Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety HIGHLIGHTS Elderly people (65 years

s and older), infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area. Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Historically, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure. People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use. Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death. The elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heatrelated illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned. Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with measures that aid the body's cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness. This pamphlet tells how you can prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related health problems. What Is Extreme Heat? Conditions of extreme heat are defined as summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and/or more humid than average for location at that time of year. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a "dome" of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground. Extremely dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility. Droughts occur when a long period passes without substantial rainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation. During Hot Weather To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important: Drink Plenty of Fluids During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.

Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugarthese actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. Replace Salt and Minerals Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets. Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) along with sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels) 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions. Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover. Pace Yourself If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or at least into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint. Stay Cool Indoors Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public libraryeven a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home. Use a Buddy System When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day. Monitor Those at High Risk Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.

People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature. People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat. People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness. People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat. Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching. Adjust to the Environment Be aware that any sudden change in temperature, such as an early summer heat wave, will be stressful to your body. You will have a greater tolerance for heat if you limit your physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat. If you travel to a hotter climate, allow several days to become acclimated before attempting any vigorous exercise, and work up to it gradually. Do Not Leave Children in Cars Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death. Children who are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death. When traveling with children, remember to do the following: Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver. When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car. Use Common Sense Remember to keep cool and use common sense: Avoid hot foods and heavy mealsthey add heat to your body. Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Do not take salt tablets unless under medical supervision. Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches. Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area. Hot Weather Health Emergencies Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems. During hot weather health emergencies, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels or contact local health departments for health and safety updates. Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. Know the symptoms of heat disorders and overexposure to the sun, and be ready to give first aid treatment. Heat Stroke Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106F or higher

within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Recognizing Heat Stroke Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following: An extremely high body temperature (above 103F, orally) Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating) Rapid, strong pulse Throbbing headache Dizziness Nausea Confusion Unconsciousness What to Do If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following: Get the victim to a shady area. Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102F. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions. Do not give the victim fluids to drink. Get medical assistance as soon as possible. Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. Recognizing Heat Exhaustion Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following: Heavy sweating Paleness Muscle cramps Tiredness Weakness Dizziness Headache Nausea or vomiting Fainting The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following occurs: Symptoms are severe

The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour. What to Do Cooling measures that may be effective include the following: Cool, nonalcoholic beverages Rest Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath An air-conditioned environment Lightweight clothing Heat Cramps Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles may be the cause of heat cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Recognizing Heat Cramps Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasmsusually in the abdomen, arms, or legsthat may occur in association with strenuous activity. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps. What to Do If medical attention is not necessary, take these steps: Stop all activity, and sit quietly in a cool place. Drink clear juice or a sports beverage. Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside, because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour. Sunburn Sunburn should be avoided because it damages the skin. Although the discomfort is usually minor and healing often occurs in about a week, a more severe sunburn may require medical attention. Recognizing Sunburn Symptoms of sunburn are well known: the skin becomes red, painful, and abnormally warm after sun exposure. What to Do Consult a doctor if the sunburn affects an infant younger than 1 year of age or if these symptoms are present: Fever Fluid-filled blisters Severe pain Also, remember these tips when treating sunburn: Avoid repeated sun exposure. Apply cold compresses or immerse the sunburned area in cool water. Apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas. Do not use salve, butter, or ointment. Do not break blisters.

Heat Rash Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Recognizing Heat Rash 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. What to Do 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. Treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require medical assistance. Other heat-related problems can be much more severe. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips: Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Dont wait until youre thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Dont drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugarthese actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public libraryeven a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on: ?Infants and young children ?People aged 65 or older ?People who have a mental illness ?Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching. If you must be out in the heat: Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first tip (above), too. Try to rest often in shady areas. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say broad spectrum or UVA/UVB protection on their labels).

HEAT STRESS

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Overview Types of Heat Stress Recommendations for Employers Recommendations for Workers CDC Resources Other Government Resources Additional Resources

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Overview
Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam. Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat. Prevention of heat stress in workers is important. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

Types of Heat Stress

Heat Stroke | Heat Exhaustion | Heat Syncope | Heat Cramps | Heat Rash

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Symptoms Symptoms of heat stroke include:

Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Hallucinations Chills Throbbing headache High body temperature Confusion/dizziness Slurred speech

First Aid Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:

Call 911 and notify their supervisor. Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area. Cool the worker using methods such as: o Soaking their clothes with water. o Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water. o Fanning their body.

Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Workers most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment. Symptoms Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

Heavy sweating Extreme weakness or fatigue Dizziness, confusion Nausea Clammy, moist skin Pale or flushed complexion Muscle cramps Slightly elevated body temperature Fast and shallow breathing

First Aid Treat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion with the following:

Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area. Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages. Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Heat Syncope
Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization. Symptoms Symptoms of heat syncope include:

Light-headedness Dizziness Fainting

First Aid Workers with heat syncope should:

Sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel symptoms. Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage.

Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Symptoms Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. First Aid Workers with heat cramps should:

Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place. Drink clear juice or a sports beverage. Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical attention if any of the following apply: o The worker has heart problems. o The worker is on a low-sodium diet. o The cramps do not subside within one hour.

Heat Rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. Symptoms Symptoms of heat rash include:

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.

First Aid Workers experiencing heat rash should:

Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.

Recommendations for Employers

Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from heat stress:

Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for cooler months. Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day. Acclimatize workers by exposing them for progressively longer periods to hot work environments. Reduce the physical demands of workers. Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs. Provide cool water or liquids to workers. o Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar. Provide rest periods with water breaks. Provide cool areas for use during break periods. Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress. Provide heat stress training that includes information about: o Worker risk o Prevention o Symptoms o The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms o Treatment o Personal protective equipment

Recommendations for Workers

Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress:

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton. o Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing. Gradually build up to heavy work. Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day. Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity. o Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible. Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty. Approximately 1 cup every 15-20 minutes. Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar. Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

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What causes heat exhaustion and heatstroke?

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, occur when your body can't keep itself cool. As the air temperature rises, your body stays cool when your sweat evaporates. On hot, humid days, the evaporation of sweat is slowed by the increased moisture in the air. When sweating isn't enough to cool your body, your body temperature rises, and you may become ill.

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot. It can be caused by physical exercise or hot weather. You may experience: Heavy sweating Feeling weak and/or confused Dizziness Nausea Headache Fast heartbeat Dark-colored urine, which indicates dehydration

What should I do if I think I have heat exhaustion?

If you think you have heat exhaustion, get out of the heat quickly. Rest in a building that has airconditioning. If you can't get inside, find a cool, shady place. Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Do NOT drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks (such as soda). These can make heat exhaustion worse. Take a cool shower or bath, or apply cool water to your skin. Take off any tight or unnecessary clothing. If you do not feel better within 30 minutes, you should contact your doctor. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can progress to heatstroke.

What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is when the internal temperature of the body reaches 104F. It can happen when your body gets too hot during strenuous exercise or when exposed to very hot temperatures, or it can happen after heat exhaustion isn't properly treated. Heatstroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. Heatstroke can cause damage to your organs and brain. In extreme cases, it can kill you.

Symptoms of heatstroke
High fever (104F or higher) Severe headache Dizziness and feeling light-headed A flushed or red appearance to the skin Lack of sweating Muscle weakness or cramps Nausea Vomiting Fast heartbeat Fast breathing Feeling confused, anxious or disoriented Seizures

What should I do if I think someone has heatstroke?

If you think someone might have heatstroke, call emergency medical personnel immediately. While you are waiting for medical assistance, take the person into an air-conditioned building or a cool, shady place. Remove the person's unnecessary clothing to help cool him or her down. Try to fan air over the person

while wetting the skin with water. You can also apply ice packs to the person's armpits, groin, neck and back. These areas contain a lot of blood vessels close the surface of the skin. Cooling them with ice packs can help the person cool down.

Get medical help right away if you have these warning signs:

Skin that feels hot and dry, but not sweaty Confusion or loss of consciousness Frequent vomiting Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

Do medicines affect heatstroke?

The following are some medicines that can put you in danger of heatstroke because they affect the way your body reacts to heat:
Allergy medicines (antihistamines) Some blood pressure and heart medicines (beta-blockers and vasoconstrictors) Diet pills and illegal drugs such as cocaine (amphetamines) Laxatives Some medicines that treat mental health conditions (antidepressants and antipsychotics) Seizure medicines (anticonvulsants) Water pills (diuretics)

Tell your doctor what medicines you are taking. He or she can tell you if your medicine puts you in danger of heatstroke.

