Heat Stress !!! Signs & Symptoms and it's Precautions | Health and Safety

Welcome! Back again and I am here for you guys to provide some information on the heat stress as of the approach towards the summer is putting in place which may be a reminder to us all of the necessity to acknowledge, and act to stop, the harmful effects of excessive heat. Workers are particularly susceptible to the health impacts of heat exposure.  Workers may experience longer or more intense heat exposures and are more likely to have interaction in heavy physical activity within the heat than the overall public. Also, in many cases workers depend upon their employers to produce opportunities for limiting their time within the heat, ensuring adequate rest breaks, and promoting hydration. In this blog, we are going to discuss what's Heat Stress? Symptoms associated, a way to Prevent Heat Illness, a way to Protect Workers from heat stress, Heatstroke, the effect of Short term (i.e. Acute) & long run  (i.e. Chronic), a way to protect yourself against heat stress, what's Heat Index, Heat Stress within the Workplace, How does one know if you’re dehydrated? Prevention of heat stress and therefore the steps to be followed by the supervisors & employees to stay far from getting effected 

Heat Stress

In general, workers who are exposed to extreme heat or working in hot environments may in peril of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat may end up in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress may end up in heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the danger of injuries in workers because it would end up excess sweating palms, fogged-up safety glasses during the execution of the job. Burns may additionally occur as results of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.

Workers are in greater danger of heat stress which includes mainly outdoor workers and workers who are working in hot environments like firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, and factory workers. Workers are at greater risk of heat stress including those that are 65 years old or older, and overweight, having a heart condition or atmosphere level, or taking medications

The prevention of heat stress in workers is important. Employers should provide training to workers in order that they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and therefore the way it's often prevented.

Heat Stress is the net heat load to which a worker is exposed during the working hours. Workout, environmental factors, and clothing worn all contribute to heat stress.

Heat Strain usually the body's physiological response to heat stress (e.g., sweating).

The body's natural thanks to keeping the core blood heat from rising to unhealthy levels are through a rise in rate and sweating. When these don't seem to be enough to stay the core blood heat from rising, the result's heat-related illness or death. Elevated core body temperatures may cause subsequent illnesses

• Heat Stroke
• Heat Exhaustion
• Heat Cramps
• Heat Rash

Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and may be treated as a medical emergency. Heatstroke occurs when the body becomes unable to adequately dissipate heat, losing the flexibility to control core blood heat. The core blood heat rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism may fail, and also the body is unable to chill down. When heat stroke occurs, the blood heat can rise to 41oC (106°F) or higher within 10 to fifteen minutes. Thinking clearly, perception, planning, and other mental processes become impaired, and also the worker is also unable to acknowledge dangerous situations. Heatstroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency medical treatment isn't given. Symptoms that includes confusion, fainting/unconsciousness, hot dry skin, profuse sweating, and high blood pressure.

Heat Exhaustion is commonly a precursor to heatstroke. It’s often amid elevated core body temperatures around 38°C–39°C (100.4°F–102.2°F). Symptoms may include like mild to heavy headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, weakness in muscles, thirst, heavy sweating in the body, irritability, and a decreased urine output with pale yellow in color.

Heat Cramps are caused by the body's depleted salt and water levels from excessive sweating leading to muscle cramps or spasms. They sometimes occur within the muscles used during work. The symptoms include spastic contractions and pain involuntary muscles mainly within the arms, legs. Usually occurs after a prolonged standing due to work environment or sudden rising from a sitting or supine position. Heat exhaustion symptoms include light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting. Dehydration and inadequate acclimatization often contribute to heat exhaustion due to working for long hours in the hot environment.

Heat Rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in the body. Excessive moisture and sweat obstruct sweat ducts and form itchy and painful red pimple/blister clusters on the human body. It is accelerated and more during the time of hot and humid weather conditions and mainly on the neck parts, chest, armpits, elbow, and behind the knees leading to rashes.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke-

Signs and symptoms of heatstroke may develop suddenly or with working overtime for a prolonged schedule, especially with prolonged periods of exercise. Heatstroke signs and symptoms include

Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when within the heat

Heavy sweating

Faintness

Dizziness

Fatigue

Weak, rapid pulse

Low vital sign upon standing

Muscle cramps

How to Prevent Heat Illness-

Modify the work schedules by the rotation of workers and arrange frequent rest periods with water breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas

Gradually increase workloads and permit more frequent breaks for workers new the heat or people who are aloof from work to adapt to working within the heat (acclimatization). 

