Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather

What makes it difficult to work in hot weather?

• Temperature of the air

• Humidity (moisture) in the air

• Amount of radiant heat (such as from the sun or a furnace)

• Air movement or velocity

 
What are the types of heat stress?

• Heat stroke

• Heat exhaustion

• Heat cramps

• Fainting

• Heat rash

It's important that everyone recognizes the symptoms of heat stress. It also is important for them to be able to get immediate emergency assistance when someone is affected by heat stress.  So,  how  can you  tell  if a person is  having a problem and what first aid should be given while waiting for emergency medical assistance?

The first form of heat stress is heat stroke. The symptoms are flushed hot skin, fever, rapid pulse, disorientation and unconsciousness. First-aid treatment includes moving the person to a cool place; loosening his or her clothing; keeping the person lying down; applying cold applications to the person’s head; sponging his or her body with cool water; and letting the paramedics take over when they arrive.

The second form of heat stress is heat exhaustion. The symptoms are pale, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; weakness (trouble standing or sitting); headache; nausea; and dizziness. First-aid treatment includes moving the person to a cool place and keeping them from getting chilled; loosening his or her clothing; keeping him or her lying down; giving them fluid if the person is conscious; and letting the paramedics take over when they arrive.

There are several ways to prevent heat stress, including engineering controls, such as spot and general ventilation; work practices, such as having plenty of drinking water; alternating work and rest periods; acclimatization to heat through short exposures followed by longer periods of work; and worker education.

The last three items are not as serious but should not be left untreated. These conditions are heat cramps, fainting and heat rash. If you observe any of these conditions, review the work situation and make corrections to eliminate or reduce the person’s exposures before the condition worsens. The person’s work assignment also may need to be changed.