What does the "heat index" mean?

The heat index tells you how hot it feels outside in the shade. It is not the same as the outside temperature. The heat index is a measurement of how hot it feels when relative humidity is combined with the effects of the air temperature. When you are standing in full sunshine, the heat index value is even higher. A heat index of 90F or higher is dangerous.

How can I prevent heat illness?

When the heat index is high, stay indoors in air-conditioned areas when possible. If you must go outside, take the following precautions: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat or using an umbrella. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity. Drink extra water all day. Keep in mind that heat-related illnesses are not only caused by high temperatures and a loss of fluids, but also a lack of salt in the body. Some sports drinks can help replenish the salt in your body lost through sweating. Drink fewer beverages that contain caffeine (such as tea, coffee and soda) or alcohol. Schedule vigorous outdoor activities for cooler times of the day -- before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. During an outdoor activity, take frequent breaks. Drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you have clear, pale urine, you are probably drinking enough fluids. Dark-colored urine is an indication that you're dehydrated. If you have a chronic medical problem, ask your doctor about how to deal with the heat, about drinking extra fluids and about your medicines.

What should I do after having heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

Having heat exhaustion or heatstroke makes you more sensitive to hot conditions for about a week afterwards. Be especially careful not to exercise too hard, and avoid hot weather. Your doctor can tell you when it is safe to return to your normal activities.

Dangers of Heat Stress

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Instructor
The following script can be used to deliver a 15-minute training session to employees. The text explains the impact that hot weather work can have on health, describes preventive measures, and touches briefly on first aid. You may wish to go into more detail about what is to be done in the event of a heat stress emergency. However; it is suggested that you try to stay strictly on topic. Obviously, you will need to be prepared to answer questions.

POINTS TO EMPHASIZE :

Drink plenty of water to keep body fluid levels up. Get out of the heat occasionally. Be alert to early warnings of heat stress, both in yourself and in your co-workers.

Heat stress needs to be taken seriously Working in a hot environment puts stress on the body's cooling system. When heat is combined with other stresses-like hard physical work, loss of fluids, or fatigue-it may lead to heat-related illness, disability, or even death! The body is always generating heat and passing it to the environment. The harder you work, the more heat your body has to lose. Heat leaves your body in several ways:

transfer from skin to air. evaporation by perspiration. exhaling hot air. touching a cool object.

Individuals over age-40 need to take extra care when the weather is hot, because our ability to sweat declines as we age. However, heat stress can also affect individuals who are young and fit. Water is crucial to helping the body adjust to high temperatures. The rate of water intake must equal the increased rate of water loss by perspiration to keep body temperature normal. When it's hot, drink plenty of water! Your body must work even harder to get rid of excess heat when conditions are both hot and humid. Unfortunately, perspiration can't evaporate as readily under muggy conditions. The process is easier if the surrounding air is moving. That's why we welcome a cool breeze, or turn on a fan when the air is "sticky". Sickness and accident rates increase when heavy work is done at temperatures above 30 degrees. Don't push yourself beyond your limits. It could be harmful to your health, and could put you at increased risk of having an accident.

Heat stress hazards Following are three common conditions that can result from the body overheating. Heat cramps: Heavy sweating drains the body of salt, which cannot be replaced by simply drinking water. Painful cramps occur in the arms, legs, or stomach while on the job, or later at home. Move to a cool area at once if cramping is experienced. Loosen clothing and drink cool, lightly-salted water or a commercial fluid replacement beverage. Seek medical aid if the cramps are severe, or don't go away. Heat exhaustion: Inadequate water and salt intake causes the body's cooling system to break down. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cool, moist skin, body temperature over 38 degrees, weak pulse, and normal or low blood pressure. The victim is likely to be tired, weak, clumsy, upset, or confused. They will be very thirsty, and will pant or breath rapidly. Their vision may be blurred. Get medical help immediately! Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can kill. Move the person to a cool, shaded area. Loosen or remove excess clothing. Provide cool, lightly-salted water. Fan and spray the victim with cool water. Heat stroke can kill a person quickly! Once the body uses up all its water and salt, sweating ceases. Temperature can rise quickly. You can assume a person is suffering from heat stroke if their body temperature is over 41 degrees, and any of the following symptoms are present:

weakness, confusion, distress, strange behavior. hot, dry, red skin. rapid pulse. headache or dizziness. In later stages heat stroke, a victim may pass out and have convulsions.

