Heat Illness Prevention

•Review and understand the regulation

•Review and understand heat illness preventive measures

•Increase awareness and commitment to safety and health at the work sites

Training Goals

Heat Related Deaths

Since 1936, 30,000 people have died from heat related illnesses

384 people die each year from heat stroke

Heat related injuries occur more often with:

–the elderly–people who are not in good physical condition; or –acclimatized to the heat.

Source: National Safety Council

Districts Heat Illness Prevention Plan

• Plan is located _______• Designated persons responsible for plan

implementation:

1. Name/Title

2. Name/Title

3. Name/Title

4. Name/Title

Heat Illness Regulations

CCR Title 8, Section 3395

Filed as an emergency standard in 2005

Filed and approved as permanent standard in 2006

Amended in 2015 to better protect California Workers

Heat Illness Prevention Elements

Access to Water

Access to Shade

Weather Monitoring and Acclimatization

High Heat Procedures

Employee and Supervisory Training

Written Procedures Including Emergency Response

Two ways our bodies produce heat:

1. Metabolic Heat

The body generates heat through the digestion of food, work and exercise.

2. Environmental Heat

Body absorbs heat from the surrounding environment

The Body’s Cooling SystemsConvection: the transfer of heat through the circulation of air (wind or a fan).

Evaporation: the process which occurs when a liquid changes into a vapor (sweating).

Radiation: heat is naturally emitted from the body surface.

Conditions Affecting the Cooling SystemTemperature: The hotter it is, the hotter it feels!Air Velocity: Wind can cool youHumidity: The amount of water vapor in the

air affects the rate of evaporationClothing: Type of clothing affects the

amount of heat we absorbMetabolic Load: How hard you are working)Radiant Heat: Sun light or other sourcesPersonal: Some do not sweat; some are

more susceptible; skin pigment

Heat IllnessSerious Medical Conditions resulting from the body’s inability to cope with a heat load.

– Heat Rash – Heat Cramps– Heat Exhaustion– Heat Syncope– Heat Stroke

How do we gauge heat?

Heat Rash

Produces a rash which in some cases causes severe pain, insomnia, or permanent disability

Occurs in hot, humid environments where sweat can't easily evaporate from the skin.

Heat Cramps

Muscle spasms in the arms, legs, and stomach

Caused by the loss of salt and fluids through heavy sweating or lack of rehydrating.

Heat Exhaustion

When the body's cooling system struggles to compensate in high temperatures and dehydration.

Symptoms include heavy sweating, cool moist skin, and a weak pulse.

A victim of heat exhaustion may begin to feel weak, clumsy, confused, or upset.

Heat Syncope (Fainting)

Heat syncope, or fainting, can occur if a worker is not acclimatized to heat and if the worker stands still rather than moving around.

Heat Stroke – potentially life threatening

The body's internal thermostat can no longer deal with the stress caused by heat.

The body quickly stops sweating and begins storing heat.•Symptoms include lack of sweating, hot dry skin, and a rise in body temperature to 105° or higher.•The victim may become weak and dizzy, confused nauseated, or fall unconscious

Confusion is Common

At all levels of illness confusion is a possible symptom

You may not recognize when you become ill

Call your supervisor if you begin to have symptoms

Treatment For Heat IllnessesTreat heat cramps by resting in a cool place and slowly drinking water.

A victim of Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke should be moved to a cool area, loosen or remove excess clothing, slowly drink water, and fan and spray them with cool water.

Heat Stroke call 911 and contact your supervisor

Who may be effected• Grounds Workers • Athletic Field Workers • Pool Technicians • Irrigation Workers• Grounds Equipment Operators• Maintenance Workers• Custodians• Athletic Coaches/Trainers • Teachers/Substitutes• Campus Security/Monitors or

Playground Supervisors

Personal Risk Factors• Age (very young and elderly are more affected)

• Personal Health/Fitness/Obesity and other Health Conditions

• Personal Stress

• Dehydration

• Alcohol Use

• Certain Drugs, Medications, or Supplements

• Lack of Acclimatization to Hot Weather or Hot Weather Work

Environmental Risk Factors• Job Related

– Duration of Activity– Metabolic Load (how strenuous the work is)– Wearing Heavy Attire or Protective Clothing (PPE)

• Environmentally related– Temperature– Humidity– Air Velocity– Radiant Heat Sources (sunlight, reflection, etc.)

Heat Illness Prevention• Hydration

– Keeping yourself well hydrated can keep you from experiencing the effects of heat illness.

• Acclimatization– Working for shorter periods of time in the heat until

you build up a tolerance. Whether you’re coming from a different climate or at the beginning of the summer.

• Cool Down/Shade– Taking your rest break in the shade, taking additional

breaks if you feel fatigued or begin to feel symptoms of heat illness.

The Buddy System

When its hot, work with a buddy, check on each other regularly.

If you can’t work with a buddy, take a radio and check in frequently.

PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS

• Dress Light – Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes such as cotton which lets air move over your body.

• Wide brimmed hats should also be worn.

Proper Diet – •Eat light •Avoid heavy foods•Eat smaller, well-balanced meals more often

Rest Periods – •Pace activities slower during high heat •Frequent rest in shade•Drink plenty of fluids

Drink How Much?

Drink until “urine” is clear.

If your urine is yellow or dark yellow, you are not drinking enough fluids!

Hydration

• Loss of fluids is a major contributor to heat illness.

• Thirst isn't a reliable indicator of the body's need for fluids.

• When you’re thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

Hydration

• 1.6 quarts of fluid per hour can be lost through sweating.

• Health experts recommend drinking 8 ounces of fluids for every 20 to 30 minutes of work being performed.

HydrationHow can you re-hydrate during the work day?

•All schools have running water, find a water fountain, take a drink, fill a bottle.

•If working away from a building (landscaping), fill an igloo with water and ice before heading out and take it with you.

•Drink often - 8 oz. every 20 minutes

Acclimatization• Working in the heat, whether you’re new to

the job or it’s a sudden heat spell can be difficult.

• Over a one week period, work up to full days working in the heat.

• An acclimatization period may also be necessary upon return from vacation or other extended periods away from the workplace.

Breaks/Shade• Take more frequent breaks when working in

extreme temperatures or at the first sign of heat stress symptoms.

• Try to schedule tasks around the weather. Complete more physical tasks in the morning and evening when the sun isn't at its peak and the temperature is cooler.

• Reduce manual labor by using mechanical assistance when possible.

Breaks/Shade/Cooling• Move to shaded areas

• Move to cool indoors

• Move to a cooled vehicle

• Use fans

• Use moist cloths

Breaks/ShadeWhere to find shade at a school site?

– Next to a building– Under a tree– Sun Umbrella (Playground Supervisor)– Easy Up (Maintenance)– Cooled Vehicle (Maintenance/Landscaping)– Inside a cooled building

When to take precautions• Any time the temperature reaches 80

degrees Fahrenheit, precautions should be taken.

• Ensure you will be on a campus with running water or take water with you.

• Ensure you know where to take a break– Shade areas– Cooled buildings– Cooled vehicles

Questions?