Download - Heat stress Management
Heat related illnesses include Heat rash Heat cramps Dizziness and Fainting Heat exhaustion Heat stroke And a worsening of existing medical
conditions may cause Death
WHAT HAPPENS WITH HEAT STRESS
The body reacts to heat by increasing the blood flow to the skin’s surface, and by sweating. This results in cooling as sweat evaporates from the body’s surface and heat is carried to the surface of the body from within by the increased blood flow. Heat can also be lost by radiation and convection from the body’s surface.
HOW IT HAPPENS
People working directly under sunlight
People working without rest Dehydrated No proper ventilation No proper diet Heavy Equipment Operators Medical Illness like Fever Hypertensive
WHO ALL ARE EXPOSED
Dry LipsMuscle crampsHeat rashSevere thirst - a late symptom of heat stress
FaintingFatigue, giddiness
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Nausea & VomitingHeadacheMoist skinHot dry skin, loss of consciousness. Death if not detected at an early stage.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
If the main symptoms are neglected like hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness. This is the most severe disorder and can result in death if not detected at an early stage.
WHY IT IS AN EMERGENCY
Age OLD AGE
weight OBESE
Personal fitness LACK OF IMMUNE POWER
Medical conditions◦ Heart conditions◦ Diabetes
PERSONAL RISK FACTORS
Illness/fever If the Body Temperature is Elevated
Dehydration◦Failure to drink enough water can make
you dehydrated Loss of electrolytes
◦When you sweat you lose electrolytes◦Electrolytes are needed for your body to
function
PERSONAL RISK FACTORS
Direct sun, heat and humidity◦ More direct sun, the greater the risk
Limited air movement◦ Low or no wind
Hot equipment ◦ Engines add more heat
Physical exertionoWhat kind of work are you doing? oHow long you are exposed for
Heat reflected from ground or objects◦ Watch out for reflected heat
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
There are mainly three types◦HEAT CRAMPS◦HEAT EXHAUSTION◦HEAT STROKE
And also include◦HEAT RASH◦HEAT SYNCOPE
TYPES OF HEAT STRESS
SYMPTOMS
Muscle pain all mainly on leg and Hands Spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Severe sweating Generalized weakness or fatigue Elevated body temperature
HEAT CRAMPS
FIRST AID
Stop all activity and sit in a cool place.
Drink clear water. Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours.
Seek medical attention if symptoms persist
HEAT CRAMPS
SYMPTOMS Heavy sweating Extreme weakness or fatigue Dizziness, confusion Nausea Clammy, moist skin Pale or flushed complexion Muscle cramps Slightly elevated body temperature Fast and shallow breathing
HEAT EXHAUSTION
FIRST AIDTreat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion
with the following: Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-
conditioned area. Have them drink plenty of water or other
cool, nonalcoholic beverages. Have them take a cool shower,
bath, or sponge bath.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
SYMPTOMS Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Hallucinations Chills Throbbing headache High body temperature Confusion/dizziness Slurred speech
HEAT STROKE
FIRST AID Notify supervisor immediately Move the sick worker to a cool shaded
area. Cool the worker using methods such as:
◦Soaking their clothes with water.◦Spraying, sponging, or showering them
with water.◦Fanning their body.
HEAT STROKE
SYMPTOMS Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples
or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and
upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.
HEAT RASH
FIRST AID Try to work in a
cooler, less humid environment when possible.
Keep the affected area dry.
Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.
HEAT RASH
FIRST AID Workers with heat syncope should: Sit or lie down in a cool place when they
begin to feel symptoms. Slowly drink water, clear juice,
or a sports beverage.
HEAT SYNCOPE
Call a supervisor Or HSE Officer for help. If the No one is available, call On Emergency Contact Number
Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
Move the worker to a cooler/shaded area. Remove outer clothing. Fan and mist the worker with water; apply
ice (ice bags or ice towels). Provide cool drinking water, if able to drink.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Stop all activity if you become:
LightheadedConfusedWeakFaintOr have a pounding heart or
trouble breathing
IMPORTANT
Tell your supervisor if you or one of your co-workers experience symptoms of heat-
related illness.
Avoid Dehydration
◦ Keep on drinking water◦ Avoid energy drinks and coffee◦ Drink one glass of water every 10
mints◦ Drink water frequently. Drink
enough water that you never become thirsty.
◦ Drink before you get thirsty
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Stay hydrated: Don’t forget to drink
Employees shall be provided enough cool, fresh drinking water for all work hours.
Recommend drinking at least four cups per hour for the entire shift.
Personal protective equipment Cover you body with loose coverall dress Use cotton material inside Do not overdress to beat heat Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable
clothing such as cotton.
Allow Workers to acclimatize Allow workers to adjust to the new climate
especially those who are new Provide individual training on preparation and
needs during climatic changes
Identify employees who are more susceptible Identify whether they are having any illnesses Are they on any maintenance medications Any kind of treatment
TAKE YOUR BREAKFAST DRINK ENOUGH WATER
◦ START DRINKING WATER BEFORE START WORK
◦ DRINK ATLEAST ONE GLASS WATER EVERY 15 MINUTES
STOP DRINKING HOT AND COLD BEVERAGES
DO NOT EAT STOMACH FULL DO HARDER JOB AT MORNING AND
EVENING
WORKER RESPONSIBILITY
TAKE 10 MINUTES OF REST AFTER EVERY 30 MINUTS OF WORK
CLOTHING LIGHT WEIGHT LIGHT COLOURED LOSSE CLOTHIN-WEAR COTTON
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR COWORKER NOTIFY YOUR IN ONSET OF ANY
SYMPTOMS
WORKER RESPONSIBILITY
CHECK YOU URINE COLOUR FOR SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
NOTEDRINK ENOUGH WATER
DRINK MINIMUM OF 3 TO 4 LITER / DAY
REST AREAS
ADVISE WORKERS TO REST AND ENFORSE REST BREAKS
PROVIDE SHADED AREAS AND RECOVERY PERIODS
SET UP TEMPORARY SHADES ENCOURAGE WORKERS TO REMOVE
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS WHILE ON REST BREAKS AT REST SHELTER
SCHEDULE WORK ON BUDDY SYSTEM ENCOURAGE TO DRINK ENOUGH WATER
Supervisor Guidance
Assess conditions◦ Weather forecasts◦ Current weather• Note: high humidity drives up the heat load
For warmer periods:◦ Schedule outdoor work during cooler parts of
the day◦ For most strenuous tasks, plan a staff rotation◦ Advise staff to wear lighter, loose-fitting
clothing and wide brimmed hats
Supervisor Guidance
1. Obtain heat illness prevention training
2. Develop and train staff on written local heat illness prevention procedures
3. On a daily basis, assess your staff’s heat stress potential
4. Plan and manage work activities accordingly to reduce the risk of heat stress
5. Provide access to water and shade
6. Ensure routine monitoring of staff during warmer weather
7. Be able to recognize warning signs of heat illness
1. Promptly respond to symptoms of heat illness!
Supervisor Responsibilities
Drink water frequently !!
Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses and take them seriously
Consider sports drinks when sweating a lot
Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and heavy meals before or during work
Work smart
Acclimate
Wear appropriate clothing
Take regular breaks
Keep an eye on your buddy!
SUMMARISE