Heat Safety

HEAT SAFETY
• INTRODUCTION
– Since 1936, according to the National Safety
Council, 30,000 people have died from heat
related illnesses.
– On the average, 384 people die each year from

heat stroke.
– Heat related injuries seem to occur often with the

elderly; people who are not in good physical
condition; or acclimatized to the heat.
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GENERATION OF BODY HEAT
• There are two main ways in which our

bodies produce heat:
Metabolic Heat - the body generates heat
through the digestion of food, work and
exercise.
Environmental Heat - body absorbs heat

from the surrounding environment,
whether it is the hot sun or a hot room.
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THE BODY’S COOLING SYSTEM
• There are three methods in which our

bodies can be cooled.
Convection - is the transfer of heat through the
circulation of air.
Evaporation - process which occurs when a
liquid changes into a vapor.
Radiation - heat is naturally emitted from the

body surface.
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CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE
COOLING SYSTEM
• Acclimation - the biological process through

which our bodies adapt to the environment --
basically getting used to the heat.
• Air Temperature - heat flows from warmer
objects to cooler objects.
• Air Movement - moving air speeds the
evaporation process.
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CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE
COOLING SYSTEM
• Humidity - the amount of water vapor in the

air affects the rate of evaporation.
• Clothing - the type of clothing affects the
amount of heat our bodies absorb and retain.
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HEAT RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
• Heat Rash - also known as Prickly Heat,

occurs in hot, humid environments where
sweat can't easily evaporate from the skin.
– This condition produces a rash which in some
cases causes severe pain.
– The procedures to prevent or minimize this
condition is to rest frequently in cool places and
bath regularly ensuring to thoroughly dry the
skin.
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• Heat Cramps - painful muscle spasms that

result from the loss of salt and electrolytes
due to excessive sweating.
– The cramps will usually affect the stomach, the
arms and legs.
– This condition can be treated by drinking fluids
containing electrolytes such as calcium, sodium
and potassium.
– This condition usually precedes heat exhaustion.
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• Heat Exhaustion - is a state brought on by the

loss of fluids lost during excessive sweating.
– Individuals with heat exhaustion still sweat, but
they experience extreme weakness and may even
collapse.
– They may experience nausea and headache. Their
skin is clammy and moist, their complexion is
usually pale and the body temperature is usually
normal or slightly higher.
– This condition is best treated by taking the patient to
a cool place, applying cool compresses, elevating
the feet and giving the individual plenty of fluids.
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• Heat Stroke - is a severe medical emergency

which could result in death.
– Heat stroke results when the body's core
temperature gets too high and the body is no
longer able to cool itself.
– An individual suffering from heat stroke will have
hot and dry skin, their pulse will be high and their
blood pressure will fall.
– This condition must be treated by immediately
cooling the victim's body with water or wrapping
them in cool wet sheets. Immediately seek
medical attention.
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PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED
HEALTH PROBLEMS
• Acclimation - accustom yourself to the weather
prior to long durations of physical activity.
• Maintain Body Fluids - Fluid intake must be
maintained throughout the course of physical
activity.
– Do not rely on thirst as an indicator of
dehydration because your body loses water
faster than you realize.
– Alcohol should be avoided because it is a
diuretic, which increases dehydration and can
interfere with heat loss.
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HEALTH PROBLEMS
• Proper Diet – Eat light and stay away
from heavy foods. They increase
metabolic heat production and also
increase water loss. Eat smaller, well-
balanced meals more often.
Rest Periods - Pace your work activities

at a slower rate during high temperatures
and take frequent rest periods in a
shaded area and drink plenty of fluids.
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HEALTH PROBLEMS
• Dress Light – Lightweight, light-

colored clothing reflects heat and
sunlight and helps your body
maintain normal temperatures.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes such as
cotton which lets air move over your
body.
• Wide brimmed hats should also be
worn.
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HOW HOT IS IT?
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SUGGESTED
HEAT WORK PROCEDURES
Temperature Danger Category Heat Syndrome Procedures
> 130 Extreme Danger Heat Stroke Imminent When the heat index is in this
zone employees in the
affected area should be
dismissed
105 - 129 Danger Heat Cramps or heat exhaustion When the heat index is in this
likely. Heat Stroke possible with zone. Non critical work
prolonged exposure and activity activities should be
suspended. Critical work
activities shall be evaluated
and schedule changes of
affected employees should
be made. Management must
specifically approve
employees working in heat
index danger areas
91 - 104 Extreme Caution Heat cramps or heat exhaustion When the heat index is in this
possible with prolonged exposure zone management shall
and activity discuss the situation with
supervisors and make
schedule/work adjustments to
accommodate for the heat.
Specific approval must be
granted for working under
extreme heat conditions
77 - 90 Caution Fatigue Possible Normal work day, no alerts
posted
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Any
Questions
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Break
31-Mar-02 17

Heat Safety

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HEAT SAFETY

– On the average, 384 people die each year from

– Heat related injuries seem to occur often with the

• There are two main ways in which our

Environmental Heat - body absorbs heat

• There are three methods in which our

Radiation - heat is naturally emitted from the

• Acclimation - the biological process through

• Humidity - the amount of water vapor in the

• Heat Rash - also known as Prickly Heat,

• Heat Cramps - painful muscle spasms that

• Heat Exhaustion - is a state brought on by the

• Heat Stroke - is a severe medical emergency

Rest Periods - Pace your work activities

• Dress Light – Lightweight, light-

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