1. HEAT SAFETY Training Length 1:00 Hour Description
This presentation is designed to assist trainers conducting OSHA 10-hour Construction Industry outreach training for workers.
Since workers are the target audience, this presentation emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control – not standards.
No attempt has been made to treat the topic exhaustively.
It is essential that trainers tailor their presentations to the needs and understanding of their audience.
This presentation is not a substitute for any of the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor, Quanta Services, Inc nor any of it’s Operating Units or assigns.

2. INTRODUCTION
Since 1936, according to the National Safety Council, 30,000 people have died from heat related illnesses.
On the average, 384 people die each year from heat stroke.
Heat related injuries seem to occur often with the elderly;  people who are not in good  physical condition; or acclimatized to the heat.
Source: OSHA Publication 2056, All About OSHA
Trainers must thoroughly review the source document, OSHA standards and other references to develop an understanding of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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3. GENERATION OF BODY HEAT
There are two main ways in which our bodies produce heat:
Metabolic Heat - the body generates heat through the digestion of food, work and exercise.
Source: OSHA Publication 2056, All About OSHA
Environmental Heat - body absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, whether it is the hot sun or a hot room.
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4. THE BODY’S COOLING SYSTEM
There are three methods in which our bodies can be cooled.
Convection - is the transfer of heat through the circulation of air.
Evaporation - process which occurs when a liquid changes into a vapor.
Radiation - heat is naturally emitted from the body surface.
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5. CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE COOLING SYSTEM
Acclimation - the biological process through which our bodies adapt to the environment -- basically getting used to the heat. 
Air Temperature - heat flows from warmer objects to cooler objects.
Air Movement - moving air speeds the evaporation process.
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6. CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE COOLING SYSTEM
Humidity - the amount of water vapor in the air affects the rate of evaporation.
Clothing - the type of clothing affects the amount of heat our bodies absorb and retain.
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7. HEAT RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Heat Rash - also known as Prickly Heat, occurs in hot, humid environments where sweat can't easily evaporate from the skin.  
This condition produces a rash which in some cases causes severe pain. 
The procedures to prevent or minimize this condition is to rest frequently  in cool places and bath regularly ensuring to thoroughly dry the skin.
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8. HEAT RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Heat Cramps - painful muscle spasms that result from the loss of salt and electrolytes due to excessive sweating. 
The cramps will usually affect the stomach, the arms and legs. 
This condition can be treated by drinking fluids containing electrolytes such as calcium, sodium and potassium. 
This condition usually precedes heat exhaustion. 
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9. HEAT RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Heat Exhaustion - is a state brought on by the loss of fluids lost during excessive sweating. 
Individuals with heat exhaustion still sweat, but they experience extreme weakness and may even collapse. 
They may experience nausea and headache.  Their skin is clammy and moist, their complexion is usually pale and the body temperature is usually normal or slightly higher. 
This condition is best treated by taking the patient to a cool place, applying cool compresses, elevating the feet and giving the individual plenty of fluids.
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10. HEAT RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Heat Stroke - is a severe medical emergency which could result in death. 
Heat stroke results when the body's core temperature gets too high and the body is no longer able to cool itself. 
An individual suffering from heat stroke will have hot and dry skin, their pulse will be high and their blood pressure will fall. 
This condition must be treated by immediately cooling the victim's body with water or wrapping them in cool wet  sheets. Immediately seek medical attention.
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11. PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Acclimation - accustom yourself to the weather prior to long durations of physical activity.
Maintain Body Fluids - Fluid intake must be maintained throughout the course of physical activity.
Do not rely on thirst as an indicator of dehydration because your body loses water faster than you realize.
Alcohol should be avoided because it is a diuretic, which increases dehydration and can interfere with heat loss.
State plans are OSHA-approved job safety and health programs operated by individual states instead of by federal OSHA. State plans must provide standards and enforcement programs that are “at least as effective as” the federal OSHA program. States with approved plans cover most private sector employees as well as state and local government workers in the state.
Twenty-six states operate state plans. For more information on state plans, visit OSHA’s web site (
Also not covered by OSHA:
- Employees whose working conditions are regulated by other federal agencies. These include mine workers, certain truckers and rail workers, and atomic energy workers
- Public employees in state and local governments (except for states with approved plans). These include fire fighters, police, and other public servants.
