Heat Related Illnesses/Injuries

Christian Havens, Banks Gas Services Inc.

Types of Injuries

• Heat Cramps• Burns• Sweaty Palms• Fogged-up safety glasses• Dizziness

Heat Cramps

• Definition - Painful, brief muscle cramps due to exercise or work in a hot environment. Muscles may spasm or jerk involuntarily. Cramping may be delayed and happen a few hours later

• Corrective Actions – Cramps will usually disappear on their own. Drinks sports drinks containing electrolytes

(Gatoraide, Poweraide) and rest in a cool environment

Burns

• On a hot summer day Asphalt can reach temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while steel can reach 158. • The human body experiences first degree burns at 111

degrees Fahrenheit.

• Wear gloves and pants while handling Asphalt or metal objects

Dizziness/ PPE

• Dizziness can impair judgement and pose a serious health hazard• Sweating of the palms can cause drops and slipping of the

material being carried, causing possible injury of damage to equipment.• Fogging of the safety glasses can cause impaired vision

along with depth perception.• Wear gloves when hands become sweaty and keep a clean

rag on your person to clear your safety goggles. When feeling dizzy, cease work and rest in a cool environment and drink lots of fluids

Types of Illnesses

• Heat Stroke• Heat Exhaustion• Heat Rashes

Heat Stroke

• Definition - A condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by failure of the body's temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures.

Warning Signs

• Confusion.• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)• Dizziness.• Fainting.• Fatigue.• Headache.• Muscle or abdominal cramps.• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Corrective Actions

• Lower temperature• Apply cold compress• Have them lie down• Elevate feet• Provide fluids

Heat Exhaustion

• Definition - A heat-related illness that can occur after you've been exposed to high temperatures, and it often is accompanied by dehydration.

Warning Signs

• Thirst • Weakness • Headache • Loss of consciousness• Nausea and vomiting • Muscle cramps • Dizziness

Corrective Actions

• Move the person out of the heat and into a shady or air-conditioned place.• Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly.• Remove tight or heavy clothing.• Have the person drink cool water or other nonalcoholic

beverage without caffeine.• Cool the person by spraying or sponging with cool water and

fanning.• Monitor the person carefully.

Heat Rashes

• Definition - An irritation of the skin that results from excessive sweating during hot and humid weather.

Warning Signs

• Clear, fluid-filled blisters and bumps• Red bumps and itching or prickling in the affected area• Firm, flesh-colored lesions that resemble goose bumps

Corrective Actions

• Washing the affected area with a mild soap and rinsing the area• Wear clothing that allows the skin to breathe in a hot

environment• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to prevent

dehydration in hot environments