3oTrimestre14| PROTECCIÓN LABORAL 80 Companies on the web Mape fosters advice on the net about heat stress and hydration Mape Seguridad has distinguished itself by promoting the teaching of prevention. The managing of the firm specializing in PPE marketing believes that preven- tion is a proactive attitude prior to the onset of injury, illness or labour accidents. Through its blog (accessible at www.mape.es), Mape makes clear its role of expert adviser on health and safety and, coinciding with the summer, publishes information on heat stress or lack of body hydration, warning of its consequences, which can lead to an acci- dent at work. Heat stress occurs when, in a hot environment, the worker has to make significant physical effort, overwhelming their functional ability to maintain the internal temperature around 37° C. The heat load received by the worker under stress thermal conditions results from his interaction with the ambient space, the worn clot- hing and the activity performed. Being exposed to heat stress, the worker suffers physiological alte- rations, increasing the possibility of an industrial accident occu- rrence, plus previous ailments aggravation or causing various impairments related to heat exhaustion, cramps, dehydration, loss of consciousness in different degrees, rashes, etc... The causes of heat stress are easily recognizable and avoidable, but under certain circumstances it may go unnoticed and cause serious harm to workers. Specialists advise acting on acclimatiza- tion, ventilation and temperature of the workspace, facilitate hydration of workers, promote the use of appropriate clothing, or adapt the pace and work schedules, establishing breaks. The importance of body hydration The water, which represents about two thirds of the body weight, is essential for most physiological processes. Since our body does not store this vital fluid, its loss should be replaced systematically even without feeling thirstiness, drinking water, liquids, or taking hydrating foods. Maintaining proper hydration is essential when mental tasks are performed or that require attention and alert- ness: 2% dehydration already affects intellectual performance. Dehydration affects decision-making and cognitive function, resulting in decreased productivity and increased risk of accidents at work and otherwise. Also, in summer, it is advisable exerting extreme protection against solar radiation. Though we have got a sympathetic image of the sun, we should remember that we are talking about an enormous heat pump radiation with a size twenty times that of the earth. Target- organs of solar radiation are skin and eyes that are meant to be protected especially from ultraviolet radiation. Mape offers protection solutions suitable for the summer heat wave, including fresh items such as polo shirts and t-shirts made of cotton, protective UV creams for solar radiation, as well as sun- glasses, which more than an aesthetic complement are a very needful PPE in days with long hours of sunshine.