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12. PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Proper Diet – Eat light and stay away from heavy foods. They increase metabolic heat production and also increase water loss. Eat smaller, well-balanced meals more often.
State plans are OSHA-approved job safety and health programs operated by individual states instead of by federal OSHA. State plans must provide standards and enforcement programs that are “at least as effective as” the federal OSHA program. States with approved plans cover most private sector employees as well as state and local government workers in the state.
Twenty-six states operate state plans. For more information on state plans, visit OSHA’s web site (
Also not covered by OSHA:
- Employees whose working conditions are regulated by other federal agencies. These include mine workers, certain truckers and rail workers, and atomic energy workers
- Public employees in state and local governments (except for states with approved plans). These include fire fighters, police, and other public servants.
Rest Periods - Pace your work activities at a slower rate during high temperatures and take frequent rest periods in a shaded area and drink plenty of fluids.
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13. PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Dress Light – Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
Wear loose-fitting clothes such as cotton which lets air move over your body.
Wide brimmed hats should also be worn.
State plans are OSHA-approved job safety and health programs operated by individual states instead of by federal OSHA. State plans must provide standards and enforcement programs that are “at least as effective as” the federal OSHA program. States with approved plans cover most private sector employees as well as state and local government workers in the state.
Twenty-six states operate state plans. For more information on state plans, visit OSHA’s web site (
Also not covered by OSHA:
- Employees whose working conditions are regulated by other federal agencies. These include mine workers, certain truckers and rail workers, and atomic energy workers
- Public employees in state and local governments (except for states with approved plans). These include fire fighters, police, and other public servants.
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14. HOW HOT IS IT?
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15. SUGGESTED HEAT WORK PROCEDURES
Temperature
Danger Category
Heat Syndrome
Procedures
> 130
Extreme Danger
Heat Stroke Imminent
When the heat index is in this zone employees in the affected area should be dismissed
Danger
Heat Cramps or heat exhaustion likely. Heat Stroke possible with prolonged exposure and activity
When the heat index is in this zone. Non critical work activities should be suspended. Critical work activities shall be evaluated and schedule changes of affected employees should be made. Management must specifically approve employees working in heat index danger areas
Extreme Caution
Heat cramps or heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and activity
When the heat index is in this zone management shall discuss the situation with supervisors and make schedule/work adjustments to accommodate for the heat. Specific approval must be granted for working under extreme heat conditions
Caution
Fatigue Possible
Normal work day, no alerts posted
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16. ? Any Questions Discuss each of these items.
Want each operating unit to develop a written safety training plan and to evaluate their current training efforts
Provide by a list of all safety training programs within the operating unit. To include: Title, Manufacturer/Author/Company, Type of program, current use and/or target audience.
Listing of all certifications, designations, qualifications to teach courses. List the title of the course, OSHA equivalent topic number if applicable, certification agency, date of issuance or renewal, date of expiration if applicable
All training courses will be scheduled, you will Jim Humphrey a list of the courses and dates of classes you will be conducting. This should be done at least on a monthly basis. Safety Training staff and/or Safety Managers will randomly sit in on courses to evaluate the course and instructor.
After all training fax or Jim Humphrey a copy of safety training sign in sheets (not tool box or safety meeting talks)
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17. Break Discuss each of these items.
Want each operating unit to develop a written safety training plan and to evaluate their current training efforts
Provide by a list of all safety training programs within the operating unit. To include: Title, Manufacturer/Author/Company, Type of program, current use and/or target audience.
Listing of all certifications, designations, qualifications to teach courses. List the title of the course, OSHA equivalent topic number if applicable, certification agency, date of issuance or renewal, date of expiration if applicable
All training courses will be scheduled, you will Jim Humphrey a list of the courses and dates of classes you will be conducting. This should be done at least on a monthly basis. Safety Training staff and/or Safety Managers will randomly sit in on courses to evaluate the course and instructor.
After all training fax or Jim Humphrey a copy of safety training sign in sheets (not tool box or safety meeting talks)
31-Mar-02