Heat Illness
What is Heat illness?
◦Body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature.
What causes it?• Environmental factors (heat, humidity,etc.) • Stresses such as hard physical work • Loss of fluids• Some medical conditions
Personal Risk FactorsAlthough everyone is at risk during extremely high temperatures,
people with increased risk include: • Children up to four years of age• People 65 years of age or older• People who are overweight• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood
pressure, or who take certain medications.
◦Consuming these can increase your risk:• Heavy meals• Alcohol • Caffeinated drinks and Energy Drinks “Sports drinks” with high sugar
content.
What happens if we overheat?
IF HEAT EXHAUSTION GOES UNTREATED IT CAN LEAD TO HEAT STROKE OR DEATH!
How do our bodies cool down?
◦ The best way is by Sweating!
◦ Why does sweating cool us down?– Moisture on the skin evaporates– As it evaporates is takes heat with it
◦ Sweat demo
Preventing Heat illness
◦Good News! ◦ All heat related illnesses are preventable
by:• Staying hydrated• Resting in the shade• Following safe work practices• Taking action when heat illness symptoms occur.
Water, Water and more water
◦ In order for our bodies to cool it self down by sweating it needs◦ water!◦ How much water is recommended?
– 1 quart per hour– 8 hrs. worked = 8 quarts of water – So how much is that?
2 gallons or approx. 15 water bottles (16.9oz)◦ Avoid energy drinks and large amounts of caffeine
– They make it easier for your body to loose water
Shade and Rest
• Shade is required to be present when the temperature exceeds 85° F
• Take breaks and remove PPE to allow body to cool down
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes when possible
Work Practices• If possible, arrange to work during the coolest hours of
the day, • Ensure that there is plenty of cool, potable water
available – enough for at least a quart an hour per person
• Monitor yourself and crew members for signs and symptoms of heat related illness
• Establish Work/Rest schedule with crew
High-heat procedures
◦ When the temperature ≥ 95°F. ◦ High-heat procedures shall include, but are not limited to:• Ensuring that effective communication by voice, observation, or
electronic means is maintained • Observation of employees for alertness and signs/symptoms of heat
illness • Reminding employees to drink water throughout the shift
• This includes ensuring employees leave the branch with extra water
• Closely supervising employees for the first 14 days of employment
Emergencies
◦How to recognize an emergency: Employee passes out/loss of conciseness Employee has an altered mental status
Can not remember simple items such as their name, where they are, day of the week, etc.
Talking in slurred speech Unable to drink fluids on their own
Hot to the touch and no longer sweating Employee is unable to walk on their own
Call 911Give specific and clear directions to your
work site.
Treatment
• Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.
• Loosen or remove heavy clothing.
• Provide cool drinking water in small amounts.
• Fan and mist the person with water.
Additional Resources◦ Heat illness fact sheets◦ http://www.99calor.org/_
downloads/Employers_training_Kit/poster_english_const.pdf
◦ Heat Illness Poster◦ http://
www.grainger.com/Grainger/ACCUFORM-SIGNS-Poster-31A027?Pid=search
◦ Heat Stress Training video in English and Spanish◦ https://fortress.wa.gov/lni/shrl/VideoDetails.aspx?VideoID=1277