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 breath
Where on the body would you find a heat rash?
Skin folds and belt line
Name 2 ways to treat the skin folds of a heat rash.
Keep dry and clean
What should a worker wear when it is very hot?
Light loose clothing that breathes and a hat
What happens to the body’s blood vessels when the body is stressed by heat?
They dilate/
expand
What kind of personal conditioning may make you more at risk for a heat illness?
Being out of shape, being overweight or
lack of sleep
What is the most dangerous consequence of heat syncope (fainting)?
Injury from falling
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
What 2 common beverages should a worker avoid when it is very hot?
Alcohol and Drinks with a lot of sugar (>6%)
Name 3 environmental (outdoor) conditions that make it very hot for a worker.
1. High air temperature,
2. High humidity,
3. No wind - no air movement
What kind of diet would put a worker at risk for heat illness in hot weather?
Low Salt Diet
Heat cramps are the result of the loss of what electrolyte (body mineral)?
Salt (sodium)
What would you NOT recommend a worker take when suffering from heat cramps?
Salt Tablets because of the risk of overdosing
How much and how often should a worker drink water when the risk of heat stress is HIGH?
½ liter (1 pint) every ½ hour
*Best is a cup every 15 minutes
Name 1 common internal and 1 common external source of heat stress.
Internal = working very hard. Muscles produce heat. External = environmental heat
What 2 chronic medical conditions make a worker at greater risk for heat illness?
Diabetes and Heart disease
Name 3 symptoms of heat exhaustion.
If a person faints while working hard, what kind of heat illness should you assume this is?
Heat Stroke- Call 911!
Usa a fan to lower temperature, apply cold compresses, elevate feet.
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
What is the difference between heat stress and heat illness?
Heat stress is the build up of too much heat in the body
Heat illness is the breakdown of normal body functions from heat stress
Name 2 illnesses that would make a person more susceptible to heat illness?
Jose is acting extremely confused, has dry red skin that feels very hot when you touch it. What kind of heat illness is this?
Heat stroke, call 911!
What is the best way to rapidly cool the body if you have no ice baths?
Wet down their body and vigorously fan
Name 3 medicines you should warn a worker about that could increase the risk of heat illness?
Any of the following medicines for: