Preventing Heat-Related
Illnesses
University of California
Office of the President
August 2009
UCOP Safety Meeting
Heat-Related Fatalities

Centers for Disease
Control (CDC)



Between 1999 to 2003 –
3442 Heat-Related
Fatalities in the U.S.
Average Approximately
690 Deaths per Year
Large Percentage of the
Fatalities:
• Males
• Elderly
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Production of Heat in Your Body
 Body
Produces/Stores More Heat
Than You Lose

Metabolism/Exercise
 Heat Absorbed
– Radiant Energy
• Sun, Heater
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Body Cooling Mechanism
 The
Body Attempts to Maintain an
Internal Temperature of 98.6oF By:

Increased Blood Circulation Which
Results in More Blood to the Skin
• Increases Temperature of the Skin –
Allows Body Rid Itself of the Excess Heat

Sweating (Perspiration)
• Sweat Evaporates – Cooling of the Skin
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Heat Illness Prevention –
Drink Fluids
 Consume

Plenty of Fluids
2 to 4 Glasses/Hour
– Unreliable Indicator of
Dehydration
 Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, or High Sugar
Beverages – Diuretics
 Consult Physician If On a Limited Fluid
Regiment or If Taking Water Pills
 Thirst
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Heat Illness Prevention
 Acclimation



Slow Process for the Body to Condition Itself
to Heat
May Take Up to 10 Days
Quickly Lost in a Matter of Days
 Conditioning/General


Health
Stay in Shape, Exercise Regularly
Watch Your Weight
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Heat Preventive Measures

Stay Indoors in an Air Conditioned (A/C) Place
 If Home is Not A/C - Go to A/C Public Place
 Electric Fans - Effective Up to the Upper 90’s

Cool Bath/Shower or Move to A/C Location

Wear Light Weight, Light Colored, Loose Fitting
Clothes
 Never Leave Anyone in Parked Closed Vehicles


Temperatures Can Reach 120oF in 10 Minutes
Since 1998, > 230 Child Fatalities
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Preventive Measures If You Must
Be Outdoors in the Heat
 Try
to Limit the Activities to Morning or
Evening Hours
 Do Not Engage in or Minimize Strenuous
Activities
 Consume 2 to 4 Glasses of Water Per
Hour
 Rest Often and Stay in Shady Areas
 Wear Wide Brim Hats
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Persons Most Susceptible to
Heat-Related Illnesses
 Infants

and Young Children
CDC Recommends Constant Monitoring
 The
Elderly - Persons Who are 65
Years or Older

CDC Recommends Checking On the
Elderly Twice a Day During Hot Days
 Persons
with Heart Disease or High
Blood Pressure
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
California Heat-Related
Occupational Fatalities
– 5 Fatalities
 Outdoor Occupations – Agriculture &
Construction
 2005 – Cal/OSHA Promulgated a
Heat Illness Prevention Standard
 2004/2005


Title 8, California Code of Regulations,
Section 3395
Applies Only to Outdoor Environments
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Cal/OSHA Heat Illness
Prevention Standard
 When
Environmental Factors for Heat
Illness are Present
 Major Components




Access to Shade for Recovery Period
Access to Drinking Water
Written Program/Emergency Procedures
Training – Employees & Supervisors
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Heat Stroke
 Signs




& Symptoms
High Body
Temperature
Hot, Red (Gray) Dry
Skin, Rapid Pulse
Confusion, Loss of
Consciousness
Death is Imminent
 First Aid




Call 9-1-1 ASAP &
Request Ambulance
Move to Cool Area
Cool with Wet Cloth
and Fan the Victim to
Increase Cooling
If Conscious, Slowly
Give Cool Water
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Heat Illnesses
 Heat


Cramps
Painful Muscle Spasms –Electrolyte
Imbalance
Drink an Electrolyte Solution
 Fainting



(Heat Syncope)
Not Used to Hot Temperatures
Brief Loss of Consciousness,
Sweaty Skin, Normal Body
Temperature & No Signs of Heat
Stroke or Heat Exhaustion
Lie Down in a Cool Place
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
Heat Illnesses
 Heat


Clogged/Irritated Sweat Glands
Keep Skin Dry & Clean; Wear Loose Cotton
Clothing Cool Baths; Lotions to Relieve the
Pain/Irritation
 Heat




Rash
Exhaustion
Wet, Pale, & Weak Appearance
Normal Heart Rate/Body Temperature
Severe Cases – Vomiting & Fainting
Rest in Cool Place & Drink Electrolyte
Solution
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting
In Summary
 To

Prevent Heat Related Illnesses
Stay Indoors or In the Shade
• If Possible Remain Indoors in the Heat of the Day
Drink Plenty of Fluids
 Rest & Minimize Strenuous Activities
 The Young and Elder are the Most
Susceptible to Heat-Related Illnesses


Require Increased Monitoring During
Extreme Heat Conditions
University of California Office of the President
August 2009 Safety Meeting