HEAT STRESS
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Please find herewith the following guidelines that may be of useful information to us to control "Heat Stress":
Summer is here, and people who do roofing work, construction, landscaping, or other physically demanding jobs are exposed to hot and humid conditions! Being uncomfortable is not a major problem when working in high temperatures. Varying degrees of heat stress may also be suffered, increasing the potential for accidents. The human body maintains intact a constant internal temperature.
When we become overheated, the following various reactions may happen:
1. First, the body rids itself of excess heat by increasing circulation in blood vessels close to the surface of your skin. This is why your face and hands turn red when you begin to overheat.
2. Your brain may also signal your sweat glands to work harder. As the sweat evaporates, it cools the skin and removes large quantities of heat from your body.
3. Problems begin when the outside temperature is near your body temperature (980 F).
4. If the air temperature around you is warmer than your skin, blood that has been brought to the body's surface cannot lose its heat. Also, if the humidity is high, your body will continue to sweat liquids containing electrolytes, but will not easily evaporate.
5. Therefore, you cannot rid yourself of the excess heat that is building up. With so much blood being sent to the outer surface of your body, less is available for active muscles, your brain, and other internal organs.
The following reactions take place: -
1. Your strength declines.
2. Fatigue occurs sooner than it would otherwise.
3. Alternate and mental capacity may also be affected.
4. Workers who must perform delicate or detailed work may find they are less accurate.
5. Heat stress may also produce heat cramps (the internal organs are not getting enough electrolytes due to profuse sweating). It may bring on heat exhaustion (caused by insufficient water intake and not being able to evaporate sweat). Or you may suffer heat stroke, which is when your body shuts down to keep its internal organs from burning up. Without emergency treatment, the heat stroke victim lapses into shock, and then a coma and death may follow.
To overcome heat stress, always remember the following tips:
1. Use ventilation or local cooling fans to increase air movement over your body and promote skin evaporation.
2. Take frequent rest breaks between strenuous work activities.
3. Use and wear protective clothing, e.g., loose cotton or heat-reflective clothes.
4. Drink plenty of liquids to replenish your fluid loss.
5. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which also causes an expansion of blood vessels and may bring on flushing, dizziness, or fainting.
6. Keep Cool! Your brain and perhaps your life - depends upon it!
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF "HEAT STRESS
When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and more severe heat stroke can occur and can result in death.
Factors Leading to Heat Stress:
⦁ High temperature and humidity.
⦁ Direct sun or heat.
⦁ Limited air movement.
⦁ Physical exertion.
⦁ Some medicines, and
⦁ Inadequate tolerance of hot workplaces.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:
⦁ Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
⦁ Weakness and moist skin
⦁ Mood changes such as irritability or confusion
⦁ Upset stomach or vomiting.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke:
⦁ Dry, Hot skin with no sweating
⦁ Mental confusion or losing consciousness.
⦁ Seizures or fits
Preventing Heat Stress:
⦁ Know signs/Symptoms heat generated –related illnesses.
⦁ Monitor yourself and your coworkers.
⦁ Block out direct sun or heat sources
⦁ Drink lots of water, about 1cup every 15 minutes
⦁ Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes
⦁ Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals.
What to Do for Heat-Related Illness:
Inform our first aid for the necessary assistance.
While waiting for help to arrive:
⦁ Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.
⦁ Loosen or remove heavy clothing.
⦁ Provide cool drinking water.
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