Heat Stress Management

Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. Hot temperatures and humidity stress the body’s ability to cool itself, resulting in heat sickness. It is important to recognise the symptoms at an early stage in order to guard yourself from serious consequences. Heat Attack

Know the difference It is important to note the difference between various heat illnesses. Dehydration-is the loss of fluids from the body. The human body needs water for vital organs such as the brain, kidney and heart to function properly. Heat rash- is a skin irritation caused by excessive perspiration. Heat cramps- are severe and painful cramping of the muscles due to imbalances in body fluids and excessive perspiration. Heat syncope or fainting- dizziness that can result in fainting when standing continuously under the hot sun for a long time.

Know the difference Heat exhaustion- results when losing body fluids through perspiration during heat exposure. The body cools off by evaporation of sweat but gets exhausted when the sweat exceeds the volume of water or fluid drunk. Sun burn- is a painful skin condition which occurs as a result of overexposure to the ultra-violent rays of the sun. This can damage the outer layers and inner tissues of the skin. It can also lead to skin cancer. Heatstroke or sunstroke-is a deadly heat illnesses. It occurs when the body’s control temperature system stops functioning. The body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. This can lead to death, brain damage or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

How to recognise, treat and avoid heat illnesses? TypeSymptomsTreatment Dehydration 1.Flushed face 2.Extreme thirst, more than normal or unable to drink 3.Dry, warm skin 4.Dizziness made worse when you are standing 5.Weakness 6.Cramping in the arms and legs 7.Headaches 8.Dry mouth, dry tongue 9.Low blood pressure 10.Rapid and deep breathing - faster than normal 11.Fainting For mild to moderate dehydration drink more water and try to avoid the heat until refreshed.

Type SymptomsTreatment Heat Cramps 1.Muscle pain in the abdomen, arms or legs may occur in association with strenuous activity. 2.Rapid heartbeat 3.Hot sweaty skin Stop all activities and do not return to strenuous activities until the cramps subside as further exertion may lead to exhaustion or heat stroke. This usually improves with drinking water and resting in a cool environment. Heat exhaustion 1.Headaches 2.Paleness 3.Heavy sweating 4.Intense thirst 5.Dizziness 6.Fatigue 7.Nausea 8.Impaired judgment 9.Loss of appetite Shift to a cooler location and drink a lot of water or a light juice. Use cold towels over your head and neck. How to recognise, treat and avoid heat illnesses?

Type SymptomsTreatment Sunburn 1.Skin becomes red & painful 2.Burning sensation and swelling 3.Blisters Apply cold towels on the areas affected or take a cold shower. Apply moisture lotions and not ointments. Do not break blisters and try to avoid repeated sun exposure. Use sunscreen to avoid a sunburn. Seek medical attention for severe cases Heatstroke/ Sunstroke 1.High body temperature 2.Red hot and dry skin 3.Throbbing headaches 4.Nausea 5.Unconsciousness 6.Rapid and shallow breathing 7.Fatigue Get to a shady cool area. Sponge or shower with cold water. Get a cold towel and rapid it around the body. Call the doctor for medical treatment. How to recognise, treat and avoid heat illnesses?

Hydrations The best way to avoid heat strokes and other heat disorders is to keep your body well hydrated. Drink a lot of water if you are exercising or working in hot conditions. Doctors usually recommend consuming eight or more glasses of water per day. Ventilation Remain in cool areas where your body can cool itself. If working in hot conditions, try to take a break to regain energy and to avoid overexposure to the sun’s rays. Clothing What you wear plays a big factor in how your body will handle the heat. Light clothing and loose fitting clothing will help your body in breathing and cooling itself naturally. It is fine to wear a hat or cap to shield yourself from the sun but once you feel warm, remove it. This usually traps the heat inside your body. Limit yourself It is also important to watch the amount of activities you are participating in during hot days. Don’t overdo it. Heat stroke and other disorders can take affect in less than an hour. If you feel yourself get warm and suffocated with the heat, it’s best to take time out and rest in a shady area. In very dry conditions such as the Pilbara In dry environments one may not be aware that they are perspiring due to rapid evaporation. General Precautions

Keep safe and when in doubt seek medical assistance This Safety Tip was prepared by SafeTACT, the material in it reflects SafeTACT’s best judgement in the light of the information available at the time of preparation. However, as SafeTACT cannot control the conditions under which this report may be used, The Company will not be responsible for damages of any nature resulting from use of or reliance upon the content.