Safe fun in the sun Published May 13, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Eboni Reams 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Summertime is quickly approaching, with which comes heightened awareness of heat categories and hydration tables here at Incirlik Air Base. The 39th Medical Operations Squadron Bioenvironmental office plays a key role in determining our daily heat categories. Each heat category contains precautions to be followed base-wide. Senior Airman Jeffrey Gomez, 39th MDOS bioenvironmental journeyman, explained the importance of knowing the flag category and the work/rest cycles in the summer in particular. "It's important to know the hydration tables and work rest cycles when you are on duty. Especially, Airmen working on the flightline and in body armor such as aircraft maintainers and entry controllers," said Gomez. Every day the bioenvironmental flight takes a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature test, calculating solar load, wet bulb and shaded area temperatures to determine the day's heat category. This small task is vital to the wing determining the way members will accomplish the mission and stay safe while doing so. "We ensure the accuracy of the test by taking multiple calculations if necessary. The day's operations depend on our testing, so we take it very seriously," said Gomez. Staff Sgt. Jeffry Stamm, 39th MDOS, contingency health NCO in-charge, gave some tips for working in high heat categories. ''Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness can also increase the risks for occupational injuries''," said Stamm. "It is extremely important for the Airmen and civilians of Incirlik to refer to the thermal stress guidelines in AFPAM 48-151, Air Force Pamphlet 10-100 (page 216), and Incirlik AB Instruction 48-151.'' The Incirlik AB Instruction 48-151 contains work descriptions specifically for heat conditions here on Incirlik and can be found on the base SharePoint website. Below are the heat categories: Heat Category 1 (78 to 81.9) - Normal activity for people accustomed to climate; extremely intense physical exertion may cause heat stroke for people who aren't. No limits on light and moderate work; heavy work 40 minutes, rest 20 minutes. Heat Category 2 (82 to 84.9) - Normal activity for those accustomed to the climate; people who aren't should use discretion in planning intense physical activity. No limit on light work; moderate work 50 minutes, rest 10; heavy work 30 minutes, rest 30. Heat Category 3 (85 to 87.9) - People accustomed to the climate should use caution in planning intense physical activity; those who aren't should curtail strenuous activities. No limit on light work; moderate work 40 minutes, rest 20; heavy work 30 minutes, rest 30. Heat Category 4 (88 to 89.9) - Those accustomed to the climate should curtail strenuous exercise and limit conditioning for periods not exceeding six hours; people who aren't should terminate all physical conditioning. No limit on light work; moderate work 30 minutes, rest 30; heavy work 20 minutes, rest 50. Heat Category 5 (90 and above) - Light work 50 minutes, rest 10; moderate work 20 minutes, rest 40; heavy work 10 minutes, rest 50.