Heat Stress Causes
Name one common way the body gets rid of heat?
Sweating
What kind of clothing will make heat stress worse?
Clothing that does not allow room to breath (too tight, heavy, bulky)
What is Heat Stress?
Heat stress is a condition created when a person is exposed to extreme heat.
What would you recommend a worker to do when suffering from heat cramps?
Drink a sports drink. It has the proper balance of sugar, water and salt.
Go into the shade.
Drink water.
What should a worker wear when it is very hot?
Light loose clothing that breathes and a hat
True or False: Working outside in heavy clothing can lead to heat stress.
True
What kind of personal conditioning may make you more at risk for a heat illness.
Being out of shape, overweight, or lack of sleep
What are Heat Cramps?
Heat cramps are muscle pains usually caused by physical labor in a hot work environment.
Name 2 ways to treat the skin of heat rash?
Let skin dry and cool off
Take a cool shower
Wear loose clothing
Don’t scratch skin
Can use calamine lotion for itchiness
What common beverages should a worker avoid when it is very hot?
Alcohol, Coffee and Drinks with a lot of caffeine
What causes heat rash?
When a sweat gland is blocked or inflamed, usually caused by restrictive clothing.
What kind of diet would put a worker at risk for heat illness in hot weather?
Low Salt Diet
What is Heat Rash?
When a duct that leads from a sweat gland to the surface of the skin is blocked or inflamed, causing prickly feeling where heat is manifested as red papules and usually appears in areas where the clothing is restrictive.
What is the best way to rapidly cool the body if you have no ice baths?
Wet down their body and vigorously fan. Stay in the shade
How much and how often should a worker drink water when the risk of heat stress is HIGH?
A cup every 15 minutes or quart/liter per hour
What causes heat cramps?
Heat cramps are caused by loss of body salt and fluid during sweating.
What 2 chronic medical conditions make a worker at greater risk for heat illness?
Diabetes & Heart disease
Name 3 symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Dizziness
Nausea/vomiting
Headache
Sweating
Fatigue-weakness
Weak-rapid pulse
Anxiety-poor judgement
Cool, clammy skin
Decreased urine output
What would you NOT recommend a worker consume when suffering from heat cramps?
Salt Tablets or alcohol.
How can you know that the amount of water you are drinking is not enough besides being thirsty?
You don’t urinate
or
Your urine is very dark
Name 3 common causes of heat stress
High Temperature and Humidity
Direct Sun Exposure
Limited Air Movement
Low fluid consumption
Physical Exertion
Heavy Clothing/Personal Protective Equipment
Lack of Recent Exposure to Hot Environment
What beverages increase the risk of dehydration?
Alcohol, coffee, tea
Name 3 symptoms of Heat stroke.
Confusion, altered mental status, slurred
speech
Loss of consciousness (coma)
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
Seizures
Very high body temperature
If a person loses consciousness while working hard, what kind of heat illness should you assume this is?
Heat Stroke - Call 911!
Cool by any means possible!
Use a fan to lower temperature, apply cold compresses, elevate feet.
Name 3 medicines you should warn a coworker about that could increase the risk of heat illness?
Water pills (diuretics)
Heart and Blood Pressure pills
Beta-blockers
Allergy (Antihistamines) Cold or Cough
Thyroid
Diet pills
Laxatives