Heat Stress

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In 2012, there were 31 heat-related worker deaths and

4,120 heat-related worker illnesses

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During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating is

not enough

The body normally cools itself by sweating

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Your body temperature can

rise to dangerous levels if you do not take precautions,

such as drinking water frequently and resting in the

shade or air conditioning

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Heat illnesses include• Heat rash• Heat cramps• Heat exhaustion• Heat stroke

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• Is skin irritation caused

by sweat that does not evaporate from your skin

• Is the most common heat problem in hot work

environments

HEAT RASH

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• Are caused by the loss of body salts and fluidduring sweating

• The muscles you use for work – legs, arms, abdomen – are usually the ones affected by cramps

HEAT CRAMPS

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• Is the body’s response to

loss of water and saltfrom heavy sweating

• Signs include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, and heavy

sweating

HEAT EXHAUSTION

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• Is when the body becomes

unable to regulate its core temperature

• Is the most serious form of heat stress

HEAT STROKE

Signs of heat stroke

• Confusion• Loss of consciousness• Seizures

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Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may result

in death. Call 911 immediately.

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High air temperatures Heat coming from hot surfaces,

like fireplaces or space heaters High humidity Touching or leaning against hot

objects Intense physical activity

Work that has a high potential for causing

heat stress involves

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High-risk jobs include farm work, construction, oil and gas well operations, asbestos removal, landscaping, emergency response operations, hazardous waste site activities, and

more

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Call a supervisor for help; if a

supervisor is not available, call 911 Have someone stay with the worker

until help arrives Move the worker to a cooler/shaded

area Remove the worker’s outer clothing…

What to do when a worker is ill from heat

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Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice

Provide cool drinking water if the worker is able to drink

If the worker is not alert or seems

confused, call 911 immediately and

apply ice as soon as possible

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The heat index, which

takes both temperature and humidity into account, is a useful tool for outdoor workers and employers

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To prevent heat illness, your

employer should Set up a complete heat illness

prevention plan Provide training about the

hazards that lead to heat stressand how to prevent them…

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Provide cool water toworkers close to the work area Modify work schedules and

arrange frequent rest periodswith water breaks in

shaded or air-conditioned areas…

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Allow workers to gradually adapt to the heat

Routinely check on workers who are at risk for heat illnesses

Consider PPE that helps cool workers down

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How can you protect yourself and your coworkers?

• Know the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses, monitor yourself, and use the buddy system

• Block out direct sun and other heat sources…

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Drink plenty of fluids. Drink often and before you are thirsty. Drink water every 15 minutes.

Avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine

Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes

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Safe

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eetin

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: Hea

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ssSign and date this quiz sheet. Circle the letter representing the correct answer to each quiz question below.

Name:©

201

5 PE

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KEY-SM-HEat StrESSPUB. JUNE.16.2015

Date:

1. Work that has a high potential for causing heat stress involves ______.

A. Chilly weatherB. High humidityC. ShadeD. Water

2. Heat ______ is the most serious form of heat stress.

A. CrampsB. ExhaustionC. RashD. Stroke

3. It is recommended that you drink water every _______ minutes.

A. 15B. 20C. 25D. 30

4. ________ should set up a complete heat illness prevention plan.

A. YouB. Your coworkerC. Your employerD. Your friend

5. Heat _______ are caused by loss of body salts and fluid during sweating.

A. BurnsB. CrampsC. RashesD. Strokes

6. _______ beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine.

A. Drink manyB. AvoidC. BuyD. Drink

7. Heat ________ is the body’s response to loss of water and salt from heavy sweating.

A. BurnB. ExhaustionC. RashD. Stroke

8. If a worker is not alert or seems confused, call ________ immediately.

A. 911B. 811C. 711D. 611

9. ________, arms, and the abdomen are usually affected by cramps.

A. EarsB. EyesC. FingersD. Legs

10. ________ check on workers who are at risk for heat stress because they are wearing protective clothing and are being exposed to high temperatures.

A. NeverB. RarelyC. RoutinelyD. Sometimes

Heat

Stre

ss

Safety Meeting answer Keys: Heat Stress Instructors: The following key shows the answers for the Heat Stress safety meeting quiz.

© 2015 PEC

Safety, Inc.

QUIZ-SM-HEat StrESSPUB. JUNE.16.2015

1. B

2. D

3. A

4. C

5. B

6. B

7. B

8. A

9. D

10. C

This is to certify that

has successfully completed thePEC Safety Meeting

Heat Stress

Instructor Date Awarded

STUDENT ROSTER

PRINT STUDENT NAME (CLEARLY) STUDENT SIGNATURE LAST 4 SSN or DOB1.

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INSTRUCTOR NAME SAFETY MEETING DATE

SAFETY MEETING NAME COMPANY NAME

Student Instructions: Print and sign your name. Also, provide your date of birth or the last four digits of your social security number.

©2014 PEC Safety, Inc. All rights reserved.