It’s hell in there for some on an extremely hot day

By Marc McGowan
WITH the mercury rising in the past week, local businesses have been struggling to maintain their normal routines.
Water restrictions, smoky conditions and extreme heat are all playing their part in bringing the public to its knees – and forcing workers to try different cooling methods.
Kristy Hyde, from Southside Chickens in Pakenham, is one who is wilting in the weather and shares her workplace’s secret remedy.
“It gets really hot in the summer. We use charcoal, and the fire we stand in front of is about 300 degrees, so add to that a 35degree day and it can be pretty hot,” Ms Hyde said.
“We have a good walkin freezer – our staff fight to clean out the fridge on a hot day!”
Others, such as Meredith Bowers, from Kooweerup Swimming Pool, use more conventional forms of relief.
“Hot days can be a bit of a nightmare. We just try and keep in the shade and drink a lot of water, and we rotate our staff a lot as well,” Ms Bowers said.
“On our breaks, we quickly walk in and out of the pool to cool down.”
Debra Abbott, who is the manager at Brumbys in Pakenham, believes it is a case of bearing the heat as much as you can.
“Naturally, the area where the ovens are does get hot, but we have been managing OK,” Ms Abbott said.
“There is not a lot you can do. The doors are opening constantly, and the cooling does battle with the ovens and doors, but you’ve got to just work through it.”
In the end, one occupation trumps them all, with local firefighters putting themselves on the line in the hottest of situations.
Upper Beaconsfield Rural Fire Brigade captain Graeme MacGowan knows better than most, being in charge of sending volunteers off to the fires in Bairnsdale.
“I can’t remember for quite some time it being so dry and hot,” Mr MacGowan said.
“I think they’re all right – they are sensible people. We take a break at every opportunity to get in the shade and we drink plenty of water.”