Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

1. Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses University of California Office of the President August 2009 UCOP Safety Meeting

2. Heat-Related Fatalities • Centers for Disease Control (CDC) • Between 1999 to 2003 – 3442 Heat-Related Fatalities in the U.S. • Average Approximately 690 Deaths per Year • Large Percentage of the Fatalities: • Males • Elderly University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

3. Production of Heat in Your Body • Body Produces/Stores More Heat Than You Lose • Metabolism/Exercise • Heat Absorbed – Radiant Energy • Sun, Heater University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

4. Body Cooling Mechanism • The Body Attempts to Maintain an Internal Temperature of 98.6oF By: • Increased Blood Circulation Which Results in More Blood to the Skin • Increases Temperature of the Skin – Allows Body Rid Itself of the Excess Heat • Sweating (Perspiration) • Sweat Evaporates – Cooling of the Skin University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

5. Heat Illness Prevention – Drink Fluids • Consume Plenty of Fluids • 2 to 4 Glasses/Hour • Thirst – Unreliable Indicator of Dehydration • Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, or High Sugar Beverages – Diuretics • Consult Physician If On a Limited Fluid Regiment or If Taking Water Pills University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

6. Heat Illness Prevention • Acclimation • Slow Process for the Body to Condition Itself to Heat • May Take Up to 10 Days • Quickly Lost in a Matter of Days • Conditioning/General Health • Stay in Shape, Exercise Regularly • Watch Your Weight University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

7. Heat Preventive Measures • Stay Indoors in an Air Conditioned (A/C) Place • If Home is Not A/C - Go to A/C Public Place • Electric Fans - Effective Up to the Upper 90’s • Cool Bath/Shower or Move to A/C Location • Wear Light Weight, Light Colored, Loose Fitting Clothes • Never Leave Anyone in Parked Closed Vehicles • Temperatures Can Reach 120oF in 10 Minutes • Since 1998, > 230 Child Fatalities University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

8. Preventive Measures If You Must Be Outdoors in the Heat • Try to Limit the Activities to Morning or Evening Hours • Do Not Engage in or Minimize Strenuous Activities • Consume 2 to 4 Glasses of Water Per Hour • Rest Often and Stay in Shady Areas • Wear Wide Brim Hats University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

9. Persons Most Susceptible to Heat-Related Illnesses • Infants and Young Children • CDC Recommends Constant Monitoring • The Elderly - Persons Who are 65 Years or Older • CDC Recommends Checking On the Elderly Twice a Day During Hot Days • Persons with Heart Disease or High Blood Pressure University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

10. California Heat-Related Occupational Fatalities • 2004/2005 – 5 Fatalities • Outdoor Occupations – Agriculture & Construction • 2005 – Cal/OSHA Promulgated a Heat Illness Prevention Standard • Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Section 3395 • Applies Only to Outdoor Environments University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

11. Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard • When Environmental Factors for Heat Illness are Present • Major Components • Access to Shade for Recovery Period • Access to Drinking Water • Written Program/Emergency Procedures • Training – Employees & Supervisors University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

12. Signs & Symptoms High Body Temperature Hot, Red (Gray) Dry Skin, Rapid Pulse Confusion, Loss of Consciousness Death is Imminent First Aid Call 9-1-1 ASAP & Request Ambulance Move to Cool Area Cool with Wet Cloth and Fan the Victim to Increase Cooling If Conscious, Slowly Give Cool Water Heat Stroke University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

13. Heat Illnesses • Heat Cramps • Painful Muscle Spasms –Electrolyte Imbalance • Drink an Electrolyte Solution • Fainting (Heat Syncope) • Not Used to Hot Temperatures • Brief Loss of Consciousness, Sweaty Skin, Normal Body Temperature & No Signs of Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion • Lie Down in a Cool Place University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

14. Heat Illnesses • Heat Rash • Clogged/Irritated Sweat Glands • Keep Skin Dry & Clean; Wear Loose Cotton Clothing Cool Baths; Lotions to Relieve the Pain/Irritation • Heat Exhaustion • Wet, Pale, & Weak Appearance • Normal Heart Rate/Body Temperature • Severe Cases – Vomiting & Fainting • Rest in Cool Place & Drink Electrolyte Solution University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

15. University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting

16. In Summary • To Prevent Heat Related Illnesses • Stay Indoors or In the Shade • If Possible Remain Indoors in the Heat of the Day • Drink Plenty of Fluids • Rest & Minimize Strenuous Activities • The Young and Elder are the Most Susceptible to Heat-Related Illnesses • Require Increased Monitoring During Extreme Heat Conditions University of California Office of the President August 2009 Safety Meeting