Caltech Heat Illness Prevention Program Caltech Environment, Health, and Safety Office

Learning Objectives Describe the Heat Illness Prevention Plan Describe the Heat Illness Prevention Plan List the Risk Factors of Heat Illness List the Risk Factors of Heat Illness Identify Types of Heat Illnesses Identify Types of Heat Illnesses Learn How to Prevent Heat Illness Learn How to Prevent Heat Illness Identify Basic Responsibilities Identify Basic Responsibilities

What is Heat Illness? Our body has an internal thermostat controls our temperature by sweating for cooling Heat illness happens when our bodies overheat and do not have enough water to cool us

Our Prevention Plan Recognize the Risk Factors Know Heat Illness Signs and Symptoms Emergency Procedures Identify Methods to Prevent Heat Illness

Risk Factors Environment Environment Air temperature and humidityAir temperature and humidity Radiant heat from the sunRadiant heat from the sun Air movementAir movement Workload severity and durationWorkload severity and duration Protective clothing and equipment worn by employeesProtective clothing and equipment worn by employees Ourselves Age, health, and degree of acclimatization Water, caffeine, and alcohol consumption Prescription medication use that may affect the bodys water retention

Importance of Sweat Sweat is triggered when our body reaches an internal temperature at which sweat glands are triggered to create sweat on the skin for cooling Skin is the bodys Radiator moving air over the skin increases heat exchange for cooling

Heat Illnesses Sweat loss reduces blood plasma volume (the liquid part of blood) may cause an electrolyte (e.g. sodium, potassium, chloride) imbalance in the blood – –stresses the cardiovascular system and contributes to a faster increase in body temperature that may lead to either: – –Heat Exhaustion or – –Heat Stroke

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms Symptoms Weakness, giddiness, nausea, headacheWeakness, giddiness, nausea, headache Clammy, moist skin – pale or flushedClammy, moist skin – pale or flushed Temperature normal or slightly aboveTemperature normal or slightly above Treatment Immediately move victim to cool area, provide water and rest Anyone who loses consciousness or vomits requires further medical help

Heat Stroke Symptoms Symptoms Confusion, delirium, convulsions, or unconsciousnessConfusion, delirium, convulsions, or unconsciousness Hot, dry skin and rapid pulseHot, dry skin and rapid pulse Very high temperature – above 103° FVery high temperature – above 103° F Treatment Medical emergency! Immediately cool to reduce core temperature –Loosen/remove extra clothing –Pour or sponge water over person or immerse –Fan vigorously

Emergency and First Aid Report: your or other co-workers signs and symptoms of heat illness to you supervisor. Supervisors are to: contact Security (x5000) to obtain medical help. be prepared to give an accurate work location.

Steps for Preventing Heat Illness Acclimate Acclimate Dress for conditions Dress for conditions Drink plenty of fluids before youre thirsty Drink plenty of fluids before youre thirsty Access to shade Access to shade

Acclimate – get used to the HEAT About 7 to 10 days Work for short periods in the heat gradually increasing in time and intensity Stay in good shape conditioned muscles work more efficiently and generate less body heat If you spend time out of the heat due to vacation you may need to acclimate again

Dress for Heat Conditions Lightweight, loose- fitting clothing promotes heat loss by exposing sweat-laden skin to the air allows sweat to evaporate Heavy clothing and equipment traps heat and sweat against the skin forces the body to produce more sweat to cool itself YesNo

Drinking Water Dont wait for warning signs Dont wait for warning signs Drink water up to a quart each hour Drink water up to a quart each hour Include sodium-containing snacks or food to replace the electrolytes in body fluid Include sodium-containing snacks or food to replace the electrolytes in body fluid It is a Caltech safety policy to provide enough water for employees to drink one quart per hour or have a means to replenish during the shift.

Caffeinated Drinks Caffeine is a drug, not a nutrient Caffeine is a diuretic increases urine production adds to dehydration

Preventing Heat Illness with Shade Do heaviest work in cooler (shaded) areas or in cooler time of day A variety of cooling methods include: Ventilation, fans Vehicle air conditioning, if applicable Shielding or tent shading when air conditioning is not available It is Caltechs safety policy to have access to shade, especially for those needing a break.

Supervisor Responsibilities Ensure employees receive heat illness training before working outdoors. Ensure employees receive heat illness training before working outdoors. Provide adequate water supplies Provide adequate water supplies 2 gallons per person per shift,2 gallons per person per shift, shade and/or air- conditioned vehicles, if applicable.shade and/or air- conditioned vehicles, if applicable. Be alert to any employee symptoms or signs of heat illness and take precautions as needed. Prepare, maintain, and follow emergency response plans in the event of an employee heat illness.

Employee Responsibilities Attend heat illness training Follow heat illness precautions when working outdoors including frequently drinking water Immediately report any symptoms or signs of heat illness in yourself or co-workers

Review Questions What are the Risk Factors to Heat Illness? Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity and personal factors such as health and water use How can you recognize Heat Stroke? Confusion, delirium, convulsions, hot, dry skin How much water do you need to prevent heat illness? At least one quart per hour per employee or two gallons per shift per employee