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Sun safety and heat stress awareness

UNIVERSITY of N ORTHERN C OLORADO. Sun safety and heat stress awareness. Hydration Matters!. How to Move Forward/Backward when viewing this slide show. To move forward press enter or the down arrow key To view the previous slide press backspace or the up arrow key.

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Sun safety and heat stress awareness

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  1. UNIVERSITY of NORTHERN COLORADO Sun safety and heat stress awareness Hydration Matters!

  2. How to Move Forward/Backward when viewing this slide show • To move forward press enter or the down arrow key • To view the previous slide press backspace or the up arrow key

  3. Working Safely in the Sun • Essentials • Fluids • Drink LOTS of water or an electrolyte replacement drink • Bring enough to last you the entire day or continuously refill your container • Sunscreen or sun block • Apply before you arrive at work • Reapply throughout the day • Wear the proper attire • Light colored clothes reflect the sun and help to keep you cool • Covering your skin will better protect against damaging UV light • Wear a hat • Better protects the sensitive skin of your ears, neck and face

  4. Sunscreen vs. Sun block • Sun block • Sun block is opaque and stronger than sunscreen • Able to block a majority of the UVA/UVB rays and radiation from the sun, • Sun block's ingredients do not break down rapidly in sunlight so it is unnecessary to reapply frequently. • Sunscreen • Sunscreen is more transparent once applied to the skin • Also able to protect against UVA/UVB rays • Sunscreen's ingredients break down at a faster rate once exposed to sunlight, allowing radiation to penetrate the skin. • For sunscreen to be more effective frequent reapplication and a higher spf is recommended. • Sun Protection Factor (SPF) • The SPF of a sunscreen is a laboratory measurement of the effectiveness of sunscreen • The higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against UV-B (the ultraviolet radiation that causes a sunburn).

  5. What are some signs that you are suffering from heat stress?

  6. Signs and symptoms • Dehydration • Thirst • By the time your body tells you that you are thirsty you are already mildly dehydrated. • Drinking water at this stage can prevent you from progressing to the more serious kinds of heat related illnesses. • Heat cramps: • Cramping in the abdomen, legs or arms • The loss of water and salt from heavy sweating causes cramps.  • These cramps can be mild or very painful. • Heat exhaustion • Dizziness • Headache • Nausea

  7. Signs and symptoms • Heat Strokeor sun stroke • Hot, red and dry skin • Rapid, weak pulse • Rapid, shallow breathing. • Increase in body temperature –can reach as high as 105o F. • Vomiting.  •  Confusion.  •  Throbbing headache.  •  Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness.  •  Seizures.  This late stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number

  8. Stages of Heat-Related Illnesses First Stage: Dehydration Easily curable with shade, rest and water May resume work activities after symptoms subside Second Stage: Muscle Cramps Easily curable with rest, massage and water May resume work activities after symptoms subside Third Stage: Heat exhaustion Moderately easy to cure with shade, rest and water May or may not be able to resume work Fourth Stage: Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke Life threatening-Call 9-1-1 immediately May not resume work

  9. How to Care for Heat Related Emergencies • For Heat Cramps • Stop activity and rest. • If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her drink small amounts of cool water or a commercial sports drink. • Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle. • Repeat these steps if necessary. • If the victim has no other signals of heat-related illness, the person may resume activity after the cramps stop. 

  10. How to Care for Heat Related Emergencies • For Heat Exhaustion: • Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. • If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. • Do not let him or her drink too quickly. • Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. • Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets. • Get the person into an air conditioned space if possible. • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness. 

  11. How to Care for Heat Related Emergencies • For Heat Stroke: • Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. • Call 9-1-1immediately • Move the person to a cooler place. • Quickly cool the body using any means available, including cool water and ice. • If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. • Wrap wet cloths around the body and place the person in front of a fan or air conditioner. • Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. • Keep the person conscious

  12. Remember for Heat Related Emergencies • Cool the Body • Give Fluids • Minimize Shock

  13. University of Northern Colorado Environmental Health & Safety 351-1963 or 351-1149 Call for questions or concerns! “Protect Yourself”

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