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Heat Stress It’s hot out there!. What is Heat Stress??. The body generates more heat thru your body working and the environment around you than can be released. Factors Affecting Heat Stress. The body at work Physical exertion Increases the body temperature
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What is Heat Stress?? • The body generates more heat thru your body working and the environment around you than can be released
Factors Affecting Heat Stress • The body at work • Physical exertion • Increases the body temperature • Heart pumps faster to try and cool your blood • If the blood doesn’t cool fast enough, then the body starts sweating which cools by evaporation • Water intake • When the heat index is high you should be drinking water, approximately 1 quart every hour • If you are thirsty you may have not been drinking enough water
Factors Affecting Heat Stress • The body at work • Clothing • Light weight & light colored clothing reflects heat & sunlight, heavy weight & dark clothing absorbs or retains heat • Loose fitting clothing allows air movement to help evaporation which cools the body • Medical conditions & medicines • Can affect the body’s ability to function properly, especially if they dehydrate you or reduce the body’s sodium level
Factors Affecting Heat Stress • Environment • Air temperature & humidity • See the following slides on the Heat Index • As air temperature increases the body works harder to cool • As humidity (water vapor in the air) increases lessens the body’s ability to be cooled by sweating • Air movement • Cools by evaporating sweat from your skin • The less air movement the harder the body has to work
Heat Index chartcombination of Heat & Humidity Green—Caution Yellow—Extreme Caution Pink—Danger Red—Extreme Danger
Types of Heat Stress • Heat Stroke(body temperature rises rapidly((106 degrees or higher in 10-15 minutes)), sweating mechanism fails, body cannot cool down. Can cause death or permanent disability). CAUTION-This is a potentially life threatening situation. Always call emergency number first. • Symptoms---Hot, dry skin, chills, high body temperature, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech • First Aid---Call emergency number, move to cool shaded area, cool down by pouring water on clothes, skin, fan the body • Heat Exhaustion(body has excessive loss of water & salt usually through sweating) • Symptoms---heavy sweating, nausea, clammy moist skin, muscle cramps, slightly elevated body temperature, dizziness, confusion, weakness, fatigue, fast & shallow breathing • First Aid---move to cool shaded area, drink plenty of water, take coolshower, bath or cool the body with water
Types of Heat Stress • Heat Syncope(fainting or dizziness usually occurring with prolonged standing or sudden rising) • Symptoms---light headedness, dizziness, fainting • First Aid---slowly drink water, sit or lie down in a cool place or shaded area • Heat Cramps(affects those who sweat a lot depleting the body’s salt which causes cramps & moisture levels) • Symptoms---muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs • First Aid---stop activities, sit in a cool or shaded place, drink clear juice or sports beverage
Types of Heat Stress • Heat Rash(a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating) • Symptoms---red cluster of pimples or small blisters, usually on the neck, upper chest, groin, & elbow creases • First Aid---use of a dusting powder, keep affected area dry, work in less humid environment if possible
A reminder • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing • Make sure drinking water is provided for all work areas • Drink water frequently enough that you do not get thirsty, approximately 1 quart per hour minimum • Avoid drinking alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugary beverages as they dehydrate the body
A reminder • Eat smaller meals before work activity • Do hot jobs in the cooler parts of the day • Take more breaks in the shade or cooler areas during periods of extreme heat & humidity • Avoid becoming sunburned as that complicates the body’s ability to get rid of heat • Watch not only your own condition, but that of your coworkers