Heat Stress

Hot work environments

• Outdoor work in hot weather• Foundry work or smelting• Brick-firing, ceramics or glass

manufacture

1a

Hot work environments

• Rubber manufacture• Work in bakeries,

confectioneries, kitchens• Laundry operations• Plastic Mold Operations

1b

Personal risk factors

• Age, weight, physical fitness• Metabolism, medications, alcohol or

drugs• Water and caffeine consumption• Medical conditions• Acclimatization

2a

Environmental risk factors

• Air temperature• Humidity• Radiant heat• Conductive heat

sources• Protective clothing• PPE

2b

Fatigue

• Blood circulates to upper layers of skin• Less blood for internal organs• Performance declines• Coordination and alertness decline

3a

Response to fatigue

• Rest in cool, shaded area• Take heat-relief breaks• Gradually adjust to working in heat

3b

Heat rash

• Results from the body’s natural cooling• Body releases heat through sweat• Sweat ducts become plugged• Skin inflammation develops• Prickly rash is uncomfortable• Rash can become infected

4a

Response to heat rash

• Rest in a cool area• Wash the skin• Allow skin to dry• Seek medical attention, if

infected• Regularly bathe and dry skin

4b

Fainting

• Blood accumulates in lower part of body

• Brain does not get adequate blood supply

• Sudden loss of consciousness

5a

Response to fainting

• Rest in cool, shaded area• Gradually adjust to working in heat• Move around to circulate blood

5b

Muscle cramps

Occurs in tired muscles when the worker sweats profusely and drinks large quantities of water

6a

Muscle cramps

• Painful contractions in the muscle• Uncomfortable and temporarily

disabling• Low salt level can cause spasms• Too much salt can cause cramps

6b

Response to muscle cramps

• Rest in cool, shaded area• Drink about 5 to 7 ounces of fluids

every 15 to 20 minutes• Avoid caffeinated beverages

or alcohol

6c

Response to muscle cramps

• Drink salted or carbohydrate replacement liquids for recovery

• Gradually adjust to working in heat

6d

Heat exhaustion

• Large amounts of fluid lost by sweating• Symptoms resemble early heat stroke

• Physically weak, fatigued, or faint• Giddy, irritable, or mentally confused• Nauseous• Headache, dizziness,

and/or lightheadedness

7a

Heat exhaustion

• Person continues to sweat• Skin is clammy and moist• Body temperature remains normal• Person may vomit or lose

consciousness

7b

Response to heat exhaustion

• Rest in a cool, shaded area• Drink about 5 to 7 ounces of fluids

every 15 to 20 minutes• Lay person down• Seek medical attention,

if severe

7c

Heat stroke

• Life-threatening condition• Body’s temperature regulatory system

fails• Sweating becomes inadequate

8a

Heat stroke

• Person’s skin is hot and dry• Skin appears red in color• Body temperature is above 103oF • Person is mentally confused or

delirious• Person can have convulsions

or become unconscious

8b

Response to heat stroke

• Get immediate medical attention• Remove to cool, shaded area• Soak clothing with cool water• Fan body vigorously• Never leave unattended

8c

What can you do?

• Report symptoms or signs immediately

• Respond to heat illness

• Know company procedures

8d

Measuring heat exposures

• Heat index system• Health and safety agency testing

9a

Measuring heat exposures

Work classifications:• Light hand work• Heavy hand work• Heavy work with one arm• Light work with two arms• Moderate work with the body• Heavy work with the body

9b

Controlling heat exposure

Engineering controls• Shade• Ventilation• Air cooling• Air circulation• Shielding from radiant heat sources• Insulating radiant heat sources• Use of power assists and tools

10a

Controlling heat exposure

Personal protective equipment• Ice vests• Water-cooled garments• Air supply systems• Wet clothing, headbands, or bandanas

10b

Controlling heat exposure

Work practices• Use intermittent rest periods• Drink small quantities of water frequently• Use relief workers• Use the buddy system• Pace the work• Reduce physical demands• Provide cool recovery or shaded rest areas• Schedule work for cooler times of the day• Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing

10c

REVIEWIf you notice a person with the following symptoms: Physically weak, fatigued, faint, giddy, irritable, mentally confused, nauseous, headache, dizziness, and/or lightheadedness.

These are signs of?

Heat Exhaustion

Review Cont.

If a person’s skin is hot and dryskin appears red in colorbody temperature is above 103°F person is mentally confused or deliriousperson can have convulsions or become unconscious

These are signs of?

Heat Stroke

Review Cont.

What do you do when a Coworker is ill from the heat?Call a Supervisor for help, or 911 if Supervisor is not available.Move to a cooler location.Fan and mist water on person and apply ice bagsProvide cool drinking water

Review Cont.Name some Preventive Measures:•Ventilation•Air cooling•Air circulation•Ice vests•Water-cooled garments•Wet clothing, headbands, or bandanas•Use intermittent rest periods•Drink small quantities of water frequently•Provide cool rest areas•Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing

Questions?