Heat Stress It’s hot out there!

1. Heat StressIt’s hot out there!

2. What is Heat Stress?? • The body generates more heat thru your body working and the environment around you than can be released

3. Factors Affecting Heat Stress • The body at work • Physical exertion • Increases the body temperature • Heart pumps faster to try and cool your blood • If the blood doesn’t cool fast enough, then the body starts sweating which cools by evaporation • Water intake • When the heat index is high you should be drinking water, approximately 1 quart every hour • If you are thirsty you may have not been drinking enough water

4. Factors Affecting Heat Stress • The body at work • Clothing • Light weight & light colored clothing reflects heat & sunlight, heavy weight & dark clothing absorbs or retains heat • Loose fitting clothing allows air movement to help evaporation which cools the body • Medical conditions & medicines • Can affect the body’s ability to function properly, especially if they dehydrate you or reduce the body’s sodium level

5. Factors Affecting Heat Stress • Environment • Air temperature & humidity • See the following slides on the Heat Index • As air temperature increases the body works harder to cool • As humidity (water vapor in the air) increases lessens the body’s ability to be cooled by sweating • Air movement • Cools by evaporating sweat from your skin • The less air movement the harder the body has to work

6. Heat Index chartcombination of Heat & Humidity Green—Caution Yellow—Extreme Caution Pink—Danger Red—Extreme Danger

7. Heat Index chartcombination of Heat & Humidity

8. Types of Heat Stress • Heat Stroke(body temperature rises rapidly((106 degrees or higher in 10-15 minutes)), sweating mechanism fails, body cannot cool down. Can cause death or permanent disability). CAUTION-This is a potentially life threatening situation. Always call emergency number first. • Symptoms---Hot, dry skin, chills, high body temperature, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech • First Aid---Call emergency number, move to cool shaded area, cool down by pouring water on clothes, skin, fan the body • Heat Exhaustion(body has excessive loss of water & salt usually through sweating) • Symptoms---heavy sweating, nausea, clammy moist skin, muscle cramps, slightly elevated body temperature, dizziness, confusion, weakness, fatigue, fast & shallow breathing • First Aid---move to cool shaded area, drink plenty of water, take coolshower, bath or cool the body with water

9. Types of Heat Stress • Heat Syncope(fainting or dizziness usually occurring with prolonged standing or sudden rising) • Symptoms---light headedness, dizziness, fainting • First Aid---slowly drink water, sit or lie down in a cool place or shaded area • Heat Cramps(affects those who sweat a lot depleting the body’s salt which causes cramps & moisture levels) • Symptoms---muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs • First Aid---stop activities, sit in a cool or shaded place, drink clear juice or sports beverage

10. Types of Heat Stress • Heat Rash(a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating) • Symptoms---red cluster of pimples or small blisters, usually on the neck, upper chest, groin, & elbow creases • First Aid---use of a dusting powder, keep affected area dry, work in less humid environment if possible

11. A reminder • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing • Make sure drinking water is provided for all work areas • Drink water frequently enough that you do not get thirsty, approximately 1 quart per hour minimum • Avoid drinking alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugary beverages as they dehydrate the body

12. A reminder • Eat smaller meals before work activity • Do hot jobs in the cooler parts of the day • Take more breaks in the shade or cooler areas during periods of extreme heat & humidity • Avoid becoming sunburned as that complicates the body’s ability to get rid of heat • Watch not only your own condition, but that of your coworkers

13. STAY COOL!