Call an ambulance immediately if heat stroke is suspected. The victim' s life may be on the line ! Until help arrives, move the victim to a cool area and remove excess clothing. Fan and spray them with cool water. Offer sips of water if the victim is conscious. Heatwave guidelines The following measures should help prevent the development of heat-related illnesses. 1. Slow down in hot weather. Your body's temperature regulating system faces a much greater workload when temperature and humidity are high. Heed early warnings of heat stress, such as headache, heavy perspiration, high pulse rate, and shallow breathing. Take a break immediately and get to a cooler location. Watch for heat stress signs among your co-workers. Dress for hot weather. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat. Drink plenty of water. Don't let yourself "dry out". Increase your salt intake, preferably by adding salt to your food. (Consult your physician if you are on a saltrestricted diet.) Try to get used to warm weather gradually. Take it easy for those first two or three hot days. Your body will have a better chance to adjust if you take it slow. Get out of the heat occasionally. Physical stress increases with time in hot weather. Take breaks in a cool, shady location. Don't try to get a suntan while you are working! It's harder for your internal cooling system to work through sunburned skin. Wear a hat and long-sleeved shirt to prevent burning (which we know can increase the risk of skin cancer.)

2.
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5. 6. 7. 8.

Are there any questions? Finally, let's take a moment to review some of the "Do's" and "Don'ts" of preventing heat-related illnesses. DO: DONT: Drink plenty of water. Take breaks in a cool, shady area. Watch for symptoms of a heat stress, both in yourself and co-workers.

Ignore symptoms of heat stress. Try to get a suntan while working. Try to "keep up" with the rest of the crew, even though you feel ill.

Heat Stroke DOs & DONTs & Precautions 65

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Ads by Google FireHost Cloud Servers www.FireHost.com Secure. Managed. Cloud Hosting. 100% Uptime. 24/7 Expert Support. With the temperatures soaring day by day many people from all across India falling victims of heat stroke. As many as some 67 people died in Orissa alone so far. Temperatures have crossed 47 degrees Celsius in Orissa. In Maharashtra it is 47.1 degree, UP-44, Rajastan 46.2, Haryana 42,Hyderabad 41 degrees Celcius.Streets in metros wearing a desert look in the afternoon as people fear to step out which otherwise busy with heavy traffic. Marketing / Sales executives have tough time to promote their products in scorching heat. People from other fields keep their works pending till evening to protect them selves from extreme heat waves. As per reports of EMRI 108 which operates emergency ambulance services from Andhrapradresh, 15-20 Heat Stroke cases registering in Andhra Pradesh alone. What is Heat Stroke? Heat Stroke is defined as the failure of the body to maintain a normal temperature after prolonged exposure to intense heat or excessive exertion. If you have conditions that predispose you to heat stroke such as an unconditioned athlete doing exhausting exercise, advanced age, diabetes,or other chronic medical conditions, you are at higher risk of repeated heat stroke if you are exposed to extreme heat. If you cover the victim with ice, he/she may shiver and end up producing more body heat causing the heat stroke to worsen. Causes Exposure to intense heat Strenuous Physical Activity Predisposing factors which hinder the bodys ability to release heat young children elderly people (over 65years) chronic illness, some medications Prevention: Avoid prolonged exposure to intense heat Drink plenty of clean, cool water Apply a Cool wet Towel to your skin frequently Avoid exhausting activity if your body is not well conditioned. Visit the doctor regularly to monitor and control any chronic diseases Call EMRI -108 if There is hot flushed skin with

 Decreased amount or lack of sweat Elevated body temperature Deep, rapid breathing Nausea and vomiting Decreased urine output Intense thirst Confusion Dizziness Blurred Vision Fits Things to do before ambulance arrives The objective is to reduce the body temperature by doing the following Remove the victims clothing and expose the skin to air Shift the victim to a cool shelter Spray the body with cold water Fan the body Apply the ice bags to the arm pits Things you should avoid Do not cool the victims body too rapidly Donot give the victim water if he / she is un responsive Do not submerge the victim in ice water Do not give any medication Donot allow the victim to be re-exposed to the heat during recovery time Do not massage the muscles