HEAT STRESS

AWARENESS
Safety Training Module
How to Cope With Heat Stress

It is that time of year again when we

have to worry about the heat and its
affects. Working under hot and humid
conditions places a lot of stress on the
body which can result in minor or life
threatening illnesses.

Being aware of the various types of

illnesses, symptoms and preventive
steps will help you deal with the heat.
Temperature & Humidity Combined

Below is a diagram indicating the temperature and

humidity level that you need to be careful of.
Relative Temperature
Humidity
100°F/ 37.8°C
70 %
Dangerous
60 % 95°F/ 35°C
Caution
90°F/ 32.2°C
50 %

85°F/ 29.4°C
40 %

80°F/ 26.7°C
30 %
Less
Hazardous
How to recognise, treat and avoid heat
illnesses?
Type Symptoms Treatment

1. Flushed face
2. Extreme thirst, more than
normal or unable to drink
3. Dry/ warm skin
4. Dizziness made worse when
you are standing For mild to
5. Weakness moderate
6. Cramping in the arms and
Dehydration legs
dehydration,
drink more
7. Headaches water and try
8. Dry mouth/ dry tongue to avoid the
9. Low blood pressure heat until
10. Rapid and deep breathing - refreshed.
faster than normal
11. Fainting
 Type Symptoms Treatment
1. Redness
accompanied The best treatment is
with swelling and to provide a cooler,
inflammation of skin.
less humid
2. Small blisters.
Heat Rash environment.
Both symptoms commonly
occur on the back of the Clean the effected area
neck. and apply a mild lotion
to it.

Stop all activities and

do not return to
1. Muscle pain in the strenuous activities
abdomen, arms or until the cramps

Heat legs may occur in

association with
subside. Further
exertion may lead to
Cramps 2.
strenuous activity.
Rapid heartbeat
exhaustion or heat
stroke This usually
3. Sweaty skin improves if you drink
water and rest in a cool
environment
 Type Symptoms Treatment
1. Faintness
2. Dizziness Lie or sit down under a
3. Headaches shaded or cool environment.
4. Increased pulse

Heat 5.
rate
Restlessness
Try to take frequent breaks if
working under high
Syncope 6.
7.
Nausea
Vomiting temperatures and drink a lot
8. A brief loss of of water.
consciousness.

1. Headaches
2. Paleness
3. Heavy sweating
4. Thirst Shift to a cooler location and

Heat 5.
6.
Dizziness
Fatigue
drink a lot of water.

Exhaustion 7.
8.
Nausea
Impaired
Use cold towels over your
head and neck.
judgment
9. Loss of appetite
Type Symptoms Treatment
Apply cold towels on the
1. Skin becomes red areas
& painful affected or take a cold shower.
2. Burning sensation
and swelling Apply moisture lotions and
not
3. Blisters
ointments. Do not break
Sunburn blisters and try to avoid
repeated sun exposure.

Use sunscreen to avoid a

sunburn.

Seek medical attention for

severe cases
1. High body Get to a shady cool area.
temperature
2. Red and dry skin
Sponge or shower with cold
3. Throbbing
water.
Heatstroke/ 4.
headaches
Nausea
Sunstroke 5.
6.
Unconsciousness
Rapid and shallow
Get a cold towel and wrap it
around the body.
breathing
7. Fatigue Call the hospital for medical
treatment.
 General Precautions
Hydrations
The best way to avoid heat strokes and other heat disorders is to keep
your body well hydrated. Drink a lot of water if you are exercising or
working in hot conditions. Doctors usually recommend consuming eight
or more glasses of water per day.

Ventilation
Remain in cool areas where your body can cool itself. If working in hot
conditions, try to take a break to regain energy and to avoid overexposure
to the sun.

Clothing
What you wear plays a big factor in how your body handles the heat. Light
clothing and loose fitting clothing will help your body in breathing and
cooling itself. It is fine to wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun
but once you feel warm, remove it. This usually traps the heat inside your
body.

Limit yourself
It is also important to watch the amount of activities you are participating
in during hot days. Don’t overdo it. Heat stroke and other disorders can
take affect in less than an hour.

Are you fit to work during summer?

Older employees, obese employees, new employees and personnel on
medication are at great risk if they decide to work during very hot and
humid conditions.