Heat stress

Heat Stress & Personal Protective Equipment

May Safety Meeting

Heat StressHeat Stress

Heat Stress

Heat stress occurs when high body temperatures break down the body’s ability to function normally.

– Problems resulting from heat stressDehydrationHeat Cramps – Usually first sign of heat stressHeat ExhaustionHeat Stroke

Heat cramps

Painful muscle spasms that occur when a person drinks large amounts of water but fails to replace the body’s salt loss

– Usually controlled by drinking fluids that contain electrolyte replacements

Heat Exhaustion

Some Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion– Intense thirst– Fatigue– Weakness– Dehydration– Moist, clammy skin– Pale or flushed complexion– Body temp normal or slightly higher

Typically treated by resting in a cool place and replacing fluids and minerals

If heat cramps or heat exhaustion is not properly treated, the

condition can quickly escalate into a HEAT STROKE

Body will no longer be able to cool itself

Temperatures can rise dangerously high resulting in

brain damage or death

Heat Stroke

– Hot, dry, flushed skin

– Very small pupils– Extremely high

body temperature (106o or higher)

– Mental confusion, convulsions or coma

Symptoms of a Heat Stroke

Your body tries to prevent heat stress by maintaining your “normal” body temperature – 98.6 ￮F– As body temp rises, more blood rises to the skin

releasing heat– Sweating – utilized by the body to help stabilize

internal temp Warm sweat releases heat from the body Cools the skin as the sweat evaporates

Heat Stress

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in.

In a normal day, a person has to drink a significant amount of water to replace this

routine loss.

The body is very dynamic and

always changing. This is especially

true with water levels in the body.

We lose water routinely when

When the body tries to maintain the “normal” temperature, fluids & minerals are used

– Replacing fluids and minerals is essential for the body to function properly

Heat Stress

Heat Stress

Human body can lose up to 1 quart of fluid an hour through sweating– Recommendation: Drink 5-7 ounces of liquid every 15 minutes– DO NOT depend on your thirst alone to tell you how much and how often

to drink

Minerals ( such as Potassium and Phosphate) are also lost– Electrolyte drinks are often used to replace minerals

Gatorade, PowerAde, etc– Eating foods that replacement mineral loss (i.e. bananas, kiwi, etc.)

Drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks when you are hot or after heavy exertion encourages fluid loss

Heat Stress & Dehydration

The body can lose significant amounts of water when it tries to cool itself by sweating.

The body uses a significant amount of water in the form of sweat to cool itself.

Depending upon weather conditions, a brisk walk will generate up to 16 ounces of sweat

(one pound of water).

Treating a Heat Stress Victim

Ice packs or wet towels at neck, armpits, groin area

Loosen clothing Sipping cool water, juice,

or sports drinks if tolerated

Notify the Supervisor and / or the Safety Office immediately Remove the employee from the heat and/or sunlight

Methods to Prevent Heat Stress

Work Practices– Availability of drinking water – Providing electrolyte replacements –

Squincher / Gatorade / etc.– Training

Engineering controls– Fans– Spot coolers / Air conditioning vents

Acclimatization

– Employees who are new or who have been out of the heat for 5 or more days may notice that they may not be adjusted to the heat in the same manner as before

May notice symptoms such as – Slightly higher body temperature– Higher pulse rate– General discomfort and fatigue– Profuse sweating

These symptoms are considered to be “normal” as the body gets adjusted to the heat, which may take from 3 – 14 days

Drink plenty of fluids

Take breaks in break rooms where the temperature is cooler

While becoming acclimatized, it is important to

Allow your body time to get used to the heat – don’t expect the same tolerance as before if you have been out of the heat for a number of days or have little to no exposure to the heat

On days off, plan to be outdoors and active in the heat as much as possible.

– Being a “couch potato” on your days off does not keep you acclimatized as well as being active while you are off

Make an effort to replace lost fluids and minerals

Take periodic breaks from the heat

Wear the appropriate type of clothing for the work area

Stay physically fit and heat tolerant


*WATER is usually best; sports drinks are also good

• Learn to recognize early signs and symptoms• Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Food and drinks containing CAFFEINE or ALCOHOL* will

remove water from body cells and INCREASE URINATION /FLUID

LOSS/DEHYDRATION

Many sodas contain caffeine as well as coffee or tea.

READ THE LABEL FIRST


Education

Heat stress