Heat Stress

Hot work environments Outdoor work in hot weather Foundry work or smelting Brick-firing, ceramics or glass manufacture 1a

Hot work environments Rubber manufacture Work in bakeries, confectioneries, kitchens Laundry operations 1b

Personal risk factors Age, weight, physical fitness Metabolism, medications, alcohol or drugs Water and caffeine consumption Medical conditions Acclimatization 2a

Environmental risk factors Air temperature Humidity Radiant heat Conductive heat sources Protective clothing PPE 2b

Fatigue Blood circulates to upper layers of skin Less blood for internal organs Performance declines Coordination and alertness decline 3a

Response to fatigue Rest in cool, shaded area Take heat-relief breaks Gradually adjust to working in heat 3b

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 4a

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 4b

Fainting Blood accumulates in lower part of body Brain does not get adequate blood supply Sudden loss of consciousness 5a

Response to fainting Rest in cool, shaded area Gradually adjust to working in heat Move around to circulate blood 5b

Muscle cramps Occurs in tired muscles when the worker sweats profusely and drinks large quantities of water 6a

Muscle cramps Painful contractions in the muscle Uncomfortable and temporarily disabling Low salt level can cause spasms Too much salt can cause cramps 6b

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 6c

Response to muscle cramps Drink salted or carbohydrate replacement liquids for recovery Gradually adjust to working in heat 6d

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 7a

Heat exhaustion Person continues to sweat Skin is clammy and moist Body temperature remains normal Person may vomit or lose consciousness 7b

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 7c

Heat stroke Life-threatening condition Body’s temperature regulatory system fails Sweating becomes inadequate 8a

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 8b

Response to heat stroke Get immediate medical attention Remove to cool, shaded area Soak clothing with cool water Fan body vigorously Never leave unattended 8c

What can you do? Report symptoms or signs immediately Respond to heat illness Know company procedures 8d

Measuring heat exposures Heat index system Health and safety agency testing 9a

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 9b

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 10a

Controlling heat exposure Personal protective equipment Ice vests Water-cooled garments Air supply systems Wet clothing, headbands, or bandanas 10b

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 10c