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