SITE HEAT STRESS

Learning Objectives 2

Workers to be able to:

Understand Heat stress

Identify its symptoms and the means to prevent or
minimize the heat stress effects.
Identify their respective roles and responsibilities in
case of hot weather or heat stress case.
 HOT WEATHER AND HEAT STRESS 3

Heat stress is usually the result of work

being performed at high temperatures.
Contributory factors may also include Air
humidity, or decrease body ventilation due
to clothing
 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 4

Supervision shall actively monitor the work force for signs

and symptoms of heat stress.

It is the responsibility of each Line Responsible to ensure

that their workers are:
Informed of the physical hazards to Heat Exposure.
Educated in recognizing and understanding the
symptoms and treatment for various forms of heat stress.
 Heat Stress - SYMPTOMS 5

Physical reactions to hot weather range from

being mild to fatal. Reactions may include:

Fatigue
Irritability
Anxiety
Decreased concentration
Dexterity
 Health Hazards 6

There are several health hazards associated

with excessive exposure to heat and sun.
Recognize the effects of the following heat
exposures:

Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Rash
Heat Stroke
 Health Hazards - Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion 7

This is a result of the loss of salt in the working

muscles, usually a part of heat exhaustion, and
consequent sweating.

PRECAUTIONS / TREATMENT:

Acclimatize yourself during

hot weather
Drink lots of water
Frequent Rest
Be aware that drinking alcohol
dehydrates your system
Health Hazards - Heat Exhaustion 8
 Health Hazards - Heat Rash 9

This is a harmless but very itchy skin rash with small red
spots all over the affected areas.
The rash is caused by a blockage and inflammation of sweat
ducts during times of exposure to heat and high humidity.

PRECAUTIONS / TREATMENT:
Wear light, loose-fitting soft clothes
Avoid clothing that traps heat and moisture
Natural fabrics such as cotton are best
Stay in cool, well ventilated environments,
use a fan if necessary
Apply calamine lotion or Heat lotions to
soothe the affected areas
DO NOT SCRATCH
 Health Hazards - Heat Stroke 10

This is the most serious heat stress health problem. The individual’s tolerance
to heat stops, and he has hot, dry skin with a high core temperature, chills,
and mental confusion. If the individual is not cooled off quickly,
the result can be brain damage or even death.

PRECAUTIONS / TREATMENT:
Ensure workers are acclimatized to heat
Report cases to the site clinic instantly
Follow the general precautions, call Medical helps
HEAT STROKE INDEX SCHEME 11
 HEAT STROKE – PHYSIOLOGICAL URINE CONTROL 12

If you work in HOT CONDITIONS you must remember to drink

water throughout the day because you cannot fully rehydrate by
just drinking water immediately after the workout. Your urine
should be the color of PALE YELLOW - between #1 and #3 on
the chart below. If it is darker you are probably still dehydrated

OK !!!
 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS 13

Acclimatise yourself to hot weather

Drink lots of water
Take short breaks in the shaded areas provided
to you on site
Wear light, loose-fitting soft clothes
Avoid clothing that traps heat and moisture
Do not drink alcohol, it dehydrates your system.
Report to your supervisor when you feel any
health related symptoms due to heat
HOT WEATHER AND HEAT STRESS CONCLUSION 14