As Seattle area heat wave continues, outdoor workers feel the burn

The Seattle area is under an excessive heat warning through Wednesday.

We asked outdoor workers how they’re handling the heat.

Near the Ballard Bridge, a clean-up crew from Uplift Northwest is working in the hot sun. They sweep, and pick up litter or anything that's out of place. Sometimes that means lifting abandoned couches into their pickup and driving it away.

Crew lead Charles Hanks says it's the hottest he can remember, since he started this work last summer.

“I can totally feel the heat coming up through my boots and softening the rubber part on my boot," he says. "And I mean, I’m pouring sweat — it’s hot. I mean, you would think I just jumped in a pool. I’m drenched.”

Uplift Northwest provides job opportunities for people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Today is Erika Lazcano's first day on the job. Asked about the heat, she says, "Well, I just want to make sure I don't pass out on the job or anything."

Her crew mates offer ideas on how to manage the heat. Douglas Copeland describes his method: “I’ll take a bottle of cold water and I’ll take my hat off, and I’ll just pour that cold water over my head. And it’s like a rush – Ahhh! And it just brings my temperature down like instantly. It’s really nice.”

RELATED: Need to cool off? Here are some heat wave-friendly snacks

New labor rules require that new workers are observed carefully, as they acclimate to the heat. And all workers are guaranteed access to cool water, shade, and breaks as needed.

“One of our supervisors has been [saying], 'It’s the law. You’ve got to take that break,'” Copeland says. He’s right: 10-minute breaks every two hours become mandatory when the temperature hits 90. At 100 degrees, breaks are 15 minutes every hour.