Dehydration When Using Breathing Air

Cause & Consequence

• Other

Incident Location

Onshore office, support base, heliport

Incident Activity

Land transport

Incident Info Source

Esso via ENFORM

Specific Incident Equipment

Self contained and/or Supplied breathing apparatus

Lessons Identified

Dehydration can be prevented by:

1. Drinking plenty of water.

‘Sport Drinks’ (water with additional electrolytes and carbohydrates) can also be used but water remains the first choice.

2. Increasing water intake

when using a breathing apparatus. You can lose up to 1 liter of water an hour when exerting energy while wearing breathing apparatus.

3. Take rest breaks

in shaded or cooler areas. Do NOT use energy drinks (i.e. ‘Red Bull’, ‘Monster’ and ‘Rockstar’) for rehydration. These caffeinated beverages actually accelerate dehydration.

Incident Recommendations

See above