Heat Stress/Exposure Training 2006

Heat Stress Approximately 175 Americans die each year from overexposure to heat each summer –Source: National Weather Service Out of all extreme weather conditions, heat is the #1 killer, see graph to right

Heat Stress

Heat has effects on how the body functions. Overexposure to heat can cause: –Fatigue –Heat rash –Fainting –Muscle cramps –Heat exhaustion –Heat stroke

Heat Stress/Fatigue Heat whether it is inside or outside, can be a health hazard. If you do not know when enough becomes too much, you can suffer from some form of heat stress. Accidents are more frequent during summer because employees are not as alert due to the heat and some people are more easily affected by heat than others.

Each year, thousands of workers are overcome by heat stress. If one of you falls victim to heat stroke, recognizing the symptoms and taking quick corrective action is vital to minimizing the negative health affects – and possibly save your life. Too much heat can make you tired, hurt your job performance, and increase your chance of injury!! The risk of heat stress depends on physical condition, weather, clothing worn, type of activity, amount of sun exposure and fatigue. Heat Stress/Fatigue

Your body has a built-in, automatic response that adapts to heat changes – up to a point!! When temperatures go beyond that point, you need to take measures to protect yourself. Body’s Response to Heat

What is Heat Stress? Your body is constantly working to maintain a normal internal temperature of about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit But when heat causes your temperature to rise faster than your body can cool itself off, you can become vulnerable to heat stress.

Heat Stress Factors The main factors in heat stress are temperature, humidity, air movement, physical activity, clothing worn, and the radiant temperature of the surroundings. Temperature alone seldom causes heat stress.

Types of Heat Stress Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

Identifying Heat Stress Hazards Know the symptoms of heat stress and you can keep those symptoms from getting out of hand. Symptoms that COULD indicate a heat stress problem: DizzinessRapid heartbeat NauseaExcessive sweating HeadacheBreathing problems Great weaknessChest pain DiarrheaCramps

Heat Disorders Heat related illness can range from heat rashes and sunburns to cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat rashes, sunburns, and heat cramps can be painful and uncomfortable, but they are not life threatening. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are more serious conditions.

Heat Rash Early warnings of approaching heat stress often are overlooked as routine heat discomfort. An example is heat rash, some call it prickly heat, which comes when the skin remains wet as sweat does not evaporate. If you feel dizzy or faint, it likely comes from standing erect and motionless in heat. Treatment: bathing affected areas, then drying skin

Fainting Fainting can occur if a person is not used to the hot heat. Standing in one place in heat may cause blood pooling, the tendency for blood to flow through heat enlarged blood vessels and collect in the lower areas of the body, leaving the brain without adequate replenishment. Treatment: lie or sit down and put your head between your legs

Heat Cramps Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that are caused by lack of salt in the body. They usually result from sweating heavily and drinking large amounts of water without replenishing the body’s salt loss. Treatment: Cramps may hurt, but they alert you to ease up the work pace before the problem advances. Replace the salt your body has lost by drinking a sports drink

Heat Exhaustion Continued loss of fluid and salt from sweating can lead to heat exhaustion. The victim sometimes mistakes the symptoms for the flu. These can be: heavy sweating, cool and moist skin, weak pulse Other symptoms include: Fainting, weakness, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, slight body temperature Treatment: move to cool, shaded area; lie victim down, elevate feet, loosen clothing, drink cool beverage

Heat Stroke Heat stroke is the most serious of the heat illnesses. When sweating stops, it no longer helps the body regulate its internal temperature, the body has no choice but to halt cooling efforts and store heat. high temperature hot red, dry skin rapid pulse You may feel confused and have difficulty breathing.

Heat Stroke - Continued The risk is greatest for people who have heart or circulatory problems. Their bodies are least able to take the strain and may not perspire and cool properly. Treatment: do whatever you can to cool the victim off immediately. This includes moving the person into the shade, submerging them into water or pouring water and fanning the victim

Prevention The loss of fluids is the major contributor to heat illness. Under normal conditions your body loses about two quarts of water every day. When exposed to excess heat while working, a person can lose almost two quarts in one hour through sweating.

Protection against Hazards n Use sunscreen outside - Cover as much of your body with clothing as possible. n Build up your exposure to the sun slowly. n The sun is even more potent when it’s reflected off water, concrete, or sand. n Wiping perspiration from your face - Be careful to prevent foreign objects or dust from getting into your eyes.

Other risk factors drinking alcohol overweight medication old age

In Conclusion Drink a lot of cool water all day – before feeling thirsty. Drink a cup of water every 15 minutes! Take rest breaks Wear light colored clothing Acclimate yourself to the heat Avoid alcohol