HEAT STRESS A Training Module - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

HEAT STRESS

A Training Module

Slide2

WHAT IS HEAT STRESS??

Heat Stress:

A situation where too much 

heat

 is absorbed by a person, a plant or an animal and causes 

stress

, illness or even death. ... It can also cause 

heat

 cramps, 

heat

 exhaustion and 

heat

 stroke which may lead to death

Slide3

UNDERSTANDING HEAT STRESS

The 3 levels of Heat Stress:

Heat Cramps (1

st

level)

Heat Exhaustion (2

nd

level)

Heatstroke (3

rd

level)

Slide4

HEAT CRAMPS

Heat Cramps:

Painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. The spasms may be more intense and more prolonged than are typical nighttime leg 

cramps

. Fluid and electrolyte loss often contribute to heat cramps.

Warning Signs

Significant sweating

Spasms in the area of the muscle that is cramping

Occur in areas where the muscles have been stressed (i.e. legs, arms, trunk, torso)

Usually occur immediately when suing these muscles although may occur hours after the activity.

Slide5

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat Exhaustion:

A condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, and is a result of your body overheating. This occurs after the Heat Cramp level.

Warning Signs

Faintness or dizziness.

Nausea or vomiting.

Heavy sweating often accompanied by cold, clammy skin.

Weak, rapid pulse.

Pale or flushed face.

Muscle cramps.

Headache.

Weakness or fatigue

Slide6

HEATSTROKE

Heatstroke:

A condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by failure of the body's temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures. This occurs after the Heat Exhaustion level.

Warning Signs

Throbbing headache.

Dizziness and light-headedness.

Lack of sweating despite the heat.

Red, hot, and dry skin.

Muscle weakness or cramps.

Nausea and vomiting.

Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak.

Rapid, shallow breathing.

Slide7

RISK FACTORS FOR HEAT STRESS

High temperature and humidity

Summer months, low ventilation areas

Direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind

Outdoor work (patching)

• Heavy physical labor

Plant specific

No recent exposure to hot workplaces

New employees, excessive temperatures in the area

Low liquid intake

Lack of hydration stations or access to water/shade

•

Waterproof clothing

Breathable materials

Cotton/Poly blends

Bandanas

Slide8

STEPS TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS

Establish a complete heat illness prevention program.

Provide training about the hazards leading to heat stress and how to prevent them.

Provide a lot of cool water to workers close to the work area.

At least one pint of water per hour is needed.

Slide9

WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS?

Have an emergency plan in place that specifies what to do if a worker has signs of heat-related illness, and ensures that medical services are available if needed.

Take steps that help workers become acclimatized (gradually build up exposure to heat).

New Employees / New job functions

Gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaks during the first week of work.

Slide10

WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT HEAT STRESS?

Have adequate potable (safe for drinking) water close to the work area, and drink small amounts frequently.

Rotating job functions among workers can help minimize overexertion and heat exposure.

Workers should watch out for each other for symptoms of heat-related illness and administer appropriate

 

first aid to anyone who is developing a heat-related illness.

Monitor workers for signs of illness.

Slide11

HEAT STRESS ENGINEERING

Air conditioning (such as air-conditioned forklift or construction equipment cabs, air conditioning in break rooms).

Increased general ventilation in certain workplace areas.

Cooling fans.

Local exhaust ventilation at points of high heat production or moisture (such as exhaust hoods in welding departments).

Slide12

BEST PRACTICES FOR HEAT STRESS MANAGEMENT

PATCH RAIL BEFORE

DALLAS SHADE STRUCTURE FOR PATCHING PIPE

PATCH RAIL AFTER

Slide13

BEST PRACTICES FOR HEAT STRESS MANAGEMENT

Allows for shade in any area that is needed

Easily moveable to where the work is being performed

Added wheels for easy movement when needed

DALLAS PORTABLE SHADE STRUCTURE

Slide14

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES

WILSON URINE CHART

Easy to read chart that gives information on current hydration

Placed in bathrooms and stalls to assist in preventing dehydration

Provides real time feedback and training

Slide15

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES

LAS VEGAS PATCHERS REST AREA

Old Box form used as a shaded area for employees working in high heat areas

Water jugs, chairs, and a shade screen were added

Solar powered misting fans are used for additional comfort

Slide16

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES

HYDRATION STATIONS

Systematically placed around the plant to provide quick access to water

Employees should be informed of the hydration stations located in their area

Can be bottled water, water jugs, water fountains, or any item that provides hydration and relief.

Slide17

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES

HOT WEATHER CLOTHING/PPE OPTIONS

COTTON/LINEN/JERSEY MATERIAL

Breathable materials

These fabrics will not constrain your body and allow your body during the hot periods of the day

These materials will also prevent excessive sweating which enhances dehydration

Slide18

BEST PRACTICES

HOT WEATHER CLOTHING/PPE OPTIONS

FULL

BRIM HARD HATS

Brimmed hard hats help you stay cool in hot weather

Brimmed hard hats assist in keeping the sun off your face by providing extra shade

Slide19

DIVISION BEST PRACTICES

HOT WEATHER CLOTHING/PPE OPTIONS

CHILL IT BANDANAS / SKULL CAPS

Water can be added to activate cooling beads to help keep cool during the day

As more water is added during the day, the cooling beads reactivate

Wick sweat and keeps the body temperature cool throughout the day

Slide20

LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED

What are the 3 levels of Heat Stress?

Early Heat, Temperature Extremes, Heavy Heat

Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke

Low Heat, Medium Heat, High Heat

Not Hot, Kind of Hot, Really Hot

ANSWER: b. Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke

True or False: Can the symptoms of Heat Stress lead to death??

ANSWER: True – If heat stress symptoms are not dealt with immediately, it may lead to death.

Slide21

LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED

3. In what parts of the body can Heat Cramps occur?

Arm pits, hair, fingernails

Tongue, elbow, eyelids

Muscles such as your arms, legs, torso, and trunk

Nose, tonsils, ears

ANSWER: c. Muscles such as your arms, legs, torso, and trunk

4. True or False: The symptoms of Heat Cramps occur immediately.

ANSWER: False – The symptoms of Heat Cramps may occur immediately or many hours after an activity has been performed.

Slide22

LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED

5. What are some signs of possible Heat Exhaustion?

Faintness or Dizziness

Nausea or vomiting

Pale or Flushed Skin

Weak or Rapid pulse

Headaches

Heavy sweating and Cold, Clammy Skin

All of the above

ANSWER: g. All of the above

Slide23

LETS SEE WHAT WE LEARNED

6. True or False: It is OK for someone to

not be

sweating while working in high heat areas.

ANSWER: False: If someone is not sweating it means they need immediate hydration or medical assistance as they may be experiencing Heat Stroke.

7. What are some ways we can prevent Heat Stress?

Job Rotation

Heat Stress Emergency Plan

Hydration Schedules

Training on Identifying Heat Stress Symptoms

All of the above

ANSWER: e. All of the above

Slide24

GROUP DISCUSSION

Discuss areas in the plant that pose the highest risk for Heat Related illnesses.

How can we make these areas more safe?

What do we currently have in place to prevent Heat Related Illnesses?