Thermal Stress at workplace

Ass. Prof. Dr. Laith A. Alrudainy

 Thermal Stress

• Thermal stress is defined as the physical and

physiological reactions of the human body to
temperatures that fall outside of the human
normal comfort zone.
 Temperature Regulation
The hypothalamus is a small organelle within the
brain which adjusts bodily functions through
hormones which:
-Increase heart rate
-Begin the sweating mechanism
-Increase blood flow to the skin surface
 How does the body rid itself of
excess heat?
There are 4 means of heat removal from the body.

Convection
Radiation
Evaporation
Conduction
What are the health effects of heat
stress/strain?

Heat Rash
Sunburn
Heat Fatigue
Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Heat Exhaustion

Cause: Depressed condition of the circulatory

system due to a lack of adequate fluid
replacement (dehydration). Blood vessels dilate
and blood flow is seriously reduced (clinical
condition of shock has occurred).

Symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, weakness,

headache, blurred vision, profuse sweating,
cold/wet (clammy) grayish skin,
unconsciousness, coma and death.
Heat Exhaustion (continued):
First Aid: Place victim in a face down position in a cool location,
administer fluids if the victim is conscious. If unconscious,
seek medical care or transport to a medical emergency room.

Seriousness: Shock is a serious medical condition regardless

of the cause of its onset. Victims may require several days or
even weeks to recover.
Heat Stroke
Cause: The body’s temperature regulation
mechanism, located in the hypothalamus, fails
and sweating stops. Core body temperature
rises dramatically and the victim’s condition
becomes a serious medical emergency.

Symptoms: Chills, restlessness, irritability,

euphoria, red face and skin, disorientation,
hot/dry skin (not always), collapse,
unconsciousness, convulsions and death.
Heat Stroke (continued):

First Aid: Immediate, aggressive cooling of the victim’s body

using wet cloths, immersion into cool water or using alcohol
wipes. Transport to emergency medical facility.

Seriousness: Heat Stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Without outside intervention, the victim will die.. Recovery
times from heat stroke are generally the longest of any
heat-related disorder.
Heat effects and people

Heat affects people in different ways. People

come in all different sizes, shapes, and
tolerances for heat.

Some people can work comfortably in high

temperatures, while others will develop sickness
from heat stress/strain
Heat effects
Predisposing Factors:
 very small body size
 poor nutrition
 overweight
 over 40 years old (the older the more sensitive)
 previous heat illness
 heart disease
 high blood pressure
 diabetes
 skin disease
 liver, kidney, and lung problems
Heat effects
Predisposing Factors, cont’d:
 poor physical condition
 fatigue
 excessive clothing
 dehydration
 being female
 being pregnant
 alcohol, caffeine, nicotine intake
 Sunbathing
Heat effects, cont’d - Drugs
Drugs that interfere with body’s thermo-regulation:
Heat production:
thyroid hormone
amphetamines

Decrease sweating:
antihistamines
anticholinergics
phenothiazines
Benztropine
Cold Stress
Hypothermia
“a decrease in the core body temperature to a
level at which normal muscular and neurological
functions are impaired”

Hypothermia is possible at any temperature

under 98.6 F degrees.
Hypothermia - signs

Shows decreased physical and mental capacity.

Hypothermia - mild
Mild Hypothermia:
- core temperature 98.6 – 96 F
- non-voluntary shivering
-complex motor functions impossible
-vasoconstriction to periphery
Hypothermia - moderate
Moderate Hypothermia:
- core temperature 95 – 93 F
- loss of fine motor coordination
- slurred speech
- violent shivering
- apathetic attitude
Hypothermia - severe
Severe Hypothermia:
- core temperature 92 – 86 F or below
- shivering in waves
- person curled in fetal position to conserve heat
- muscle rigidity develops
- pale skin/dilated pupils
- reduced pulse
• Severe Hypothermia is LIFE THREATENING!
Cold Injuries
Although hypothermia is well known, there are
other cold injuries.

-Frostbite
-Immersion foot (trench foot)
Frostbite
Frostbite is a freezing of the surface and deep
layers of tissue.

Characterized by:
- white, and feels “woody”
- numbness, possible anesthesia
- deep frostbite can affect bone and muscle
- purple/black color is from ruptured blood
vessels
Frostbite - treatment
Immerse affected area in 105 – 110 degree F
water until thawing is complete.
- part will be extremely painful
Wrap affected part in sterile gauze
Affected part should not be used for anything
- keep part from refreezing
Immersion Foot – trench foot
Immersion foot is caused by prolonged exposure of the
feet to wet, cool conditions.

Characterized by:
- yellowish, smelly feet
- possibly numb
- sloughing of skin tissue/itching

*Immersion foot may cause permanent damage to foot

tissues, leaving person susceptible to cold injuries in
future.
Immersion Foot - treatment

- Careful cleaning and drying of feet.

- Keep feet dry as much as possible.

- Keep off feet as much as possible until healed.

Thank you