Heat Stress Copyright 2006 Progressive Business Publications AFTER

Heat Stress Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

AFTER THIS SEMINAR, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND: 1. How your body handles heat 2. How hot environments increase likelihood 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. of accidents How and why your body cooling system may fail The types of heat-related illnesses Environmental factors causing heat illness Unique personal factors causing heat illness Basic preventive measures to reduce the risk of heat stress Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

How the Body Responds to Heat l The body tries to keep a constant internal temperature l When internal temperature rises, it attempts to gets rid of excess heat by: – Increasing blood flow to skin surface – Releasing sweat onto skin surface Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Effects of Body’s Response l Reduced blood flow to brain – Reduced mental alertness and comprehension l Reduced blood flow to active muscles – Fatigue, loss of strength l Increased sweating – Slipperiness Cumulative result = a higher rate of accidents in hot weather Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

When Cooling Mechanisms Fail l High air temperature reduces effectiveness l High humidity reduces evaporation of sweat l Excess loss of salt l Dehydration Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Heat Stroke l Cause: – Total breakdown of body’s cooling system l Signs & Symptoms: – High body temperature (>103) – Sweating stops and skin is hot, red, and dry – Headache, dizziness, weakness, rapid pulse, chills, difficulty breathing – If untreated, delirium and unconsciousness Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Heat Stroke - Treatment l Treat as a medical emergency – If left untreated, may result in death – 4, 000 Americans die each year l Move victim to cool area l Give small cup of water (if not nauseous) l Loosen and/or remove clothing l Cool with water or massage with ice l Fan vigorously to improve evaporation Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Heat Exhaustion l Cause: – Excessive loss of water and salt through sweat l Signs & Symptoms: – Heavy sweating, intense thirst, skin is pale and cool, rapid pulse, fatigue/weakness, nausea & vomiting, headache, blurred vision, fainting l Treatment: – Move to cool area, rest with legs elevated, loosen clothing, give fluids, cool with water & fan Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Heat Cramps l Cause: – Loss of salt l Signs & Symptoms: – Painful spasms in arms, legs and abdomen – Hot, moist skin l Treatment: – Drink water, rest, massage cramped areas Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Dehydration l Cause: – Excessive fluid loss l Signs & symptoms: – Fatigue, weakness, dry mouth l Treatment: – Fluids and salt replacement Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Heat Rash l Cause: – Inflamed skin l Signs & Symptoms: – Rash w/ pink pimples, itching, tingling l Treatment: – Cleanse area & dry, apply calamine or other lotions Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Preventing Heat Stress l Know the factors that increase risk – The environment you’re working in – The work you’re doing – Your own conditioning l What you can do to prevent heat stress Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Environmental Factors l Air temperature l Humidity l Radiant heat source l Air circulation Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Work-related Factors l Workload – Type of work – Level of physical activity – Time spent working l Clothing – Weight (heavy v. breathable) – Color (dark v. light) – Personal protective equipment and clothing Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Personal Factors l Age l Weight/fitness l Use of drugs, alcohol, caffeine, medication l Prior heat-related illness Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Prevention l Drink plenty of fluids – Don’t rely on your thirst – 5 -7 oz. Every 20 minutes l Acclimatization: adjust to the heat – The body takes 3 -5 days to get used to the heat – Be careful if returning from vacation or absence Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Prevention (continued) l Choose proper clothing – Choose light colors and lightest weight possible – Select proper personal protective equipment l Take heat into account when scheduling tasks – Work/rest cycles – Heaviest tasks early morning or dusk l Eat properly l Sleep and rest Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Summary l How the body responds to heat l Why cooling mechanisms fail l What factors contribute to heat-related illness l How to recognize and treat the most common heat disorders l How to prevent heat-related illness Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications