Heat Stress Management
Heat Attack
• Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much
time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated
place can cause heat-related illnesses.
• Hot temperatures and humidity stress the body’s
ability to cool itself, resulting in heat sickness. It is
important to recognise the symptoms at an early
stage in order to guard yourself from serious
consequences.
Know the difference
It is important to note the difference between various
heat illnesses.
• Dehydration-is the loss of fluids from the body. The human body
needs water for vital organs such as the brain, kidney and heart to
function properly.
• Heat rash- is a skin irritation caused by excessive perspiration.
• Heat cramps- are severe and painful cramping of the muscles due
to imbalances in body fluids and excessive perspiration.
•
Heat syncope or fainting- dizziness that can result in fainting when
standing continuously under the hot sun for a long time.
Know the difference
• Heat exhaustion- results when losing body fluids through
perspiration during heat exposure. The body cools off by
evaporation of sweat but gets exhausted when the sweat exceeds
the volume of water or fluid drunk.
• Sun burn- is a painful skin condition which occurs as a result of
overexposure to the ultra-violent rays of the sun. This can damage
the outer layers and inner tissues of the skin. It can also lead to
skin cancer.
• Heatstroke or sunstroke-is a deadly heat illnesses.
It occurs when the body’s control temperature
system stops functioning. The body temperature
rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and
the body is unable to cool down. This can
lead to death, brain damage or permanent
disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
How to recognise, treat and avoid heat illnesses?
Type
Symptoms
1.
2.
Dehydration
3.
4.
Flushed face
Extreme thirst, more than normal
or unable to drink
Dry, warm skin
5.
Dizziness made worse when you
are standing
Weakness
6.
7.
8.
9.
Cramping in the arms and legs
Headaches
Dry mouth, dry tongue
Low blood pressure
10.
Rapid and deep breathing - faster
than normal
Fainting
11.
Treatment
For mild to
moderate
dehydration
drink more
water and try
to avoid the
heat until
refreshed.
How to recognise, treat and avoid heat illnesses?
Type
Symptoms
1.
Muscle pain in the
abdomen, arms or
legs may occur in
association with
strenuous activity.
2.
Rapid heartbeat
3.
Hot sweaty skin
1.
Headaches
2.
Paleness
3.
Heavy sweating
4.
Intense thirst
5.
Dizziness
6.
Fatigue
7.
Nausea
8.
Impaired judgment
9.
Loss of appetite
Heat Cramps
Heat exhaustion
Treatment
Stop all activities and do not
return to strenuous activities
until the cramps subside as
further exertion may lead to
exhaustion or heat stroke .
This usually improves with
drinking water and resting in a
cool environment.
Shift to a cooler location and
drink a lot of water or a light
juice.
Use cold towels over your
head and neck.
How to recognise, treat and avoid heat illnesses?
Type
Symptoms
1. Skin becomes red & painful
2. Burning sensation and
swelling
3. Blisters
Sunburn
Treatment
Apply cold towels on the areas
affected or take a cold shower.
Apply moisture lotions and not
ointments. Do not break
blisters and try to avoid
repeated sun exposure.
Use sunscreen to avoid a
sunburn.
1. High body temperature
Seek medical attention for
severe cases
Get to a shady cool area.
2. Red hot and dry skin
Sponge or shower with cold water.
3. Throbbing headaches
Heatstroke/
4. Nausea
Sunstroke
5. Unconsciousness
6. Rapid and shallow breathing
7. Fatigue
Get a cold towel and rapid it around
the body.
Call the doctor for medical treatment.
General Precautions
Hydrations
The best way to avoid heat strokes and other heat disorders is to keep your
body well hydrated. Drink a lot of water if you are exercising or working in
hot conditions. Doctors usually recommend consuming eight or more
glasses of water per day.
Ventilation
Remain in cool areas where your body can cool itself. If working in hot
conditions, try to take a break to regain energy and to avoid overexposure
to the sun’s rays.
Clothing
What you wear plays a big factor in how your body will handle the heat.
Light clothing and loose fitting clothing will help your body in breathing
and cooling itself naturally. It is fine to wear a hat or cap to shield yourself
from the sun but once you feel warm, remove it. This usually traps the
heat inside your body.
Limit yourself
It is also important to watch the amount of activities you are participating
in during hot days. Don’t overdo it. Heat stroke and other disorders can
take affect in less than an hour. If you feel yourself get warm and
suffocated with the heat, it’s best to take time out and rest in a shady area.
In very dry conditions such as the Pilbara
In dry environments one may not be aware that they are
perspiring due to rapid evaporation.
Keep safe and when in doubt seek
medical assistance
This Safety Tip was prepared by SafeTACT, the material in it reflects SafeTACT’s best judgement in the light of the information available at the
time of preparation. However, as SafeTACT cannot control the conditions under which this report may be used, The Company will not be
responsible for damages of any nature resulting from use of or reliance upon the content.