Summer Campaign

Heat Stress Presentation

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Introduction

Heat stress is a total of all the heat factors, both internally and externally, that make up the total heat load imposed on the body

External Factors
External factors causing heat stress are: Air temperature Heat from surrounding equipment Radiant heat Wind speed Humidity Clothing

Internal Factors

Internal factors causing heat stress: Physical fitness (eg. lack of or obesity) medical conditions (eg. heart, pulmonary) Degree of acclimatisation (7 to 14 days) Alcohol, drugs and Coffee intake Heat tolerance (eg. sunburn)

Medical Conditions
Medical conditions affected by heat: Hypertension Diabetes Alcoholism

Heat Disorders
HEAT RASH
HEAT FATIGUE HEAT CRAMPS
raised vesicles on skin. occurs in hot/humid conditions
impaired mental performance

muscle spasm when large quantities of water consumed without salt replacement. Often can occur at the end of the working day.

Heat Disorders contd

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Caused by lack of fluid or salt intake or both, (sweating).

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Sweats, extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid pulse, skin clammy and moist, maybe pale or flushed, temperature can be raised

Heat Disorders...
HEAT STROKE
Failure of the bodys internal system to regulate its own temperature. Caused by excessive fluid loss leading to shock
mental confusion, hot/dry flushed skin, body temperature 38(+) deg C

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Prevention of Heat Stress

Reduce body heat by: mechanisation of tasks share work loads frequent rest breaks plan work, (use of JSAs)

Schedule high exposure work at cooler times (Avoid 1230 -1530 hrs)

education diet & fluid intake (approx 10 ltrs of water)

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Prevention of Heat Stress

reduce

alcohol and coffee intake Be alert to signs and symptoms of heat stress better use of fixed/portable shade screens Proper clothing (100% cotton long sleeves)

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Treatment of Heat Stress

Seek

medical attention Provide Sips of cool/cold water Lie down in cool place and elevate legs If unconscious, position on side and perform Danger, Response Airway Breathing, Circulation (D.R.A.B.C)

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Report Symptoms
If you experience any heat illness symptoms, REPORT them IMMEDIATELY to your supervisor. Look for any symptoms of heat illness in your team mates, especially new personnel

Reporting of feeling unwell should be seen as a positive and an opportunity to prevent serious illness

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