Heat Stress

 TOOLBOX TALK-GENERAL

Introduction:-

 Living in New England, we have become accustomed 

 to dealing with extreme temperature fluctuations.

 With this toolbox talk, we will define heat stress,

 and look at the various heat-induced illnesses and

 how to prevent/treat heat stress.

What is Heat Stress...?

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool

 itself by sweating.

Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion or heat

 stroke.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

#  Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, 

fainting.

# Weakness and moist skin.

#  Mood changes, irritability, confusion.

# Nausea, vomiting.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

# Dry, hot skin with no sweating

# Mental confusion or loss of consciousness

# Seizures or convulsion

# Can be fatal

Preventing Heat Stress:

# Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

# Block out the sun or other heat sources.

# Use fans/A.C. units.

# In high heat, drink l cup of water every 15 minutes.

# Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes.

# Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals.

# Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or >; reapply every 2

   hours.

How to Treat Heat-Related Illness..?

#  Move the worker to cool shaded area.

# Loosen or remove heavy clothing.

# Provide cool drinking water in small amounts every 

   2 to 3 minutes until the victim recovers.

# Fan and mist person with water.

# Do not give ice to the victim.