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Heat Stress

Learn how to prevent and respond to heat-related illnesses in hot work environments. Find safety tips for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Discover strategies for controlling heat exposure.

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Heat Stress

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  1. Heat Stress Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  2. Hot work environments • Outdoor work in hot weather • Foundry work or smelting • Brick-firing, ceramics or glass manufacture Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  3. Hot work environments • Rubber manufacture • Work in bakeries, confectioneries, kitchens • Laundry operations Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  4. Personal risk factors • Age, weight, physical fitness • Metabolism, medications, alcohol or drugs • Water and caffeine consumption • Medical conditions • Acclimatization Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  5. Environmental risk factors • Air temperature • Humidity • Radiant heat • Conductive heat sources • Protective clothing • PPE Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  6. Fatigue • Blood circulates to upper layers of skin • Less blood for internal organs • Performance declines • Coordination and alertness decline Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  7. Response to fatigue • Rest in cool, shaded area • Take heat-relief breaks • Gradually adjust to working in heat Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  8. Heat rash • Results from the body’s natural cooling • Body releases heat through sweat • Sweat ducts become plugged • Skin inflammation develops • Prickly rash is uncomfortable • Rash can become infected Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  9. Response to heat rash • Rest in a cool area • Wash the skin • Allow skin to dry • Seek medical attention, if infected • Regularly bathe and dry skin Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  10. Fainting • Blood accumulates in lower part of body • Brain does not get adequate blood supply • Sudden loss of consciousness Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  11. Response to fainting • Rest in cool, shaded area • Gradually adjust to working in heat • Move around to circulate blood Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  12. Muscle cramps Occurs in tired muscles when the worker sweats profusely and drinks large quantities of water Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  13. Muscle cramps • Painful contractions in the muscle • Uncomfortable and temporarily disabling • Low salt level can cause spasms • Too much salt can cause cramps Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  14. Response to muscle cramps • Rest in cool, shaded area • Drink about 5 to 7 ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes • Avoid caffeinated beverages or alcohol Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  15. Response to muscle cramps • Drink salted or carbohydrate replacement liquids for recovery • Gradually adjust to working in heat Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  16. Heat exhaustion • Large amounts of fluid lost by sweating • Symptoms resemble early heat stroke • Physically weak, fatigued, or faint • Giddy, irritable, or mentally confused • Nauseous • Headache, dizziness, and/or lightheadedness Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  17. Heat exhaustion • Person continues to sweat • Skin is clammy and moist • Body temperature remains normal • Person may vomit or lose consciousness Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  18. Response to heat exhaustion • Rest in a cool, shaded area • Drink about 5 to 7 ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes • Lay person down • Seek medical attention, if severe Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  19. Heat stroke • Life-threatening condition • Body’s temperature regulatory system fails • Sweating becomes inadequate Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  20. Heat stroke • Person’s skin is hot and dry • Skin appears red in color • Body temperature is above 103oF • Person is mentally confused or delirious • Person can have convulsions or become unconscious Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  21. Response to heat stroke • Get immediate medical attention • Remove to cool, shaded area • Soak clothing with cool water • Fan body vigorously • Never leave unattended Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  22. What can you do? • Report symptoms or signs immediately • Respond to heat illness • Know company procedures Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  23. Measuring heat exposures • Heat index system • Health and safety agency testing Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  24. Measuring heat exposures Work classifications: • Light hand work • Heavy hand work • Heavy work with one arm • Light work with two arms • Moderate work with the body • Heavy work with the body Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  25. Controlling heat exposure Engineering controls • Shade • Ventilation • Air cooling • Air circulation • Shielding from radiant heat sources • Insulating radiant heat sources • Use of power assists and tools Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  26. Controlling heat exposure Personal protective equipment • Ice vests • Water-cooled garments • Air supply systems • Wet clothing, headbands, or bandanas Timber Products Manufacturers Association

  27. Controlling heat exposure Work practices • Use intermittent rest periods • Drink small quantities of water frequently • Use relief workers • Use the buddy system • Pace the work • Reduce physical demands • Provide cool recovery or shaded rest areas • Schedule work for cooler times of the day • Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing Timber Products Manufacturers Association

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