MANAGING HEAT STRESS

WHAT IS HEAT STRESS

Heat stress occurs when the bodys means of
controlling its internal temperature starts to fail. As
well as air temperature, factors such as work rate,
humidity and clothing worn while working may lead to
heat stress. Therefore, it may not be obvious to a
person passing through the workplace that there is a
risk of heat stress.

You must be aware of how to work safely in heat, the
factors that can lead to heat stress, and how to reduce
the risk of it occurring.

MANAGING HEAT STRESS
Heat from the sun or work environment can create a
life threatening emergency.
Heat stress occurs when the core body temperature
rises and cannot be cooled by sweating.
Our bodies maintain a fairly constant internal
temperature even though exposed to varying
environmental temperatures.
Heat stress can be more than a minor inconvenience for those who work in
extremely warm conditions. Knowing how to prevent, identify and treat its
symptoms can literally save lives.
To keep internal body temperatures within safe limits in hot conditions, the
body gets rid of excess heat by evaporating sweat and varying the blood
flow to the skin. These responses are controlled by the brain and usually
occur when the blood exceeds 98.6 F.
Effects of Heat Stress On Your Body
Skin rash
Muscle cramps
Exhaustion
Fainting
Heat Stroke - life threatening!
External Factors Affecting Heat Stress
Humidity
Radiant heat (hot equipment, vessels and
sun)
Air movement
Clothing
Work rate (difficulty of work)
If these not controlled, HEAT
STRESS MAY OCCUR!
Heat Rash
Symptoms
Prickly heat shown as red bumps on
the skin; usually appears in areas
where the clothing is restrictive
Sweat ducts plug; sweat cannot
freely evaporate from skin
Prevention
Wear breathable clothing (e.g. cotton)
Cleanse skin thoroughly
Treatment
Keep skin dry
Apply calamine lotion
Sleep in cool location
Heat rash is the most common problem in hot work environments.
Heat Cramps
Symptoms
Shriveled skin, sunken eyes, dry mouth / tongue
Severe pain and cramps in legs and abdomen
Weakness, dizziness or fainting
Profuse sweating
Headaches
Treatment
Increase fluid / salt intake
Drink at least 450ml of water per hour
Rest and move to a cool place
Cramps may result after excessive sweating and dehydration.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms
Fatigue, headache, dizziness, profuse sweating, rapid
pulse, thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and
fainting
Treatment
Get to a shaded area and cool off; use cold wet towels
or ice and fan
Drink lots of water; may need IV
Loosen clothing and elevate legs above heart
If condition worsens, seek medical attention
immediately
Blood moves toward the outer body to remove heat. Blood pools in
the skin leaving less for the brain.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to HEAT STROKE!
Heat Stroke
Symptoms
Hot, red skin and NO sweating
Rapid pulse, confusion and nausea
Possible convulsions and unconsciousness
Treatment
Move to a cooler location and loosen clothing
Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet sheets
Apply cold compresses to head, neck and groin
A medical emergency and life-threatening condition caused by failure
of heat-regulating mechanisms of the body due to high heat and
humidity. The bodys core temperature rises and stops sweating.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!
Prevention
Drink lots of water (at least 450 ml per hour), even if
not thirsty
Start drinking water before you start work
Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine
Get used to the heat for short periods, followed by
longer periods of work
Alternate work and rest breaks, with longer breaks
in cooler areas
Work in teams to limit strenuous activity

Prevention (cont.)
Ensure adequate ventilation
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored
clothing (e.g. cotton)
Notify your Supervisor at first sign of any problem
Keep an eye on your coworkers. Use a buddy
system.
Check your urine color for signs of dehydration
Construction worker died of heat stroke

09/12/2010
SINGAPORE: An employer was fined on Thursday for a worker's death due to heatstroke.

Cheang Heong Lan, the sole proprietor of Chin Kong Trading Construction, was fined S$20,000 for
her failure as an employer to ensure workplace safety and health measures that contributed to a
foreign worker death on April 25, 2009.

Two days after his arrival from China, Tian Wei begun fabrication work in Cheang's open yard where
he collapsed and died.

Tian, who came from Liaoning in north-east China, where the average temperature is between six
and 11 degrees Celsius, succumbed to heatstroke after working in the sun for five hours in the yard in
Kranji Loop.

The average temperature that day was 32.9 degrees Celsius.

Tian had not undergone any acclimatization before commencing work, the court heard.

Cheang's company did not have an acclimatization programme, which would require, among other
measures, new workers to be acclimatised over at least one week by gradually increasing the
workload and time spent in the hot environment, the court heard.
WARNING!
In the course of a day's work in the heat,
you could sweat as much as 2-3 gallons.
Drink an adequate amount of water,
even when you are not thirsty.
You should drink 450 ml of fluids every
hour to replenish the necessary fluids in
the body.
By the time you feel thirsty, you are
already 10% dehydrated.
Urine color gives indication of hydration
state (i.e. if urine is dark, drink more
water).
What to Do When a Worker is Ill from Heat
Call a First Responder / Supervisor for help. If they
are not available, call 995
Have someone to stay with the worker until help
arrives
Move the worker to a cooler / shaded area
Remove outer clothing
Fan and mist the worker with water; apply ice (ice
bags or ice towels)
Provide cool drinking water, if able to drink
IF THE WORKER IS NOT ALERT or seems confused, this may be a heat
stroke. CALL 995 IMMEDIATELY and apply ice as soon as possible!