bechtel environmental, safety, and health (besh) heat stress prevention bechtel first response...

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH)

Heat Stress PreventionHeat Stress Prevention

Bechtel First Response Training

Bechtel Environmental, Safety, and Health (BESH) Slide 2

Safety is Our ValueSafety is Our Value

“We measure safety performance by the number

of incidents. But let’s be clear…

it’s really not about incident rates…

it’s about people.

People who have faces, names, families, hopes, and dreams.”

-Riley BechtelAugust 15, 2001


Heat Stress Prevention:Heat Stress Prevention:Enabling Learning ObjectivesEnabling Learning Objectives

Hydration and the human body

Heat stress defined

Predisposing and susceptibility factors

Overview of heat-related illnesses

First aid response to heat stress

Heat stress prevention

BESH Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Prevention


Water Water and the Human Bodyand the Human Body

Slide 4


HydrationHydration

When performing physical work, sweat output often exceeds water intake, producing a body water deficit (dehydration)

Dehydration can negatively affect productivity, safety, and morale

OSHA recommends replacing fluids frequently when exposed to heat stress, such as one cup (250 ml) every 20 minutes when working in warm environments

Slide 5


Predisposing Factors to Heat Predisposing Factors to Heat StressStress

Environment– Amount of time exposed

– Temperature and humidity

– Wind velocity

Age

Medical condition

Ingestion of drugs or poisons

Slide 6


Susceptibility Factors to Heat Susceptibility Factors to Heat StressStress

Poor or inadequate circulation

Fatigue

Poor nutrition

Alcohol or drug use

Cigarette smoking

Slide 7


Maintaining Maintaining HydrationHydration

Urine color and sense of thirst can help you assess your hydration state

Even mild dehydration can impact physical performance, blood pressure and thinking

Physical activity level, clothing, equipment and weather influence fluid needs

Take extra precautions if you have chronic illnesses (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes)

– See your Project Nurse or personal doctor for more information

Slide 8


Types of Heat IllnessesTypes of Heat Illnesses

Hyperthermia

Heat cramps

Heat exhaustion

Heat stroke

Slide 9


HyperthermiaHyperthermia

Illness that results when the body is exposed to more heat energy than it can regulate

Signs that you are too hot:

• Headache, dizziness, or fainting

• Weakness and wet skin

• Irritability or confusion

• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Slide 10


Heat CrampsHeat Cramps

Painful muscle spasms, usually involving the muscles fatigued by heavy work such as calves, thighs, abdomen, and shoulders

Exact cause of heat cramps is unknown, but is probably related to electrolyte imbalance

Rest in a cool place and drink– Electrolyte and sports beverages

(e.g. Gatorade) can replenish electrolytes

Slide 11


Heat ExhaustionHeat Exhaustion

Fluid depletion

Mild hypovolemic shock

Signs and symptoms

– Weakness or exhaustion

– Nausea and headache

– Dizziness or faintness

– Rapid pulse

– Cold, clammy skin

– Elevated temperature

– May be confused

Slide 12


Heat StrokeHeat Stroke

Least common, a MEDICAL EMERGENCY

– Untreated heat stroke will result in death

Signs and symptoms

– Hot, dry and flushed skin

– May be confused

– Unresponsive

– Seizures

– Falling blood pressure

– Temp of 106°F or more

Slide 13


Heat Stress Heat Stress First Aid ResponseFirst Aid Response

Call Supervisor to the location

Move person from environment

Loosen/remove clothing

Fan person or run air conditioner

Apply cool packs to neck, groin,and armpits

Apply water with a sponge or wet towel

If unresponsive, roll person to left side (recovery position) and call Project Nurse or 911

Slide 14


Heat Stress Heat Stress PreventionPrevention

Increase your fluid intake in hot weather, regardless of your activity level

Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body

Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours

Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing

Pair up and watch a co-worker for signs of heat exhaustion (buddy system)

– Remind your buddy to drink water or take a break

– Talk to your buddy during the work shift to make sure everything is okay

Report any problems promptly to a Supervisor


BESH Core Process 314: BESH Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Heat and Cold Stress Prevention Prevention

Drink at least 2 cups of water before beginning work in the morning and after lunch

Drink 5-8 liters of water each day

Maintain good hygiene with showering and daily changes of clothing

Use of alcohol during non-working hours is strongly discouraged

Intake of coffee during working hours is discouraged

Monitor yourself and your co-workers for signs of heat stress; immediately report any signs of heat stress to your Supervisor

Slide 17


BESH Core Process 314: BESH Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Prevention, Heat and Cold Stress Prevention, Exhibit A-2Exhibit A-2

Slide 18


BESH Core Process 314: BESH Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Prevention, Heat and Cold Stress Prevention, Exhibit A-3Exhibit A-3

Slide 19


Test Your LearningTest Your Learning

1. What are 3 predisposing or susceptibility factors to heat stress?

2. How can someone assess their own hydration state?

3. What are the signs that a person is too hot?

4. What is the first aid response for heat exhaustion?

5. How can you prevent heat stress?


We value yourWe value your Safety Safety and and HealthHealth

Questions?Questions?Speak with your Project Nurse or

Safety Professional


Learn More about Learn More about Heat Stress Heat Stress PreventionPrevention

Bechtel Core Process 228: Drinking Water and Ice (BecWeb)

Bechtel Core Process 314: Heat and Cold Stress Prevention (BecWeb)

Cal/OSHA (http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/heatillnessinfo.html)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)

National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH.org)

National Safety Council (NSC.org) Occupational Safety & Health

Administration (OSHA.gov)

bechtel environmental, safety, and health (besh) heat stress prevention bechtel first response...

Documents

health besh slide

bechtel environmental

information slide

vomiting slide

health besh hydration

heat energy

health besh water

human body slide