Sun safety and heat stress awareness
Hydration Matters!
UNIVERSITY of
NORTHERN COLORADO
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Working Safely in the Sun
Essentials Fluids
Drink LOTS of water or an electrolyte replacement drink Bring enough to last you the entire day or continuously refill your container
Sunscreen or sun block Apply before you arrive at work Reapply throughout the day
Wear the proper attire Light colored clothes reflect the sun and help to keep you cool Covering your skin will better protect against damaging UV light
Wear a hat Better protects the sensitive skin of your ears, neck and face
Sunscreen vs. Sun block Sun block
Sun block is opaque and stronger than sunscreen Able to block a majority of the UVA/UVB rays and radiation from the sun, Sun block's ingredients do not break down rapidly in sunlight so it is unnecessary to
reapply frequently. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is more transparent once applied to the skin Also able to protect against UVA/UVB rays Sunscreen's ingredients break down at a faster rate once exposed to sunlight, allowing
radiation to penetrate the skin. For sunscreen to be more effective frequent reapplication and a higher spf is
recommended. Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
The SPF of a sunscreen is a laboratory measurement of the effectiveness of sunscreen The higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against UV-B (the
ultraviolet radiation that causes a sunburn).
What are some signs that you are suffering from
heat stress?
• Dehydration• Thirst
• By the time your body tells you that you are thirsty you are already mildly dehydrated. • Drinking water at this stage can prevent you from progressing to the more serious kinds
of heat related illnesses.
• Heat cramps: • Cramping in the abdomen, legs or arms• The loss of water and salt from heavy sweating causes cramps. • These cramps can be mild or very painful.
• Heat exhaustion• Dizziness• Headache• Nausea
Signs and symptoms
• Heat Stroke or sun stroke• Hot, red and dry skin• Rapid, weak pulse• Rapid, shallow breathing. • Increase in body temperature –can reach as high as 105o F. • Vomiting. • Confusion. • Throbbing headache. • Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness. • Seizures.
Signs and symptoms
This late stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening.
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
First Stage: Dehydration Easily curable with shade, rest and waterMay resume work activities after symptoms subside
Second Stage: Muscle Cramps
Easily curable with rest, massage and water May resume work activities after symptoms subside
Third Stage: Heat exhaustionModerately easy to cure with shade, rest and waterMay or may not be able to resume work
Fourth Stage: Heat Stroke or Sun StrokeLife threatening-Call 9-1-1 immediatelyMay not resume work
Stages of Heat-Related Illnesses
How to Carefor Heat Related Emergencies
For Heat Cramps1. Stop activity and rest.2. If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her drink small amounts of cool
water or a commercial sports drink. 3. Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then
gently massage the muscle. 4. Repeat these steps if necessary. 5. If the victim has no other signals of heat-related illness, the person may resume
activity after the cramps stop.
For Heat Exhaustion:1. Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. 2. If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15
minutes.• Do not let him or her drink too quickly. • Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make
conditions worse. 3. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet
sheets.4. Get the person into an air conditioned space if possible. 5. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or
loses consciousness.
How to Carefor Heat Related Emergencies
For Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast.
1. Call 9-1-1immediately2. Move the person to a cooler place. 3. Quickly cool the body using any means available, including cool water and ice.
• If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels.
4. Wrap wet cloths around the body and place the person in front of a fan or air conditioner.
5. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. 6. Keep the person conscious
How to Care for Heat Related Emergencies
Rememberfor Heat Related Emergencies
•Cool the Body •Give Fluids •Minimize Shock
University of Northern ColoradoEnvironmental Health & Safety
351-1963 or 351-1149
Call for questions or concerns!“Protect Yourself”