HEAT and COLD STRESS

1
HEAT and COLD STRESS

• Exposure to extreme heat or cold can make a
  person seriously ill and even cause death.
• The likelihood depends on factors such as wind,
  physical activity, clothing, humidity and age.

2
HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

• Heat Cramps - The least severe, a first signal
  that the body is having trouble with heat.
• Painful muscle spasms in the legs and abdomen.
• Think of them as a warning of a possible
  heat-related illness.

3
Care for Heat Cramps

• Rest in a cool place.
• Give them cool water or a commercial sports
  drink.
• Usually rest and fluids is all that is needed.
• Lightly stretch and gently massage the muscle.

4
HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

• Heat Exhaustion - More severe than heat cramps.
  Usually effects people who have to wear heavy
  clothing in hot and humid work environments.
• Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin.
• Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and
  exhaustion.

5
HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

• Heat Stroke- The least common but most severe
  heat related illness.
• Usually occurs when people ignore the symptoms of
  heat exhaustion.
• Body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to
  stop functioning.
• A serious medical emergency-life threatening.

6
Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• Red, hot, dry skin.
• Changes in consciousness.
• Rapid, weak pulse.
• Shallow breathing.

7
CARE FOR HEAT ILLNESS

• Get victim out of heat.
• Loosen tight clothing.
• Remove perspiration soaked clothing.
• Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin.
• Fan the victim.
• If conscious, give cool water to drink.
• Call an ambulance if they refuse water, vomits or
  starts to lose consciousness.

8
COLD RELATED ILLNESS

• Frostbite - the freezing of body parts exposed to
  the cold.
• Severity depends on temperature, length of
  exposure and wind.
• Can cause loss of fingers, toes, feet and legs.

RAY
9
Symptoms of Frostbite

• Lack of feeling in the affected area.
• Skin that appears waxy, cold to the touch, or is
  discolored.

10
Care for Frostbite

• Handle the area gently. Never rub the area. It
  could cause tissue damage.
• Warm area gently by soaking in luke warm water
  (no hotter than 105F).
• Keep area in water until it turns red and feels
  warm.
• Loosely bandage with sterile bandages.

11
Hypothermia

• The body cools because its ability to keep warm
  fails.
• The victim will die if not given care.
• Signals include shivering, numbness, glassy
  stare, apathy and loss of consciousness.

12
Care for Hypothermia

• Remove any wet clothing and dry the body.
• Gradually warm the body.
• If conscious, give warm liquids to drink.
• If unconscious, attend to any life threatening
  problems.
• Call an ambulance.

13
WORKING AROUND HEAT COLD STRESS

• Clothing
• Administrative Controls
• 1. Breaks
• 2. Job Rotation
• 3. Shift Changes
• Food and Fluids