Sun and heat exposure

How to prevent the dangers of overexposure

Objective

• To learn the possible dangers of the sun and high temperatures and how to prevent overexposure

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background

• Overexposure to the sun in late spring and summer

• Can damage the skin

• Could cause skin cancer

• Physical overexertion in the heat

• Can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash  

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background

• Proper personal protection must be used to limit skin exposure

• Certain procedures should be followed to prevent heat exposure

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Protecting the skin

• Wear wide-brimmed hat to protect neck, face, and ears

• Keeps head and face cool

• Provides added protection from damaging sun exposure

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Protecting the skin

• Wear long-sleeved shirt, long pants and possibly gloves

• Shirts should be light in color and loose fitting except when working with machinery

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Protecting the skin

• Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more while working outdoors

• Reapply as suggested by the manufacturer

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Protecting the skin

• Avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm whenever possible

• Try to work in the shade during these peak times

• If not possible, take frequent breaks in the shade or in a cool environment

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Protecting the skin

• Adjust gradually to working in the heat over a period of 10-20 days

• Have plenty of water available at all times

• Take drinks frequently to nourish and replenish your body

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Types of skin cancer

• Three basic types

1. basal-cell carcinoma

2. squamous-cell carcinoma

3. melanoma

• The first two are very common and easily curable

• The third type, if not detected early, can be very dangerous

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Basal-cell carcinoma

• Shiny appearance

• Usually can be removed by excision or topical treatments

• If diagnosed and treated early, it can be cured

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Squamous-cell carcinoma

• Rusty, warty appearance

• Usually can be removed by excision or topical treatments

• If diagnosed and treated early, it can be cured

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Melanoma

• Dark mole-like appearance

• Different from other skin cancers because it has a tendency to spread to other parts of the body

• Once it reaches vital organs, melanoma is very difficult to treat and can be lethal

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Melanoma

• Produces melanin, the skin coloring agent

• Causes this type of cancer to be tan, brown, and black

• May appear suddenly

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Melanoma

• Most often occurs near a mole or a dark spot on the skin

• Know the location of moles on your body so you can recognize any change in their size, shape, and color

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Warning signs to look for

• Any unusual skin condition

• Changes in size or color of a mole, pigmented growth, or spot

• Oozing, bleeding, or change in appearance of a bump or nodule

• Spread of pigmentation beyond its border

• Change in sensation

• Itchiness, tenderness, or pain

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Types of heat stress

• Heat fatigue

• Important early warning sign of heat stress

• Symptoms include being tired and weak

• Take a break and drink water

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Types of heat stress

• Heat cramps

• Develop when you sweat out more salt than your body takes in, resulting in muscle cramps

• Take a break and drink plenty of water

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Types of heat stress

• Heat exhaustion (more serious)

• Pale or flushed appearance, weakness, sweating, headache, moist and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, or a slight fever

• Notify someone immediately and move to a cool place

• Loosen clothing and drinks fluids slowly

• Apply cold compression to the body and elevate the feet 8 to 12 inches

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Types of heat stress

• Heatstroke (most serious)

• The body cannot cool itself because it stops sweating

• Body temperature will rise quickly which can lead to delirium, convulsions, unconsciousness, or even death

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Types of heat stress

• Heatstroke (most serious)

• Chills, confusion, dry – hot – reddish skin and a strong rapid pulse

• Contact physician immediately

• Soak in water with a fan blowing on you

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review

• Before leaving the office, inspect co-workers

• Make sure all of you have plenty of fresh water, sunscreen, and appropriate covering

• Limit direct sun exposure from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm when possible

• Take breaks to revive your body