Heat stress Management

TRAINING ON

HEAT STRESS

Presenter & Preparation SSG

Heat related illnesses include  Heat rash  Heat cramps Dizziness and Fainting   Heat exhaustion  Heat stroke And a worsening of existing medical

conditions may cause Death

WHAT HAPPENS WITH HEAT STRESS

The body reacts to heat by increasing the blood flow to the skin’s surface, and by sweating. This results in cooling as sweat evaporates from the body’s surface and heat is carried to the surface of the body from within by the increased blood flow. Heat can also be lost by radiation and convection from the body’s surface.

HOW IT HAPPENS

People working directly under sunlight

People working without rest Dehydrated No proper ventilation No proper diet Heavy Equipment Operators Medical Illness like Fever Hypertensive

WHO ALL ARE EXPOSED

Dry LipsMuscle crampsHeat rashSevere thirst - a late symptom of heat stress

FaintingFatigue, giddiness

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Nausea & VomitingHeadacheMoist skinHot dry skin, loss of consciousness. Death if not detected at an early stage.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

If the main symptoms are neglected like hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness. This is the most severe disorder and can result in death if not detected at an early stage.

WHY IT IS AN EMERGENCY

Age OLD AGE

weight OBESE

Personal fitness LACK OF IMMUNE POWER

Medical conditions◦ Heart conditions◦ Diabetes

PERSONAL RISK FACTORS

Illness/fever If the Body Temperature is Elevated

Dehydration◦Failure to drink enough water can make

you dehydrated Loss of electrolytes

◦When you sweat you lose electrolytes◦Electrolytes are needed for your body to

function

PERSONAL RISK FACTORS

Direct sun, heat and humidity◦ More direct sun, the greater the risk

Limited air movement◦ Low or no wind

Hot equipment ◦ Engines add more heat

Physical exertionoWhat kind of work are you doing? oHow long you are exposed for

Heat reflected from ground or objects◦ Watch out for reflected heat

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

There are mainly three types◦HEAT CRAMPS◦HEAT EXHAUSTION◦HEAT STROKE

And also include◦HEAT RASH◦HEAT SYNCOPE

TYPES OF HEAT STRESS

SYMPTOMS

Muscle pain all mainly on leg and Hands Spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Severe sweating Generalized weakness or fatigue Elevated body temperature

HEAT CRAMPS

FIRST AID

Stop all activity and sit in a cool place.

Drink clear water. Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist

HEAT CRAMPS

SYMPTOMS Heavy sweating Extreme weakness or fatigue Dizziness, confusion Nausea Clammy, moist skin Pale or flushed complexion Muscle cramps Slightly elevated body temperature Fast and shallow breathing

HEAT EXHAUSTION

FIRST AIDTreat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion

with the following: Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-

conditioned area. Have them drink plenty of water or other

cool, nonalcoholic beverages. Have them take a cool shower,

bath, or sponge bath.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

SYMPTOMS Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Hallucinations Chills Throbbing headache High body temperature Confusion/dizziness Slurred speech

HEAT STROKE

FIRST AID Notify supervisor immediately Move the sick worker to a cool shaded

area. Cool the worker using methods such as:

◦Soaking their clothes with water.◦Spraying, sponging, or showering them

with water.◦Fanning their body.

HEAT STROKE

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.

HEAT RASH

SYMPTOMS Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples

or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and

upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

HEAT RASH

FIRST AID Try to work in a

cooler, less humid environment when possible.

Keep the affected area dry.

Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.

HEAT RASH

SYMPTOMS Light-headedness Dizziness Fainting Dry Lips

HEAT SYNCOPE

FIRST AID Workers with heat syncope should: Sit or lie down in a cool place when they

begin to feel symptoms. Slowly drink water, clear juice,

or a sports beverage.

HEAT SYNCOPE

Call a supervisor Or HSE Officer for help. If the No one is available, call On Emergency Contact Number

Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.

Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area. Remove outer clothing. Fan and mist the worker with water; apply

ice (ice bags or ice towels). Provide cool drinking water, if able to drink.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Stop all activity if you become:

LightheadedConfusedWeakFaintOr have a pounding heart or

trouble breathing

IMPORTANT

Tell your supervisor if you or one of your co-workers experience symptoms of heat-

related illness.

Avoid Dehydration

◦ Keep on drinking water◦ Avoid energy drinks and coffee◦ Drink one glass of water every 10

mints◦ Drink water frequently. Drink

enough water that you never become thirsty.

◦ Drink before you get thirsty

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Stay hydrated: Don’t forget to drink

Employees shall be provided enough cool, fresh drinking water for all work hours.

Recommend drinking at least four cups per hour for the entire shift.

Personal protective equipment Cover you body with loose coverall dress Use cotton material inside Do not overdress to beat heat Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable

clothing such as cotton.

Allow Workers to acclimatize Allow workers to adjust to the new climate

especially those who are new Provide individual training on preparation and

needs during climatic changes

Identify employees who are more susceptible Identify whether they are having any illnesses Are they on any maintenance medications Any kind of treatment

TAKE YOUR BREAKFAST DRINK ENOUGH WATER

◦ START DRINKING WATER BEFORE START WORK

◦ DRINK ATLEAST ONE GLASS WATER EVERY 15 MINUTES

STOP DRINKING HOT AND COLD BEVERAGES

DO NOT EAT STOMACH FULL DO HARDER JOB AT MORNING AND

EVENING

WORKER RESPONSIBILITY

TAKE 10 MINUTES OF REST AFTER EVERY 30 MINUTS OF WORK

CLOTHING LIGHT WEIGHT LIGHT COLOURED LOSSE CLOTHIN-WEAR COTTON

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR COWORKER NOTIFY YOUR IN ONSET OF ANY

SYMPTOMS

WORKER RESPONSIBILITY

CHECK YOU URINE COLOUR FOR SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION

NOTEDRINK ENOUGH WATER

DRINK MINIMUM OF 3 TO 4 LITER / DAY

REST AREAS

ADVISE WORKERS TO REST AND ENFORSE REST BREAKS

PROVIDE SHADED AREAS AND RECOVERY PERIODS

SET UP TEMPORARY SHADES ENCOURAGE WORKERS TO REMOVE

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS WHILE ON REST BREAKS AT REST SHELTER

SCHEDULE WORK ON BUDDY SYSTEM ENCOURAGE TO DRINK ENOUGH WATER

Supervisor Guidance

Assess conditions◦ Weather forecasts◦ Current weather• Note: high humidity drives up the heat load

For warmer periods:◦ Schedule outdoor work during cooler parts of

the day◦ For most strenuous tasks, plan a staff rotation◦ Advise staff to wear lighter, loose-fitting

clothing and wide brimmed hats

Supervisor Guidance

1. Obtain heat illness prevention training

2. Develop and train staff on written local heat illness prevention procedures

3. On a daily basis, assess your staff’s heat stress potential

4. Plan and manage work activities accordingly to reduce the risk of heat stress

5. Provide access to water and shade

6. Ensure routine monitoring of staff during warmer weather

7. Be able to recognize warning signs of heat illness

1. Promptly respond to symptoms of heat illness!

Supervisor Responsibilities

Drink water frequently !!

Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses and take them seriously

Consider sports drinks when sweating a lot

Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and heavy meals before or during work

Work smart

Acclimate

Wear appropriate clothing

Take regular breaks

Keep an eye on your buddy!

SUMMARISE

ANY QUESTIONS