Sun and heat exposure

1. How to prevent the dangers of overexposure Sun and heat exposure

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Types of skin cancer • Three basic types • basal-cell carcinoma • squamous-cell carcinoma • 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

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