FM Safety: Heat Stress Prevention & Response
A good number of FM employees work in hot environments, and could potentially face hazardous conditions. Work situations involving high temperature or humidity, direct sun or heat, limited air movement, physical exertion, poor physical condition, some medicines, inadequate tolerance for heat and insufficient water intake can all lead to heat stress. When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses could result.
What kinds of heat stress are possible and how should they be treated?
Heat Stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Symptoms include hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-- as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
Heat Exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Symptoms include cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal. Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
Heat Cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion, and are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat. Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
Heat Rashes are the most common problem in hot work environments where the skin is persistently wetted by unevaporated sweat. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid using ointments or creams—they keep the skin warm and moist and may make the condition worse.
What work practice controls can help reduce heat stress effects?
- Acclimatize gradually for work in hot environments.
- Replace fluids by drinking small amounts of water frequently, e.g., one cup every 20 minutes. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Reduce physical exertion such as excessive lifting, climbing, or digging with heavy objects. Use relief workers or assign extra workers, and minimize overexertion.
- Take advantage of recovery areas such as air-conditioned buildings, and take intermittent rest periods with water breaks.
- Reschedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day. Routine maintenance work in hot areas should be scheduled for the cooler seasons of the year when possible.
- Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress, such as those wearing semi-permeable or impermeable clothing when the temperature exceeds 70°F, while working at high energy levels. Personal monitoring can be done by checking the heart rate, recovery heart rate, and oral temperature.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Use sunblock rated at least 15 SPF. An SPF of 15 absorbs 93% and an SPF of 34 absorbs 97% of ultraviolet radiation. Also, protect your eyes with UVA and UVB-absorbent safety sunglasses.
Source: www.osha.gov
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