Heat stress & awareness - PowerPoint Presentation

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Heat stress & awarenessSlide2

What is heat stress?

Heat stress is a general term which describes a variety of symptoms produced when the human body is exposed to a combination of heat and work which interferes with the body’s ability to dissipate the heat energy.

Common, early, but often subtle signs of heat stress include:-HeadacheDisorientation / confusion Impatience / irritabilityProne to making errorsDry mouth lips (already 20% dehydrated at this point)NOTE: heat stress can develop over the day and manifest in the afternoonSlide3

How the body works to cool itself….

Brain signals to cool the body

Main form of cooling is via sweating onto the skin which then evaporates resulting in cooling

Heat sourceIncreased sweating reduces amount of salt and water in the body resulting in dehydration

Eventually a state is reached where the body is unable to cool itself sufficiently and the core temperature begins to riseThis results in changes to body and brain function

If untreated this will result in death

THIS PROCESS CAN DEVELOP QUICKLYSlide4

What causes heat stress?

Environmental

FactorsPersonal FactorsHigh temperature levelsType of clothing wornHigh humidity

Level of acclimatisation of workforceReturning from R & RNew employees from countries with cooler climatesLow levels of air movementState of hydration

Heat sources in the area:-Heat generating / radiating equipment, appliances or structuresHealth & fitness:-Infection / feverDiarrhoea / vomitingMedication useObesityLevel of physical fitness

Sunburnt

Level & type of physical activity

Excessive consumption of alcoholSlide5

Different types of heat stress….

There are a number of different forms of heat stress that differ in their level of severity:-

Heat FatigueHeat Rash

Heat CrampsHeat CollapseHeat ExhaustionHEAT STROKESlide6

First aid for less severe heat stress conditions….

If heat fatigue, heat cramps or heat collapse is suspected:-

Rest casualty in cool, shaded placeLoosen / remove clothingCool with wet cloth under arm pits, behind kneesDirect a fan over the casualtyGive cool (but not ice cold water) to drinkCall for medic…. BUT WHAT IF THE SIGNS ARE MORESERIOUS?......Slide7

Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke –

signs

HEAT STROKEDry, hot skineduced sweatingRapidly rising temperaturePupils constrictedRapid pulse

ConvulsionsCollapse & comaLife threateningHEAT EXHAUSTIONMoist, clammy skinIncreased sweating

Normal or subnormal temperaturePupils dilatedRapid breathing (panting)Muscle crampsPale complexion

COMMON TO BOTH

Nausea & vomiting

Confusion

Headache

Dizziness

Weakness or fatigueSlide8

Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke – management

HEAT STROKE

DRABCMove to a cool placeLoosen tight clothingApply cold packs / ice to areas with large blood vesselsCover with wet sheet and fanDo not give fluids unless casualty is conscious

SEEK IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCEHEAT EXHAUSTIONMove to a cool place Offer sips of cool water if the casualty is conscious

Call for medical assistanceSlide9

Methods of prevention....

Remove heat source, e.g. Shut down heat generating equipment

Reschedule work to a cooler time of the dayIncrease air movement, e.g. fansErect structure or heat shields around hot componentsSlip-slop-slapErect shade shelters or work in shaded areas if possibleTraining / educationUse of appropriate PPE, e.g. wide brims over hard hatsNote risks and controls in JHA’s

Employee rotationSuitable work paceBe aware of location of nearest potable waterTake regular breaks in shade or air conditioned crib roomsSlide10

What more can

you do?

Be aware of your own physical limitations and general health / fitness statusBe alert to subtle symptoms in you and your workmatesRaise any concerns or feelings of ill health with your supervisorBe aware of first aid for heat stressHydrate – drink100-200ml of water at frequent intervals i.e. 15 mins (lost body fluid in hot conditions can be as high as 1-2 litres of water an hour)Avoid alcohol / caffeinated drinks – you will lose even more water / saltEat light, cool lunches or snacks – hot, heavy meals or snacks can reduce your ability to release heatApply sunburn cream to all exposed skin areas – burnt skin will hold in heat

Give yourself time to acclimatise – whether you are back from a short break or are completely new to conditionsSlide11

hydration

Monitor the colour of your urine

The darker coloured your urine, the more you need to drinkThis is quite a late sign showing that you are already dehydratedDrink regularly in small amounts rather than waiting until you are thirstyDrink water before you commence work and continue to drinkReduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol (e.g. Red Bull, coffee, beer etc.)Drink cool rather than cold fluids – cold fluids can cause stomach crampsSlide12

IN Summary

Working in hot environments is a common element of working in Australia….

Lets all go home safely every day

TAKE THE TIME TO STOP! Consider the risks – CONTROL THEM!Slide13

Do you have any questions for me?Slide14