1. HEAT STRESS
A Training Module

2. WHAT IS HEAT STRESS?? Heat Stress:
A situation where too much heat is absorbed by a person, a plant or an animal and causes stress, illness or even death. ... It can also cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke which may lead to death

3. UNDERSTANDING HEAT STRESS
The 3 levels of Heat Stress:
Heat Cramps (1st level)
Heat Exhaustion (2nd level)
Heatstroke (3rd level)

4. HEAT CRAMPS Warning Signs Heat Cramps:
Painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. The spasms may be more intense and more prolonged than are typical nighttime leg cramps. Fluid and electrolyte loss often contribute to heat cramps.
Significant sweating
Spasms in the area of the muscle that is cramping
Occur in areas where the muscles have been stressed (i.e. legs, arms, trunk, torso)
Usually occur immediately when suing these muscles although may occur hours after the activity.

5. HEAT EXHAUSTION Warning Signs Heat Exhaustion:
A condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, and is a result of your body overheating. This occurs after the Heat Cramp level.
Faintness or dizziness.
Nausea or vomiting.
Heavy sweating often accompanied by cold, clammy skin.
Weak, rapid pulse.
Pale or flushed face.
Muscle cramps.
Headache.
Weakness or fatigue

6. HEATSTROKE Warning Signs Heatstroke:
A condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by failure of the body's temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures. This occurs after the Heat Exhaustion level.
Throbbing headache.
Dizziness and light-headedness.
Lack of sweating despite the heat.
Red, hot, and dry skin.
Muscle weakness or cramps.
Nausea and vomiting.
Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak.
Rapid, shallow breathing.

7. RISK FACTORS FOR HEAT STRESS
High temperature and humidity
Summer months, low ventilation areas
Direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind
Outdoor work (patching)
• Heavy physical labor
Plant specific
No recent exposure to hot workplaces
New employees, excessive temperatures in the area
Low liquid intake
Lack of hydration stations or access to water/shade
• Waterproof clothing
Breathable materials
Cotton/Poly blends
Bandanas

8. STEPS TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS
Establish a complete heat illness prevention program.
Provide training about the hazards leading to heat stress and how to prevent them.
Provide a lot of cool water to workers close to the work area.
At least one pint of water per hour is needed.

9. WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS?
Have an emergency plan in place that specifies what to do if a worker has signs of heat-related illness, and ensures that medical services are available if needed.
Take steps that help workers become acclimatized (gradually build up exposure to heat).
New Employees / New job functions
Gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaks during the first week of work.

10. WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS?
Have adequate potable (safe for drinking) water close to the work area, and drink small amounts frequently.
Rotating job functions among workers can help minimize overexertion and heat exposure.
Workers should watch out for each other for symptoms of heat-related illness and administer appropriate first aid to anyone who is developing a heat-related illness.
Monitor workers for signs of illness.

11. HEAT STRESS ENGINEERING
Air conditioning (such as air-conditioned forklift or construction equipment cabs, air conditioning in break rooms).
Increased general ventilation in certain workplace areas.
Cooling fans.
Local exhaust ventilation at points of high heat production or moisture (such as exhaust hoods in welding departments).

12. BEST PRACTICES FOR HEAT STRESS MANAGEMENT
DALLAS SHADE STRUCTURE FOR PATCHING PIPE
PATCH RAIL BEFORE
PATCH RAIL AFTER

13. BEST PRACTICES FOR HEAT STRESS MANAGEMENT
DALLAS PORTABLE SHADE STRUCTURE
Allows for shade in any area that is needed
Easily moveable to where the work is being performed
Added wheels for easy movement when needed

14. DIVISION BEST PRACTICES
WILSON URINE CHART
Easy to read chart that gives information on current hydration
Placed in bathrooms and stalls to assist in preventing dehydration
Provides real time feedback and training

15. DIVISION BEST PRACTICES
LAS VEGAS PATCHERS REST AREA
Old Box form used as a shaded area for employees working in high heat areas
Water jugs, chairs, and a shade screen were added
Solar powered misting fans are used for additional comfort

16. DIVISION BEST PRACTICES
HYDRATION STATIONS
Systematically placed around the plant to provide quick access to water
Employees should be informed of the hydration stations located in their area
Can be bottled water, water jugs, water fountains, or any item that provides hydration and relief.

17. DIVISION BEST PRACTICES
HOT WEATHER CLOTHING/PPE OPTIONS
COTTON/LINEN/JERSEY MATERIAL
Breathable materials
These fabrics will not constrain your body and allow your body during the hot periods of the day
These materials will also prevent excessive sweating which enhances dehydration

18. BEST PRACTICES HOT WEATHER CLOTHING/PPE OPTIONS FULL BRIM HARD HATS
Brimmed hard hats help you stay cool in hot weather
Brimmed hard hats assist in keeping the sun off your face by providing extra shade

19. DIVISION BEST PRACTICES
HOT WEATHER CLOTHING/PPE OPTIONS
CHILL IT BANDANAS / SKULL CAPS
Water can be added to activate cooling beads to help keep cool during the day
As more water is added during the day, the cooling beads reactivate
Wick sweat and keeps the body temperature cool throughout the day

20. LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED
What are the 3 levels of Heat Stress?
Early Heat, Temperature Extremes, Heavy Heat
Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke
Low Heat, Medium Heat, High Heat
Not Hot, Kind of Hot, Really Hot
ANSWER: b. Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke
True or False: Can the symptoms of Heat Stress lead to death??
ANSWER: True – If heat stress symptoms are not dealt with immediately, it may lead to death.

21. LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED
3. In what parts of the body can Heat Cramps occur?
Arm pits, hair, fingernails
Tongue, elbow, eyelids
Muscles such as your arms, legs, torso, and trunk
Nose, tonsils, ears
ANSWER: c. Muscles such as your arms, legs, torso, and trunk
4. True or False: The symptoms of Heat Cramps occur immediately.
ANSWER: False – The symptoms of Heat Cramps may occur immediately or many hours after an activity has been performed.

22. LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED
5. What are some signs of possible Heat Exhaustion?
Faintness or Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Pale or Flushed Skin
Weak or Rapid pulse
Headaches
Heavy sweating and Cold, Clammy Skin
All of the above
ANSWER: g. All of the above

23. LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED
6. True or False: It is OK for someone to not be sweating while working in high heat areas.
ANSWER: False: If someone is not sweating it means they need immediate hydration or medical assistance as they may be experiencing Heat Stroke.
7. What are some ways we can prevent Heat Stress?
Job Rotation
Heat Stress Emergency Plan
Hydration Schedules
Training on Identifying Heat Stress Symptoms
All of the above
ANSWER: e. All of the above

24. GROUP DISCUSSION
Discuss areas in the plant that pose the highest risk for Heat Related illnesses.
How can we make these areas more safe?
What do we currently have in place to prevent Heat Related Illnesses?