Heat Stress Prevention - IADC.org
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Heat Stress Prevention Robert M. Bourgeois, MD, MPH, FACOEM BOURGEOIS MEDICAL CLINIC WWW.B-M-C.NET [email protected] IADC RMB 2014 Copyright RMB
Transcript of Heat Stress Prevention - IADC.org
Heat Stress Prevention
Robert M. Bourgeois, MD, MPH, FACOEM BOURGEOIS MEDICAL CLINIC
WWW.B-M-C.NET [email protected]
IADC RMB 2014 Copyright RMB
IADC RMB 2014
Heat Stress Issues • Lessons Learned from DWH Response • Unable to use TLV / Tables as written • Southern Heat / Humidity • 8 vs 10 vs 12 Hour Shifts
• Increased Heat Load
• Logistics issues – Cooling / Hydration • Fitness for Duty • Medications that Increase Heat Stress
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Challenges • Some workers previously acclimated;
Some never worked in heat before • Hydration / Cooling / Rest Areas / Work
Rest Cycles • Job Duties / PPE
– “Hot Jobs” – Sun, Enclosed Area, Other Heat Sources – Engines, Welding,
– PPE can increase the potential for heat stress issues
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Heat and PPE
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Heat and PPE
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Heat & PPE
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Heat Stress Acclimatization – Acclimatization Process
•1 – 2 Weeks •Straight work vs. hitches
–Re-acclimatize Each Hitch •Hydration, Hydration, Hydration •Water is the Best Fluid •May use Electrolyte Supplements
–Mid-Day and End of Shift –Low Carb or Sugar Free
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Heat Load
• Mitigating Heat Exposure / Heat Load •Light colored clothing •Shade •Cooling devices
–Fans –Misters – Good in Low Humidity –A/C –Personal Cooling
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Rest / Cooling Tents
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COOLING FAN / MISTER
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COOLING TRAILER Shade, Cooling, Hydration
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Heat Stress Prevention • Work / Rest & Hydration Cycles
– Shaded Areas – Cooling Tents / Lunch in AC – Scheduled Mandated Fluid Intake – – Limited Sugar and Caffeine Intake
• Heat Stress Managers / Monitors – Teach Heat Stress Plan to others
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Cooling Tents
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Heat Stress Prevention • Heat Stress Prevention program should
include – Training – Flexible work/rest schedules; use of cooler
periods of day – Provide shade areas for breaks, copious
water, medical supervision
• Pre-Hydration, Scheduled Hydration
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Heat Stress Prevention – Hydration
• Pre-Hydrate – Every Night prior to Work Day and prior to Work Every Day
• Scheduled breaks • Fluids
– H2O – 32 ounces per hour in very hot setting – Electrolyte Replacement – May not need any
once acclimated – No or Low Sugar Fluids
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Hydration Station
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Fitness for Duty
• Workers at greater risk of heat stress include: – > 65 years of age or older – Overweight – Heart disease, high blood pressure – Taking medications that may potentiate heat
stress
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Medical Issues • Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
– Should have Medical Clearance to Work in Heat
• Return to Work after Illness / Injury – Condition may be an issue – New Medications – Deconditioned – Need time to Acclimate
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Medication Issues
• Increased Risk of Heat Illness – Antipsychotics, Tricyclic antidepressants,
atropine, benztropine, cyclobenzaprine, diphenhydramine, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, metoclopramide, methylphenidate, oxybutynin, prochlorperazine, promethazine, scopolamine, spironolactone, amphetamines, cocaine
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Heat Stress Treatment
• Treatment – PREVENTION – Best Treatment – Oral Fluids – Cooling – IV Fluids – (Makes Heat Stress an OSHA
Recordable)
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Questions?
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Contact Information:
Robert M. Bourgeois, MD, MPH, FACOEM BOURGEOIS MEDICAL CLINIC
1201 Kenneth Drive Morgan City, LA 70380 [email protected]
985-384-3355
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