HEAT STRESS.pptx

1. HEAT STRESS & HEAT EXHAUSTION
● Illness that occurs when body builds up more heat than it can cope with
● Wearing personal protective equipment increases risk
● Limits body’s ability to cool down
Heat Factors
● Temperature, humidity, wind, sunlight
● Workload
● Amount of effort a task involves
● Scheduling
● Personal Protective Equipment
● Water intake
Likelihood of heat stress increases with:
● High temperatures
● High humidity
● Sunlight
Personal Protective Equipment
● Choose PPE designed to be cool
● Back-vented
● Cotton fabrics vs. rubber or plastic
● Do not over-protect in heat
Adjusting to Heat
● Allow time to adjust to the heat and workload
● Start slowly and increase time and workload gradually
● Workers may adjust naturally if warm weather occurs gradually
Drinking Water and Sports Drinks
● Evaporation of sweat cools body
● Water must be replaced or body temperature will rise. Drink water and sports drinks
throughout the day.
● Drink plenty of water and sports drinks before, during, and after heat stress conditions
Schedule:
● Heaviest work during coolest times
● Frequent breaks to allow body to cool

2. Consider work / rest cycle.
● Outdoors pause under shade. Keep a wet towel around your neck.
● In attics continually replenish fluids. Take water and sports drinks with you or
take a break every 30 minutes and get out of the enclosed space.
● Be alert for heat stress problems
● Stop work immediately with heat stress
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stress
● Fatigue
● Exhaustion, muscle weakness
● Headache, nausea & chills
● Dizziness & fainting
● Loss of coordination
● Severe thirst & dry mouth
● Altered behavior
● Confusion, slurred speech, quarrelsome or irrational attitude
● If you believe you are experiencing signs of heat stress call for medical attention
Heat Exhaustion
● Sweating, headache, fatigue
● Dry membranes, dry mouth, no tears, no saliva
● Fast pulse (slow if fainted)
● Nausea and diarrhea
● Dilated pupils
● Central nervous system depression
● Loss of coordination, confusion
● fainting (prompt recovery)
Pesticide Poisoning
● Sweating, headache, fatigue
● Moist membranes, salivation, tears, saliva present in mouth
● Slow pulse
● Nausea and diarrhea
● Possible small pupils
● Central nervous system depression
● Loss of coordination, confusion

3. ● Coma
Other Symptoms of Heat Stress : Heat Cramps
● Painful muscle spasms caused by loss of body salts from sweating; occur in legs,
arms, stomach
● Drink cool water or “sports drinks”
● Stretching or kneading muscles will help relieve cramps
First Aid
● Get victim into shaded or cool area
● Cool by sponging or splashing skin with cool water; Concentrate on face, neck,
hands and forearms
● Carefully remove PPE and other clothing making victim hot
● If conscious, have victim drink as much cool water as possible
● Keep victim quiet until help arrives
● Brain damage or death may result if treatment is delayed
Dealing with Heat Stress
● Take safety precautions to avoid heat related illness
● Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress
● Get medical attention immediately