtimes and ice-cold neck shades have in common?
They’re all hacks Southern California Edison lineworkers use to work safely when temperatures climb into the triple digits.
“Though many of the crew members are pretty seasoned, we never take high heat lightly,” said Phillip Sonoqui Jr., an SCE field supervisor for crews working in the Palm Springs area. “We still reinforce it every day: Hydrate. Take your breaks. Get your salts in. Listen to your body.”
SCE crews working in the Palm Springs area share their favorite ways to stay cool during extreme heat.
While replacing electrical equipment in Cathedral City on a recent day when temperatures topped 100 degrees, SCE crew members shared heat safety advice that can help anyone spending time outdoors.
Preparation starts well before the workday for apprentice lineman Levi Almaraz.
“I had to prep yesterday for work today,” Almaraz said. “I have a jug of water I make sure I finish before I go to bed. I’m in bed by eight. I’d rather make sure I’m good for work and go home safely.”
That safety mindset continues when crews meet up in the morning before heading to a job site.
“Working in the heat has its own set of challenges, but we prepare by making sure we’re hydrated, eating well and stretching,” said Kevin Brownlee, an SCE lineman. “We stretch every morning in the crew room to get our blood circulating and prevent injuries.”
Lineworkers know that working safely in extreme heat means slowing down when needed and paying close attention to how your body feels.
As work gets underway, lineman Alberto Duran Flores, who grew up in the area, relies on “micro breaks,” shade and a snack with a little crunch.
“Sometimes I’ll bring a pickle jar,” Duran Flores said. “I’ll snack on a quick pickle and drink some of that pickle juice. It helps a lot with not cramping up.”
For groundman Uberne Lacayo, moving from Oregon to the Palm Springs area called for some adjustment.
“In Oregon, a 90-degree day was considered hot,” Lacayo said. “Here in the desert, 90 degrees is good for us.”
Lacayo wets his protective hood with cold water to help keep his head cool. He has also picked up a few snack ideas from more experienced lineworkers.
From refreshing snacks to water breaks and protective clothing, small steps make a difference for SCE crews working outdoors in high heat.
“One of the linemen told me about Mexican candy, and it’s basically a salty thing you put under your tongue because you’re sweating everything out,” said Lacayo. “I’m definitely going to try it.”
“I try to stay away from artificially sweetened drinks like soda and go for electrolyte packets in my water or natural sugars in fruits like watermelon,” added lineman Nels Sorensen.
Though each crew member relies on different methods to stay safe in high heat, they all share the same goal.
“There’s no way to really tough it out. Your body is going to tell you,” said Sorensen. “Take your breaks, don’t overexert yourself and look out for others so everyone can go home safely.”
Safety tips to stay cool in high heat:
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic, sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers like cotton to help your body breathe.
- Wear a hat outdoors to decrease sun exposure.
- Limit outdoor activity to cooler times of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings. If you must be outdoors, seek shade and take frequent breaks.
- Take a cool shower or bath to lower your body temperature.
For more information, visit sce.com/safety.
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