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T TH
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 Cope with Heat Stress
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.
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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
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 Heat
Heatstress
stressHazards
Hazards

Heat stroke Heat exhaustion Heat syncope

Heat cramps Heat rash Transient heat fatigue

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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 For mild to
when you are standing moderate
dehydration,
Dehydration 5. Weakness
drink more
6. Cramping in the arms and
legs water and try
7. Headaches to avoid the
8. Dry mouth/ dry tongue heat until
9. Low blood pressure refreshed.
10. Rapid and deep breathing -
faster than normal
11. Fainting

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 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
strenuous activities
1. Muscle pain in the
until the cramps
abdomen, arms or
subside. Further
Heat legs may occur in
association with 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
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 Type Symptoms Treatment
1. Faintness
2. Dizziness Lie or sit down under a
3. Headaches shaded or cool environment.
4. Increased pulse
Heat rate
Try to take frequent breaks if
Syncope 5.
6.
Restlessness
Nausea
working under high

7. Vomiting temperatures and drink a lot

8. A brief loss of of water.
consciousness.
1. Headaches
2. Paleness
3. Heavy sweating Shift to a cooler location and
4. Thirst
Heat 5. Dizziness
drink a lot of water.

Exhaustion 6.
7.
Fatigue
Nausea
Use cold towels over your
head and neck.
8. Impaired
judgment
9. Loss of appetite
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Type Symptoms Treatment
Apply cold towels on the
areas
1. Skin becomes red
& 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
Clean or shower with cold
3. Throbbing
headaches water.
Heatstroke/ 4. Nausea
Sunstroke 5.
6.
Unconsciousness
Rapid and shallow
Get a cold towel and wrap it
around the body.
breathing
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7. Fatigue Call the hospital for medical
Heat Stress - 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 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 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. NSH
SUNBURN

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THANK YOU
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