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.
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 or
Being overweight or
Lack of sleep
What are Heat Cramps?
Heat cramps are muscle pains usually caused by physical labor in a hot work environment.
Heat cramps are caused by loss of body salt and fluid during sweating.
(If a teammate shows signs of heat cramps: Teammate should replace fluid loss by drinking water and having a light snack and/or carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids. (Sports drinks) Every 15-20 minutes.
Salt tablets should be avoided.
Seek medical help if teammate experiences heart problems)
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, Coffee and Drinks with a lot of sugar (>6%)
Factors that Increase Risk to Workers?
Name 3
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 kind of diet would put a worker at risk for heat illness in hot weather?
Low Salt Diet
What is Heat Rash?
Is where the skin is persistently wetted by unevaporated sweat causing prickly feeling where heat is manifested as red papules and usually appears in areas where the clothing is restrictive.
treatment
Keep rash area dry
Do not use ointments or creams as it could worsen the rash.
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
Heart disease
Name 3 symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Any of the following:
If a person faints while working hard, what kind of heat illness should you assume this is?
Heat Stroke- Call 911!
Cool by any means possible!
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
Heat cramps are the result of the loss of what electrolyte (body mineral)?
Salt (sodium)
Jose is acting crazy, has dry red skin that feels very hot when you touch it. What kind of heat illness is this?
Heat Stroke: Call 911 and cool down by any means!
(is the most serious health related risk.
Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulating system fails causing body temperature to rise to critical levels.)
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: