Heat Stress : Stay Safe During Summer

Topic : Heat Stress 

Stay Safe During Summer

Heat Stress

HEAT is the flow or transfer of energy from a high temperature location to low temperature location / object.

GENERATION OF BODY HEAT

There are two main ways in which our bodies produce heat:

Metabolic Heat - The body generates heat through the digestion of food, work and exercise.

Environmental Heat – the body absorbs heat from the surrounding environments like hot sun or hot room or hot work activities.

HEAT RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS

Heat Rash - also known as Prickly Heat occurs in hot, humid environments where sweat can't easily evaporate from the skin.

Heat Cramps - painful muscle spasms that result from the loss of salt and electrolytes due to excessive sweating.

Heat Exhaustion - is a state brought on by the loss of fluids lost during excessive sweating.

Heat Stroke - is a severe medical emergency which could result in death.

•  Heat stroke results when the body's core temperature gets too high and the able to cool itself.
• An individual suffering from heat stroke will have hot and dry skin, their pulse high, and their blood pressure will fall.
• This condition must be treated by immediately cooling the victim's body with wrapping them in cool wet sheets. Immediately seek medical attention.

PRECAUTIONS

Acclimation - Accustom yourself to the weather prior to long durations of physical activity.

Maintain Body Fluids - Fluid intake must be maintained throughout the course of physical activity, at least by taking small sips of water every thirty minutes.

• Do not rely on thirst as an indicator of dehydration.
• Alcohol should be avoided because it is a diuretic, which increases dehydration.

Proper Diet – Eat light and stay away from heavy foods. They increase metabolic heat production and it increase water loss. Eat smaller, well-balanced meals more often.

Rest Periods - Pace your work activities at a slower rate during high temperatures and take frequent rest periods in a shaded area and drink plenty of fluids.

Dress Light – Lightweight, light-colored cotton clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

Heat-related Illnesses and First Aid

The chart below shows symptoms and first aid measures to take if a worker shows signs of a heat-related illness.

Illness	Symptoms	First Aid
Heat stroke	–        Confusion –        Fainting –        Seizures –        Excessive sweating or red, hot, dry skin Very high body temperature	• Call 102 / 108 While waiting for help: –        Place worker in shady, cool area Loosen clothing, remove outer clothing –        Cold packs in armpits Wet worker with cool water; apply ice packs, cool compresses. –        Provide fluids (preferably water) as soon as possible.
Heat exhaustion	–        Cool, moist skin –        Heavy sweating –        Headache –        Nausea or vomiting dizziness –        Light headedness –        Weakness –        Thirst –        Irritability –        Fast heart beat	–        Have a worker sit or lie down in a cool, shady area –        Give worker plenty of water to drink –        Cool worker with cold compresses / ice packs –        Take to clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation or treatment if signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve within 60 minutes.
Heat cramps	–        Muscle Spasms –        Pain –        Usually in abdomen, arms, or legs	–        Have a worker rest in shady, cool area –        Worker should drink water or other cool beverages –        Wait a few hours before allowing worker to return to strenuous work –        Have worker seek medical attention if cramps don't go away
Heat rash	–        Clusters of red bumps on skin –        Often appears on neck, upper chest, folds of skin	–        Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible –        Keep the affected area dry

Remember, if you are not a medical professional, use this information as a guide only to help workers in need

Jobs that physically demanding – such as heavy lifting or operating large objects, should be saved for early morning or late evening, when the temperature is cooler.

Suggested heat work procedures

Temperature	Danger Category	Heat Syndrome	Procedures
> 130	Extreme Danger	Heat Stroke Imminent	When the heat index is in this zone employees in the affected area should be dismissed.
105 - 129	Danger	Heat Cramps or heat exhaustion likely. Heat Stroke possible with prolonged exposure and activity	When the heat index is in this zone. Critical work activities should be suspended. Non critical work activities shall be evaluated and schedule the employees with time period.
91 - 104	Extreme Caution	Heat cramps or heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and activity	When the heat index is in this zone, shall discuss the situation with supervisors and make schedule/work adjustments to accommodate for the heat.
77 - 90	Caution	Fatigue Possible	Normal work day, no alerts posted.