HEAT STRESS A Training Module

WHAT IS HEAT STRESS?? Heat Stress: A situation where too much heat is absorbed by a person, a plant or an animal and causes stress, illness or even death. ... It can also cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke which may lead to death

UNDERSTANDING HEAT STRESS The 3 levels of Heat Stress: Heat Cramps (1st level) Heat Exhaustion (2nd level) Heatstroke (3rd level)

HEAT CRAMPS Warning Signs Heat Cramps: Painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. The spasms may be more intense and more prolonged than are typical nighttime leg cramps. Fluid and electrolyte loss often contribute to heat cramps. Significant sweating Spasms in the area of the muscle that is cramping Occur in areas where the muscles have been stressed (i.e. legs, arms, trunk, torso) Usually occur immediately when suing these muscles although may occur hours after the activity.

HEAT EXHAUSTION Warning Signs Heat Exhaustion: A condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, and is a result of your body overheating. This occurs after the Heat Cramp level. Faintness or dizziness. Nausea or vomiting. Heavy sweating often accompanied by cold, clammy skin. Weak, rapid pulse. Pale or flushed face. Muscle cramps. Headache. Weakness or fatigue

HEATSTROKE Warning Signs Heatstroke: A condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by failure of the body's temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures. This occurs after the Heat Exhaustion level. Throbbing headache. Dizziness and light-headedness. Lack of sweating despite the heat. Red, hot, and dry skin. Muscle weakness or cramps. Nausea and vomiting. Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak. Rapid, shallow breathing.

RISK FACTORS FOR HEAT STRESS High temperature and humidity Summer months, low ventilation areas Direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind Outdoor work (patching) • Heavy physical labor Plant specific No recent exposure to hot workplaces New employees, excessive temperatures in the area Low liquid intake Lack of hydration stations or access to water/shade • Waterproof clothing Breathable materials Cotton/Poly blends Bandanas

STEPS TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS Establish a complete heat illness prevention program. Provide training about the hazards leading to heat stress and how to prevent them. Provide a lot of cool water to workers close to the work area. At least one pint of water per hour is needed.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS? Have an emergency plan in place that specifies what to do if a worker has signs of heat-related illness, and ensures that medical services are available if needed. Take steps that help workers become acclimatized (gradually build up exposure to heat). New Employees / New job functions Gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaks during the first week of work.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS? Have adequate potable (safe for drinking) water close to the work area, and drink small amounts frequently. Rotating job functions among workers can help minimize overexertion and heat exposure. Workers should watch out for each other for symptoms of heat-related illness and administer appropriate first aid to anyone who is developing a heat-related illness. Monitor workers for signs of illness.

HEAT STRESS ENGINEERING Air conditioning (such as air-conditioned forklift or construction equipment cabs, air conditioning in break rooms). Increased general ventilation in certain workplace areas. Cooling fans. Local exhaust ventilation at points of high heat production or moisture (such as exhaust hoods in welding departments).

BEST PRACTICES FOR HEAT STRESS MANAGEMENT DALLAS SHADE STRUCTURE FOR PATCHING PIPE PATCH RAIL BEFORE PATCH RAIL AFTER

BEST PRACTICES FOR HEAT STRESS MANAGEMENT DALLAS PORTABLE SHADE STRUCTURE Allows for shade in any area that is needed Easily moveable to where the work is being performed Added wheels for easy movement when needed

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES WILSON URINE CHART Easy to read chart that gives information on current hydration Placed in bathrooms and stalls to assist in preventing dehydration Provides real time feedback and training

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES LAS VEGAS PATCHERS REST AREA Old Box form used as a shaded area for employees working in high heat areas Water jugs, chairs, and a shade screen were added Solar powered misting fans are used for additional comfort

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES HYDRATION STATIONS Systematically placed around the plant to provide quick access to water Employees should be informed of the hydration stations located in their area Can be bottled water, water jugs, water fountains, or any item that provides hydration and relief.

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES HOT WEATHER CLOTHING/PPE OPTIONS COTTON/LINEN/JERSEY MATERIAL Breathable materials These fabrics will not constrain your body and allow your body during the hot periods of the day These materials will also prevent excessive sweating which enhances dehydration

BEST PRACTICES HOT WEATHER CLOTHING/PPE OPTIONS FULL BRIM HARD HATS Brimmed hard hats help you stay cool in hot weather Brimmed hard hats assist in keeping the sun off your face by providing extra shade

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES HOT WEATHER CLOTHING/PPE OPTIONS CHILL IT BANDANAS / SKULL CAPS Water can be added to activate cooling beads to help keep cool during the day As more water is added during the day, the cooling beads reactivate Wick sweat and keeps the body temperature cool throughout the day

LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED What are the 3 levels of Heat Stress? Early Heat, Temperature Extremes, Heavy Heat Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke Low Heat, Medium Heat, High Heat Not Hot, Kind of Hot, Really Hot ANSWER: b. Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke True or False: Can the symptoms of Heat Stress lead to death?? ANSWER: True – If heat stress symptoms are not dealt with immediately, it may lead to death.

LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED 3. In what parts of the body can Heat Cramps occur? Arm pits, hair, fingernails Tongue, elbow, eyelids Muscles such as your arms, legs, torso, and trunk Nose, tonsils, ears ANSWER: c. Muscles such as your arms, legs, torso, and trunk 4. True or False: The symptoms of Heat Cramps occur immediately. ANSWER: False – The symptoms of Heat Cramps may occur immediately or many hours after an activity has been performed.

LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED 5. What are some signs of possible Heat Exhaustion? Faintness or Dizziness Nausea or vomiting Pale or Flushed Skin Weak or Rapid pulse Headaches Heavy sweating and Cold, Clammy Skin All of the above ANSWER: g. All of the above

LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED 6. True or False: It is OK for someone to not be sweating while working in high heat areas. ANSWER: False: If someone is not sweating it means they need immediate hydration or medical assistance as they may be experiencing Heat Stroke. 7. What are some ways we can prevent Heat Stress? Job Rotation Heat Stress Emergency Plan Hydration Schedules Training on Identifying Heat Stress Symptoms All of the above ANSWER: e. All of the above

GROUP DISCUSSION Discuss areas in the plant that pose the highest risk for Heat Related illnesses. How can we make these areas more safe? What do we currently have in place to prevent Heat Related Illnesses?