Battle the Heat TRIF !Heat Stress PreventionRemember once you have heat stress, You are susceptible for life.

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Battle the HeatOBJECTIVES

• Identify the causes and risk factors for heat stress.

• List the preventive measures for heat stress.

• Identify symptoms of heat stress and take appropriate first aid measures.

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WHAT IS HEAT STRESS

• Heat stress is the name given to a number of illnesses caused when the body heats up and cannot cool down.

• These range from the more minor heat fatigue to the life threatening heat stroke.

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HEAT GAIN

• Heat generated within the body by muscle activity and other body functions.

• Direct radiation from the sun’s rays.

• Heat transfer from the air.

• High humidity which decreases the evaporation of sweat.

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HEAT LOSS IS ACHIEVED BY

• Evaporation of sweat

• Radiation of heat outwards from the body

• Transfer of heat from skin to air

• Breathing

• Urination

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HEAT STRESS IS LIKE BOILING EGGS IN WATER

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WAYS TO COOL EGGS IN A POT OF BOILING WATER

• Remove from heat.

• Allow to Rest and water will cool.

• Add cool water.

• Place in a cool environment.

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Battle the Heat

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BODY TEMPERATURE CONTROL

After 1-2 hours:

• Core temperature rises

• Heated blood is pumped to the skin’s surface

• Body heat is transferred to the environment if cooler

• Heat needs to be released

• Sweating occurs

• Sweat evaporates to cool

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BODY TEMPERATURE CONTROL

The longer the body sweats, the less blood to carry excess heat to skin or oxygen & nutrients to muscles due to heat overload of the body.After 3 hours, if dehydrated symptoms may be:

• Headaches

• Heat cramps

• Nausea

• Muscle tiredness

• Loss of strength

• Loss of accuracy & dexterity

• Reduced alertness

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Recognize the Symptoms of Heat Injury

Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

Descrip

tion

Painful muscle spasms caused by loss of salt from excessive sweating.

Advanced and serious stage of heat injury.

Body’s temperature is increased and if not treated immediately may result in coma, brain damage or death.

Symptoms

• Muscular pain and excessive sweating

• Tired, weakness• Headache• Goosebumps, tingling skin• Increased heart rate and

breathing, sweating• Nausea

• Increased temperature (very warm to the touch)

• Mental impairment (agitation, confusion)

• Possible loss of consciousness• Headache, nausea, vomiting,

flu like symptoms• Rapid breathing, heart rate• Possibly dry skin

When In Doubt, Treat as a Heat Injury

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Battle the HeatINDIVIDUAL RISK FACTORS

• Age (> 60 years old) • Drug and alcohol use

• Low level of physical fitness • Lack of acclimatization

• Medical conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular)

• Dehydration

• Some medications (High blood pressure)

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WORKPLACE RISK FACTORS

• High frequency, duration or intensity of physical activity

• Requirement for use of personal protective equipment and clothing (may increase humidity levels and prevent air flow across the skin)

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WEAPONS-Urine Chart

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TO PREVENT DEHYDRATION

STEP 1Ensure you begin hydrating 2 hours before your shift.

STEP 2Drink water until you're are no longer thirsty and then a little more.

STEP 3While working, drink water every 15-20 minutes, targeting one (1) quart per hour.

(limit 12 quarts per day)

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Battle the HeatPHYSICAL INDICATIONS OF DEHYDRATION

• Skin Less Elastic; on pinch test, the skin regains its shape slowly.

• Urine Reduced in Volume and Frequency; concentrated and darker.

• Sweat Higher Sweat Rate; if sweat production suddenly stops, despite

continued heat exposure, dehydration has reached a severe level.

• Physical Work Capacity Reduced Endurance; accelerated onset of fatigue.

• Heart Rate Faster Heart Rate; work seems increasingly more tiring and increases the

heart rate rapidly.

• Appetite Suppressed Appetite; food intake is reduced during water deprivation,

and water intake reduced during starvation.

• Mental Indicators Less Alert; increased lethargy; difficulty in concentrating;

confusion and irrational behavior.

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WEAPONS-First Aid

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BUDDY SYSTEM

• The buddy system is a culture in which two people (the buddies) operate together as a single unit so that they are able to monitor and help each other.

• The main purpose of the system is improved safety.

• Each Buddy may prevent the other from becoming a casualty of Heat Stress.

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BUDDY SYSTEM

• Buddies need to identify the causes and risk factors for heat stress.

• To be able to identify symptoms of heat stress and if appropriate first aid measures.

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BUDDY SYSTEM SCREENING

• Have you worked more than 7 days in a row in a hot workplace?

• Have you been treated for heat stress in the past?

• Have you eaten today? Have you checked your urine for hydration level?

• Did you sleep at least 5 hours in the past 24 hours?

• Is there anything that has changed in the past 24 hours that would affect your fitness to work today?

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BUDDY SENSE

Try to do the most physically demanding jobs during the coolest part of the day.STOP the job if your buddy exhibit any signs or symptoms of heat injury.

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WEAPONS-HEAT INDEX

• The heat index can be used to help determine the risk of heat-related illness for outdoor workers, what actions are needed to protect workers, and when those actions are triggered.

• NOAA Heat Index chart, which was developed for the public. The NOAA bands have been modified for use at worksites:

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WEAPONS-Flag Conditions Red Flag

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Heat Index Risk Level Protective Measures

>115°F Very High toExtreme

• Reschedule non-essential activity • Move essential work tasks to the coolest part of the work shift; • Consider earlier start times, split shifts, or evening and night

shifts. • Strenuous work tasks and those requiring the use of heavy or

non-breathable clothing or impermeable chemical protective clothing should not be conducted when the heat index is at or above 115°F.

If essential work must be done, in addition to the steps above:• Alert workers of extreme heat hazards• Establish water drinking schedule (about 4 cups/hour)**• Develop and enforce protective work/rest schedules• Conduct physiological monitoring (e.g., pulse, temp.,etc)• Stop work if essential control methods are inadequate or

unavailable.

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WEAPONS-Heat Stress Management Plan

Purpose:

• Identify Strategies Scope:

• Personnel working in high temperatures combined with high humidity.

Content:

• Performance Criteria

• Awareness and Education

• Preparation

• Prevention Checklists

• Implementation

• Training

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ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manager• Supervisor• Employee• Buddy

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Battle the Heat

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TRIED AND TRUE

• Buddy System

• Accountability

• OH&S Program

• Take their shoes off!

• Increase your count

• Forced breaks

• Plan your day

• Show up with cold fruit

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