Heat Stress

Heat Stress

DXP safety division

Manifestations of Heat Stress Heat fatigue Heat rashes Heat cramps Heat collapse

Heat Exhaustion Heat stroke

Heat Fatigue A factor that causes an individual to

experience heat fatigue is the lack of adaptation to the environment. The signs and symptoms of heat fatigue include impaired performance of sensorimotor, mental, or vigilance jobs. There is no treatment for heat fatigue except to remove the heat stress before more serious heat related conditions develop.

Heat Rashes The most common problem in hot work

environment. prickly heat is manifested as red papules and usually appears in areas where the clothing is restrictive. As sweating increases these papules give rise to prickling sensation. Prickly heat occurs in skin that is persistently wetted by unevaporated sweat, and heat rash papules may become infected if they are not treated. In most cases, heat rashes will disappear when the affected individual returns to a cool environment.

Heat rashes

Heat Cramps These are usually caused by performing

hard physical labor in a hot environment. These cramps have been attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating and lack of water replenishment. Thirst cannot be relied on as a guide to the need for water: instead, water must be taken every 15 to 20 minutes in hot environments.

Heat collapse In heat collapse the brain does not receive

enough oxygen because blood pools in the extremities. As a result, the exposed individual may lose consciousness. This reaction is similar to that of heat exhaustion and does not affect the body's heat balance. However, the onset of heat collapse is rapid and unpredictable. To prevent heat collapse, the worker should gradually become acclimatized to the hot environment.

Heat Exhaustion Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion

and heatstroke, occur when your body can't keep itself cool. As the air temperature rises, your body stays cool when your sweat evaporates. On hot, humid days, the evaporation of sweat is slowed by the increased moisture in the air. When sweating isn't enough to cool your body, your body temperature rises, and you may become ill.

Heat exhaustion (cont.) Sings and symptoms headache, nausea, vertigo weakness,

thirst, and giddiness Fortunately, this condition responds readily to prompt treatment.

Heat exhaustion should not be dismissed lightly, however, for several reasons. One is that the fainting associated with heat exhaustion can be dangerous because the victim may be operating machinery or controlling an operation that should not be left unattended. Moreover the victim may be injured when he or she faints, also the signs and symptoms seen in heat exhaustion are similar to those of heat stroke, a true medical emergency

Heat exhaustion (cont.) What should I do if I think I have heat exhaustion?

If you think you have heat exhaustion, get out of the heat quickly. Rest in a cool, shady place. Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Do NOT drink alcohol. Alcohol can make heat exhaustion worse. If you do not feel better within 30 minutes, you should contact your doctor. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can progress to heatstroke.

Heat stroke What is heatstroke ? Heatstroke can happen when your body

gets too hot, or it can happen after heat exhaustion. Heatstroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. Heatstroke can kill you. People with heatstroke may seem confused. They may have seizures or go into a coma. Most people with heatstroke also have a fever.

Heat stroke (cont.) What should I do if I think someone has

heatstroke? If you think someone might have heatstroke, you

should take him or her to a cool, shady place quickly, and call a doctor. Removing the person's unnecessary clothing can help cool him or her down. Try to fan warm air over the person while wetting the skin with lukewarm water. This will help the person cool down.

Heat stroke (cont.) Do medicines affect heatstroke? The following are some medicines that can put you in danger of

heatstroke: Allergy medicines (antihistamines) Cough and cold medicines (anticholinergics) Some blood pressure and heart medicines Diet pills (amphetamines) Irritable bladder and irritable bowel medicines (anticholinergics) Laxatives Some mental health medicines Seizure medicines (anticonvulsants) Thyroid pills Water pills Tell your doctor what medicines you are taking. He or she can tell you

if your medicine puts you in danger of heatstroke.

What does the "heat index" mean The heat index tells you how hot it feels

outside in the shade. It is not the same as the outside temperature. The heat index is a measurement of how hot it feels when relative humidity is combined with the effects of the air temperature. When you are standing in full sunshine, the heat index value is even higher. A heat index of 90° or above is dangerous.

How can I prevent heat illness?

When the heat index is high, stay indoors in air-conditioned areas when possible. If you must go outside, take the following precautions:

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.

Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat or using an umbrella.

Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.

(cont.) Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity. Drink

extra water all day. Drink fewer beverages that contain caffeine (such as tea, coffee and cola) or alcohol.

Schedule vigorous outdoor activities for cooler times of the day--before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

During an outdoor activity, take frequent breaks. Drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you have clear, pale urine, you are probably drinking enough fluids.

If you have a chronic medical problem, ask your doctor about how to deal with the heat, about drinking extra fluids and about your medicines.

What should I do after having heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

Having heat exhaustion or heatstroke makes you more sensitive to hot conditions for about a week afterwards. Be especially careful not to exercise too hard, and avoid hot weather. Ask your doctor to tell you when it is safe to return to your normal activities.

Drink lots of fluids!!!!!!!!!!!!