How To Cope With Heat Stress

Cope with Heat Stress How to cope with heat stress

It is that time of year again when we have to worry about the heat and its affects. Working under hot and humid conditions places a lot of stress on the body which can result in minor or life threatening illnesses. Being aware of the various types of illnesses, symptoms and preventive steps will help you deal with the heat.

Temperature & Humidity Combined Below is a diagram indicating the temperature and humidity level that you need to be careful of. Relative Humidity 70 %

Temperature 100°F/ 37.8°C

Dangerous 60 %

Caution 50 % 40 %

Less Hazardous

30 %

95°F/ 35°C 90°F/ 32.2°C 85°F/ 29.4°C

80°F/ 26.7°C

How to recognise, treat and avoid heat illnesses? Type 2. 3. 4. 5.

Dehydration

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Symptoms

Treatment

Flushed face Extreme thirst, more than normal or unable to drink Dry/ warm skin Dizziness made worse when you are standing Weakness Cramping in the arms and legs Headaches Dry mouth/ dry tongue Low blood pressure Rapid and deep breathing faster than normal Fainting

For mild to moderate dehydration, drink more water and try to avoid the heat until refreshed.

Type

Symptoms 1.

Heat Rash

3.

Redness accompanied with swelling and inflammation of skin. Small blisters.

Both symptoms commonly occur on the back of the neck.

1.

Heat Cramps

2. 3.

Muscle pain in the abdomen, arms or legs may occur in association with strenuous activity. Rapid heartbeat Sweaty skin

Treatment The best treatment is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Clean the effected area and apply a mild lotion to it. Stop all activities and do not return to strenuous activities until the cramps subside. Further exertion may lead to exhaustion or heat stroke This usually improves if you drink water and rest in a cool environment

Type

Heat Syncope

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Faintness Dizziness Headaches Increased pulse rate Restlessness Nausea Vomiting A brief loss of consciousness. Headaches Paleness Heavy sweating Thirst Dizziness Fatigue Nausea Impaired judgment Loss of appetite

Treatment Lie or sit down under a shaded or cool environment. Try to take frequent breaks if working under high temperatures and drink a lot of water.

Shift to a cooler location and drink a lot of water. Use cold towels over your head and neck.

Type

Symptoms

Treatment

2.

Apply cold towels on the areas affected or take a cold shower.

3.

Sunburn

4.

Skin becomes red & painful Burning sensation and swelling Blisters

Apply moisture lotions and not ointments. Do not break blisters and try to avoid repeated sun exposure. Use sunscreen to avoid a sunburn. Seek medical attention for severe cases

1. 2. 3.

Heatstroke/ Sunstroke

4. 5. 6. 7.

High body temperature Red and dry skin Throbbing headaches Nausea Unconsciousness Rapid and shallow breathing Fatigue

Get to a shady cool area. Sponge or shower with cold water. Get a cold towel and wrap it around the body. Call the hospital for medical treatment.

General Precautions Hydrations The best way to avoid heat strokes and other heat disorders is to keep your body well hydrated. Drink a lot of water if you are exercising or working in hot conditions. Doctors usually recommend consuming eight or more glasses of water per day. Ventilation Remain in cool areas where your body can cool itself. If working in hot conditions, try to take a break to regain energy and to avoid overexposure to the sun. Clothing What you wear plays a big factor in how your body handles the heat. Light clothing and loose fitting clothing will help your body in breathing and cooling itself. It is fine to wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun but once you feel warm, remove it. This usually traps the heat inside your body. Limit yourself It is also important to watch the amount of activities you are participating in during hot days. Don’t overdo it. Heat stroke and other disorders can take affect in less than an hour. Are you fit to work during summer? Older employees, obese employees, new employees and personnel on medication are at great risk if they decide to work during very hot and humid conditions.

BEAT THE HEAT • Remember • It may be not a life threatening situation •

but

• It can let you loose concentration and cause life threatening accident