Hot and humid weather creates a higher risk of developing heat stress illnesses ranging from heat rash to life-threatening heat stroke. Heat stress is preventable if the proper precautions are taken. I put together a Health and Safety training PowerPoint presentation for managing heat stress. The PowerPoint is uploaded in my Box.net files. Feel free to download it and share with others.

1. MANAGING HEAT STRESS Prepared by: Dan Sawall dan.sawall@yahoo.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/dansawall

3. Heat stress occurs when the core body temperature rises and cannot be cooled by sweating.

4. Our bodies maintain a fairly constant internal temperature even though exposed to varying environmental temperatures.

6. Muscle cramps

7. Exhaustion

8. Fainting

10. Radiant heat (hot equipment, vessels and sun)

11. Air movement

12. Clothing

13. Work rate (difficulty of work)If these not controlled, HEAT STRESS MAY OCCUR!

17. Apply calamine lotion

19. Severe pain and cramps in legs and abdomen

20. Weakness, dizziness or fainting

21. Profuse sweating

23. Drink at least 16 ounces of water per hour

25. Drink lots of water; may need IV

26. Loosen clothing and elevate legs above heart

27. If condition worsens, seek medical attention immediatelyIf left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to HEAT STROKE!

29. Rapid pulse, confusion and nausea

31. Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet sheets

32. Apply cold compresses to head, neck and groinSEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!

34. Start drinking water before you start work

35. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine

36. Get used to the heat for short periods, followed by longer periods of work

37. Alternate work and rest breaks, with longer breaks in cooler areas

39. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing (e.g. cotton)

40. Notify your Supervisor at first sign of any problem

41. Keep an eye on your coworkers. Use a buddy system.

43. Drink an adequate amount of water, even when you are not thirsty.

44. You should drink 16 ounces of fluids every hour to replenish the necessary fluids in the body.

45. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already 10% dehydrated.

47. Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives

48. Move the worker to a cooler / shaded area

49. Remove outer clothing

50. Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice (ice bags or ice towels)

51. Provide cool drinking water, if able to drinkIF THE WORKER IS NOT ALERT or seems confused, this may be a heat stroke. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and apply ice as soon as possible!

52. Quiz Circle the best answer to each statement. In the course of a day’s work in heat, a person can sweat as much as 2-3 gallons. True or False Heat stress occurs when the core body temperature rises and cannot be cooled by sweating.True or False Humidity is not an external factor associated with heat stress.True or False Heat rash occurs when sweat ducts plug and sweat cannot freely evaporate from the skin. True or False Heat cramps are treated by drinking 16 ounces of water every 4 hours. True or False Headaches and dizziness are not symptoms of heat exhaustion. True or False Hot, red skin and no sweating are symptoms of heat stroke. True or False If someone is having a heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately. True or False Applying ice is not recommended for treating someone taken ill from the heat. True or False If you are not thirsty, you must be well-hydrated. True or False Drinking beverages with caffeine is a good way to prevent dehydration. True or False Darker urine color is an indicator of dehydration. True or False