Protective clothing can create a microclimate around the body that impairs natural cooling mechanisms. Depending on the task and environment, impermeable or encapsulating PPE may elevate core body temperature compared with similar work performed without such protection.
Research from the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has reported increased fluid loss in workers wearing fully encapsulating chemical protective suits, with dehydration rates in some conditions observed to be substantially higher than baseline work environments.
Extended PPE use in high-heat settings may therefore increase the importance of proactive hydration strategies.
Outdoor exposure, high radiant heat, and heavy protective gear may elevate dehydration risk—particularly for roofers, road crews, and heavy equipment operators.
Firefighters and hazmat teams often operate in impermeable suits during high-intensity work, creating significant heat strain.
Foundries, steel production, chemical processing, and other hot industrial environments may combine environmental heat with protective clothing, increasing physiological stress.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate assistance.
Effective hydration management typically involves
Australian guidance commonly suggests approximately 200 mL of water every 15–20 minutes during hot work conditions, regardless of thirst sensation. Electrolyte replacement may be considered during extended sweatingperiods.
Employers should consult Safe Work Australia or their relevant state regulator for detailed guidance.
Workplaces are increasingly exploring technologies that support heat stress management programs, including:
Salhy personal hydration test is a portable, saliva-based screening tool that provides hydration insights via smartphone analysis. It assesses biomarkers such as saliva viscosity and electrolyte concentration to support awareness of hydration status.
Salhy is designed as a supplementary screening tool and does not replace existing WHS controls, medical evaluation, or regulatory heat management requirements.
An effective program may include:
Identify high-heat tasks, PPE requirements, and environmental conditions.
Define hydration break frequency, escalation procedures, and emergency response.
Educate workers on recognising heat stress and maintaining hydration.
Educate workers on recognising heat stress and maintaining hydration. Track heat-related incidents, review environmental conditions, and update procedures seasonally. Portable screening tools may complement environmental andwearable monitoring systems by providing additional physiological feedback.
Heat management programs benefit from regular review, including:
Proactive hydration planning supports worker wellbeing,operational continuity, and risk management.
Safe Work Australia – Guide forManaging the Risks of Working in Heat
SafeWork NSW – Working in ExtremeHeat
NIOSH – Heat Stress and PPEGuidance
ACGIH – Heat Stress TLVs andBiological Exposure Indices