Heat Exhaustion

What are the symptoms?

HEADACHES; DIZZINESS OR LIGHTHEADEDNESS; WEAKNESS; MOOD CHANGES SUCH AS IRRITABILITY, CONFUSION, OR THE INABILITY TO THINK STRAIGHT; UPSET STOMACH; VOMITING; DECREASED OR DARK-COLORED URINE; FAINTING OR PASSING OUT; AND PALE, CLAMMY SKIN

What should you do?

 Act immediately. If not treated, heat exhaustion may advance

to heat stroke or death.

Move the victim to a cool, shaded area to rest. Don’t leave

the person alone. If symptoms include dizziness lay the victim on his or her back and raise

the legs 6 to 8 inches. If symptoms include nausea or upset

stomach, lay the victim on his or her side.

Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.

Have the person drink cool water (about a cup every

15 minutes) unless sick to the stomach.

Cool the person’s body by fanning and spraying with a cool

mist of water or applying a wet cloth to the person’s skin.

Call doctor for emergency help if the person does not feel better

in a few minutes.

The Heat Equation

HIGH TEMPERATURE + HIGH HUMIDITY + PHYSICAL WORK = HEAT ILLNESS

When the body is unable to cool itself through sweating, serious heat illnesses may occur. The most severe heat-induced illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion could progress to heat stroke and possible death.

Heat Stroke–A Medical Emergency

What are the symptoms?

DRY, PALE SKIN WITH NO SWEATING; HOT, RED SKIN  THAT LOOKS SUNBURNED; MOOD CHANGES SUCH AS IRRITABILITY, CONFUSION, OR THE INABILITY TO THINK STRAIGHT; SEIZURES OR FITS; AND UNCONCIOUSNESS WITH NO RESPONSE

What should you do?

Call doctor for emergency help immediately.

Move the victim to a cool, shaded area. Don’t leave the person alone. Lay the victim on his or her back. Move any nearby objects away from the person if symptoms include seizures or fits. If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on his or her side.

Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.

Have the person drink cool water (about a cup every 15 minutes) if alert enough to drink something, unless sick

to the stomach.

Cool the person’s body by fanning and spraying with a cool mist of water or wiping the victim with a wet cloth or covering him or her with a wet sheet.

Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area.

How can you protect yourself and your coworkers?

Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-induced illnesses and how to respond.

Train your workforce about heat-induced illnesses.

Perform the heaviest work during the coolest part of the day.

Build up tolerance to the heat and the work activity slowly.

This usually takes about 2 weeks.

Use the buddy system, with people working in pairs.

Drink plenty of cool water, about a cup every 15 to 20 minutes.

Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, such as cotton.

Take frequent, short breaks in cool, shaded areas to allow the body to cool down.

Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments.

Avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine. These make the body lose water and increase the risk for heat illnesses.

What factors put you at increased risk?

Taking certain medications. Check with your health-care provider or pharmacist to see if any medicines you

are taking affect you when working in hot environments.

Having a previous heat-induced illness.

Wearing personal protective equipment such as a respirator or protective suit.