Managing Heat Stress and Working in Hot Environments

When working in hot environments body temperature may rise, and the body responds by sweating. As the sweat evaporates it cools the body. If the process does not work several heat related illnesses may occur. Water is key to this process; by providing adequate blood volume to transfer heat outward and perspiration to cool the body.

Other factors are as follows:

• Humidity which may inhibit evaporation of sweat.
• Inadequate water intake.
• High ambient air temperature or radiant heat from blast furnaces, or sunshine.
• Various protective clothing that may add to the heat load of the employee.

Heat Related Illnesses

Heat rash

• Symptoms
  Sweat duct becomes blocked and sweat accumulates in the gland. Heat rash is uncomfortable and can lead to more serious disorders due to lack of sweating.
• First Aid
  Apply drying lotion and powder.
• Prevention
  Regular bathing - keeps skin dry and clean.

Fainting

• Symptoms
  Common among workers not acclimated to working in hot environments. Caused by blood pooling in lower extremities.
• First Aid
  Remove employee to cooler area and lay down briefly, recovery is prompt and complete.
• Prevention
  Proper acclimatization and avoid standing erect for extended periods of time, move around.

Heat Cramps

• Symptoms
  Painful spasms of the muscles used during or after work. Caused by excessive loss of salt from sweating.
• First Aid
  Consumption of electrolyte replacement beverage.
• Prevention
  Adequate salt intake during meals, no need for salt tablets - normal diet has ample salt.
  Begin drinking replenishing fluids 1-2 hours before beginning work in hot environment.

Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms
  Fatigue, nausea, headache, rapid heart rate and moist clammy skin. Can progress to heat stroke.
• First Aid
  Rest in cool area and drink fluids.
  Severe cases may require intravenous fluids.
• Prevention
  Acclimatization of worker, and drinking ample water during work.

Heat Stroke

• Symptoms
  Elevated body temperature, unconsciousness or convulsions, lack of sweating and possible vomiting and diarrhea.
• First Aid
  • A medical emergency that requires professional medical treatment.
  • Move patient to cool area, bath in cool water or cover in cool water soaked towels.
  • Remove outer clothing and treat for shock.
  • Give no oral liquid if convulsing or unconscious.

-Lucas R. Zeiler

(708) 597-5900