KEEPING COOL IN THE HEAT
Excess heat can place an abnormal amount of stress on your body. When your body temperature rises
even a few degrees above normal (which is about 98.6 degrees), you can experience muscle cramps,
become weak, disoriented, and dangerously ill unless you can help your body cool down.
ADAPTING TO THE HEAT
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggests that all workers exposed
to extreme heat gradually get used to their environment over a one-week period. This means that on
your first day in a hot environment, you may only be able to do half the work that a fully-adapted
worker can do. Each day, your workload increases slightly until you are able to operate at “full steam”.
DRINK WATER FREQUENTLY
Sweating is one of the ways your body cools itself down. Sweating results in water loss, and the only
way to replace the loss (and help your body continue to cool itself) is to drink water frequently. Ideally,
you should drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20-30 minutes while working in hot environments.
WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for hot environments should consist of ordinary work clothes
make from “breathable” fabrics, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
KEEP COOL
Persons who work in hot environments should become familiar with first aid techniques for heat stress.
If you or someone you know suffers from heat exhaustion, cramps, or other signs of heat stress, get
medical attention immediately. Keep your cool - heat stress is dangerous, but it’s also preventable.
DID YOU KNOW?
Heat Stress does not happen only when a person is working outside in the summer. A person can suffer
from heat stress from working in a hot work place, such as steel factory or construction sites.
WHY HEAT STRESS IS A HAZARD
The effects of heat stress range from simple discomfort to life-threatening illness such as heat stroke.
Six main factors are involved in causing heat stress:
• Temperature
• Humidity
• Movement of air
• The radiant heat from surroundings
• The person’s clothing
• Physical activity
Heat stress reduces work capacity and efficiency. Signs of heat stress include tiredness, irritability,
inattention and muscular cramps.
People who are overweight, physically unfit, suffer from hear conditions, drink too much alcohol or are
not used to a hot summer, may be at greater risk of heat stress and should seek and follow medical
advice.
WAYS TO REDUCE THE HAZARD OF HEAT STRESS AT WORK
Your indoor work area should have adequate ventilation for airflow. This may be done by simply
opening a window or door; or discuss with your supervisor or health and safety representative the need
for additional ventilation or mechanical ventilation, such as fans.
MINIMIZE THE RISK
The body’s own way of cooling down is to sweat, which means there is a loss of fluid.
To replace this fluid you should drink 1-2 glasses of water, juices, or other non-alcoholic drinks at
frequent times of the day.
Help your sweat to evaporate by adequate air circulation.
Take rest breaks in a cool place.
Stay healthy and fit.
TREATING HEAT STRESS
Rest in the coolest available place.
Drink cool rather than cold fluids.
Contact a doctor, nurse, or first aid officer if the patient does not rapidly improve after fluid
replacement and removal from heat.Copyright Keenan & Associates 2008
WAYS TO REDUCE THE HAZARD OF HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is life threatening. Urgent treatment is very important.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE HEAT STROKE
Sweating will stop and body temperatures will be high.
Skin will be hot and dry.
Confusion and loss of consciousness may occur.
HOW TO TREAT HEAT STROKE
A doctor should give treatment as soon as possible.
While waiting for medical help, cool the patient down as quickly as possible. This can be done by
soaking the person’s clothes with cold water, placing ice packs under the armpits and around the groin
area, and increasing the air movement by fanning.
Give fluids (water) if the person is conscious.
PROTECT YOU SKIN AGAINST THE SUN
Stay out of the summer sun as much as possible, especially between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Schedule outdoor work in the cooler parts of the day
Wear protective clothing, e.g. a wide brimmed hat and shirt with long sleeves.
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