High Humidity + High Heat = Trouble Week 2

Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is a form of heat related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Higher risk to heat exhaustion: older folks, those with high blood pressure (treated and untreated), and those working / exercising in a hot environment. Do you know the warning signs of heat exhaustion? See answers next page High Humidity + High Heat = Trouble

Heat Exhaustion Signs & Symptoms Heavy Sweating Paleness Muscle Cramps Tiredness / Weakness Dizziness Headache Nausea or vomiting Fainting FYI: Skin may be cool and moist Pulse will be fast and weak Breathing may be fast and shallow Tomorrow— What to do for Heat Exhaustion

Steps to Take for Heat Exhaustion Seek medical attention if needed Drink cool (not cold), non-alcoholic beverages Rest Sponge off or take a cool shower / bath Seek an air-conditioned environment Wear lightweight clothing—remove shoes, socks, hats Report it to TL or HSS Coordinator, monitor individual, escort to secure seated position High Humidity + High Heat = Trouble See next page

Prevention is the Key Beware of Weekend Warrior effects— previous dehydration or over exposure from off-the-job activities will contribute to heat exhaustion at work. Drink plenty of fluids, replace salt and minerals, wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen, pace yourself, buddy up, schedule laborious activities carefully, use air conditioned break areas, eat healthy and have (healthy) snacks at breaks to provide fuel for the body’s cooling efforts. Prevention Tips Tomorrow— Heat Cramps

Heat Cramps Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms. –Usually in abdomen, arms or legs People who sweat a lot during physical activity are prone to heat cramps. The sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture. Low salt levels in the muscles cause painful cramps. Can also be a sign of heat exhaustion. What should you do if you have heat cramps? High Humidity + High Heat = Trouble See answers next page

Help for Heat Cramps IF medical attention is not necessary: Stop all activity. Sit in a cool place. Drink clear juice or a sports beverage. DO NOT return to physical labor for a few hours after cramps subside. Additional labor may lead to heat exhaustion / stroke. Seek medical attention if heat cramps do not subside in <1 hour or if pain level is intense. See next page

DO NOT take salt tablets unless directed to by your doctor. The easiest and safest way to replace salts and minerals lost through the sweating process is to drink fruit juices and sport drinks along with your intake of fresh, pure cool water. IF YOU HAVE HEART PROBLEMS or are on a LOW SODIUM DIET, seek medical attention immediately for heat cramps. Help for Heat Cramps Tomorrow— Heat Index

HEAT INDEX Heat index is sometimes referred to as the “apparent Temperature”. Given in degrees F, it is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to actual air temperature. No true equation for Heat Index exists, a collection of equations comprise the model for Heat Index values. Most charts based upon shady, light wind conditions. See the next page for some “fun” heat index facts. High Humidity + High Heat = Trouble See next page

Some of the parameters (20+) used in calculating the heat index: –Dimensions of a human. Determines the skin surface area. (Assumption is 5’7” tall, 147 pounds) –Effective wind speed. (5 knots) –Clothing resistance to heat transfer. (Assumption is clothing is 20% fiber, 80% air) –Clothing cover. (Long trousers and short- sleeved shirt is assumed) High Humidity + High Heat = Trouble See next page

Heat Index values are easily obtained by using temperature and humidity monitors, listening to weather broadcasts, consulting the daily newspaper, etc. We don’t have to worry about formulas, just the impact the Heat Index will have upon our health. How much does direct sunlight increase the Heat Index? High Humidity + High Heat = Trouble See answer next page

Heat Index Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the Heat Index by up to 15 degrees F. Correct Answer Given? If so, a Trip to the Fun Room is in order! Tomorrow— Heat Index / Heat Illness Correlation

Here is a Visual Guide to the correlation between the Heat Index and the potential for heat related illnesses High Humidity + High Heat = Trouble

Possible Heat Disorders by Heat Index Range 130 ◦ or Heatstroke / Sunstroke Highly Likely with Higher Continued Exposure 105 ◦ ◦ Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion likely, and Heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity 90 ◦ ◦ Sunstroke, Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity 80 ◦ - 90 ◦ Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity See next page

Summary of HH+HT = Trouble Heat Illnesses can be prevented Heat Illnesses have different signs and symptoms AND treatments SLA encourages aggressive response to heat illness: –Escort to safety –Provide proper First Aid Treatment, Call 911 if needed –Monitor the individual –Report to Team Leader / HSS Coordinator Plan work with Heat Index in mind, ensure Heat Prevention Techniques are in place, and use the BUDDY System.