Safety Training Topic HEAT ILLNESS

Purpose of Meeting  To remind workers that hot temperatures can result in a serious injury.  To reinforce heat illness safety rules.  To consider ways to protect yourself from heat illness.

Materials and Preparation  A copy of the written heat illness prevention safety rules or policy.

Note to Trainer  Enter your name and the training date on the Training Sign In Sheet.  Have each attendee sign the Training Sign In Sheet next to their name.  Use this page for your reference and give attendees copies of the remaining pages.

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SAFETY TRAINING TOPIC

HEAT ILLNESS What is Heat Illness

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As temperatures begin to rise, so does the risk of heat illness. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet many people succumb to the effects. Heat-related illness is also an underlying cause of a high percentage of non-fatal incidents. People suffer from heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. Under certain conditions, sweating will fail to cool the body and the storage of heat over time will lead to the signs and symptoms of heat illness. Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in fluid intake, activities and clothing during hot weather can help you to remain safe and healthy.

How the Body Handles Heat The human body gains or loses heat in four ways: 1) Radiation (infra-red rays from hot objects) 2) Convection (transfer to or from air moving over the skin) 3) Conduction (direct transfer of heat or cold through direct contact) 4) Evaporative Cooling (sweat evaporating from the skin)

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How the Body Keeps Temperatures within Safe Limits

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HEAT ILLNESS

The body must get rid of its excess heat, primarily through varying the rate and amount of blood circulation through the skin and the release of fluid onto the skin by the sweat glands. In this process of lowering internal body temperature, the heart begins to pump more blood, blood vessels expand to accommodate the increased flow, and the microscopic blood vessels (capillaries) that thread through the upper layers of the skin begin to fill with blood. The blood circulates closer to the surface of the skin, and the excess heat is lost to the cooler environment. If heat loss from increased circulation is not adequate, the brain continues to sense overheating and signals the sweat glands in the skin to shed large quantities of sweat onto the skin surface. Evaporation of sweat cools the skin, eliminating large quantities of heat from the body. But as environmental temperatures approach normal skin temperature, it’s harder for the body to cool off. If cooling is not adequate, the worker may experience:  a decrease in strength,  alertness,  mental capacity,  accuracy,  comprehension,  and retention of information.

Humidity Sweating only cools the body if the moisture evaporates from the skin. If humidity is high, less sweat evaporates and the body is less able to maintain an acceptable body temperature.

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Types of Heat Illness

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HEAT ILLNESS

Heat Rash: A skin irritation (also known as prickly heat) caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It is likely to occur where sweat is not easily removed from the surface of the skin by evaporation and the skin remains wet most of the time. Sweat ducts become plugged, which eventually leads to a rash. It is manifested as red papules and usually appears in areas of restrictive clothing. Heat Syncope (fainting): In heat syncope, the brain does not receive enough oxygen because the blood pools in the extremities. Workers not accustomed to hot environments and who stand erect and immobile in the heat may faint. Onset is usually rapid and unpredictable. Heat Cramps: Usually caused by strenuous activity in a hot environment. Painful spasms of the muscles are caused when workers drink large quantities of water but fail to replace their body’s electrolyte loss. Cramps can be caused by either too much or too little salt in the system. The muscles most susceptible are those that become tired from performing the energetic activity. Cramps may occur during or after work hours. Heat Exhaustion: A serious illness that can gradually develop during exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Body temperature may be normal or slightly elevated. Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when the body’s system of temperature regulation fails, sweating becomes inadequate and the body’s core temperature rises to critical levels. The body’s only effective means of removing excess heat is compromised, with little warning to the victim. Body temperature is usually above 106°F or higher. Unless the victim receives quick and appropriate treatment, death or permanent disability can occur.

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Heat Illness Prevention

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Minimize Heat: Probably one of the best ways to avoid heat stress is to minimize the heat in the workplace. However, this can be especially difficult when the workplace itself is outdoors and little or no shade is available to help reduce exposure.

HEAT ILLNESS

Gradual Adjustment: The best way to prepare the body for heat is through gradual adjustment. This adjustment usually takes from 5-7 days, during which the body will undergo a series of changes that will make continued exposure to heat more endurable.

Gradual Exposure: Gradual exposure to heat gives the body time to become acclimatized to higher environmental temperatures. Heat-related illness is more likely to occur among workers that have not been given ample time to adjust to working in the heat.

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Preventive Measures

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As the heat index begins to climb to dangerous levels, precautions must be taken to avoid the possibility of a heat-related illness. Staying indoors in air-conditioned areas should be considered whenever possible. Should it be necessary to go outside for prolonged periods during peak temperatures:

HEAT ILLNESS

 Limit the amount of time spent in the heat until fully acclimatized.  Properly hydrate your body by drinking more fluids before, during and after exposure to heat.  Don’t wait until you're thirsty to drink.  Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar - they cause your body to lose more fluid.  Avoid very cold drinks - cool (50°-60°) fluid is ideal.  Eat light meals - avoid hot and heavy meals.  Wear lightweight, light-colored, loosefitting clothing.  Take frequent rest breaks in a cool shaded area. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.  Avoid overexertion - slow down and avoid strenuous activity.  Become familiar with the early warning signs and symptoms of the various heatrelated illnesses.

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