During strenuous work in hot PPE, how much water can a worker lose per hour?

• A. 1 quart
• B. 2 quarts
• C. 3 quarts
• D. 4 quarts

Answer: (B)

During strenuous work in hot PPE, the body relies on sweating to shed heat, and the evaporative cooling from that sweat can amount to about 2 quarts per hour for many workers. This rate reflects a level of fluid loss that is typical when workload is high and the environment is hot, with PPE trapping heat and intensifying the cooling response. Individual sweat rates can vary, but planning around roughly 2 quarts per hour helps ensure hydration to prevent dehydration and heat-related illness. Of course, in extreme heat or with exceptionally high effort, losses can be higher, but the standard expectation used for safety planning is about 2 quarts each hour.