Designate a responsible person to observe conditions and protect workers who are in danger of heat stress.

Consider protective clothing that gives cooling.

How to Protect Workers-

Know signs/symptoms of heat illnesses; monitor yourself; use a buddy system.

Block out direct sun and other heat sources.

Drink lots of fluids. Drink often and BEFORE you're thirsty. Drink water every quarter-hour. 

Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. 

Heat stroke: Short term (i.e. Acute) & future effects (i.e. Chronic)

How to protect yourself against heat stress-

Sometimes it’s difficult to self-recognize heat stress, so it’s important to use a pairing at work to stay an eye fixed on one another and spot potential heat stress symptoms.

Stay fit

When possible, avoid working in hot areas and full sun

Take frequent breaks

Use sunblock with a minimum of SPF 15 and re-apply every two hours

Cover up with a long-sleeve shirt, hat

Increase fluid intake

Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine

Reduce activity when exposed to heat

Use pairing to observe for symptoms

Increase salt intake (if the doctor approves)

The heat index (HI) or heat stress index sometimes called the apparent temperature or comfort index could be a temperature measure that takes under consideration the ratio. Supported human physiology and on clothing science, it measures how a given air temperature feels to the typical person at a given ratio. The HI temperature is measured within the shade and assumes a wind speed of 5.6 mph (9 kph) and normal air pressure.

The "HEAT INDEX" could be a single value that takes both temperature and humidity under consideration. The upper the heat index, the warmer the weather feels, since sweat doesn't readily evaporate and funky the skin. The heat index could be a better measure than air temperature alone for estimating the chance to workers from environmental heat sources

Heat Stress within the Workplace-

Heat stress includes a series of conditions where the body is under the condition of stress from overheating. Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash, or heat stroke, each with its own symptoms and coverings. Symptoms can range from excess sweating, dizziness, and collapse. At greatest risk of heat stroke are the elderly, children, and folks with medical conditions, like cardiovascular disease. However, even young and healthy individuals can be effected to heat stress if they participate in excess physical activities during the hot atmospheric conditions. Certain behaviors also put people at greater risk: drinking alcohol, participating in strenuous outdoor physical activities in atmospheric condition, and taking medications that impair the body’s ability to manage its temperature or that inhibit perspiration. Heat stress will be induced by high temperatures, heavy workloads, and clothing inappropriate for the warmth and humidity.

The signs of heat stress are often given much importance to the victim. The individual may at first may be in a state of confusion or unable to concentrate at a particular item, followed by more severe symptoms which can result in conditions, like fainting and/or collapsing. If heat stress symptoms occur, move the victim to the nearest cool or shaded area, give him or her a little bit of water, and immediately contact a supervisor or another individual to supply assistance or support.

It is important to monitor the signs of heat stress and therefore proper care treatment can be provided. The signs of heat stress are often neglected by the victim, who initially is also confused or unable to concentrate, followed by more severe symptoms, including fainting or collapse. If heat stress symptoms occur, move the worker/Victim to the nearest cool, shaded area, give him or her a little bit of water, wipe his body with wet clothe and immediately contact the supervisor.

Exposure to high or extreme temperatures or heat can cause serious illness and even death. Ensuring that your body is often hydrated and guarded against sun. During hot months, it's essential to take care of balance for performing well at work. Risk factors for heat illness include warmth and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind, low liquid intake, heavy physical labor, wearing non-breathable clothing & waterproof clothing and no controls in situ to scale back the impacts of apparatus that radiates heat, and therefore the worker's body not being acclimated to working during a hot environment, and therefore the risk level increases with the heat index furthermore. So caution must be taken anytime, the heat index is above 91 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The following are the 2 most serious illnesses which will result from exposure to heat within the workplace. 

(1) Heat Stroke: This is often a medical emergency that will lead to death. Signs of heatstroke include confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures. If a worker show signs or symptoms of heatstroke, get medical help immediately and call the ambulance. 

(2) Heat exhaustion: is that the second most serious heat-related pathological state. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, confusion, thirst, heavy sweating and vital sign greater than 100. 

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)-

The wet bulb globe temperature is calculated employing a formula that takes under consideration air temperature, speed of air movement, radiant heat from hot objects, Sunshine and body cooling thanks to sweat evaporation.

Air temperature is measured by employing a conventional thermometer.

The contribution thanks to radiant heat is measured by employing a black globe thermometer. A standard thermometer is inserted through a rubber stopper into a hollow, six-inch diameter copper ball which is coated with flat black paint. The thermometer bulb is positioned at the middle of the copper ball. The black globe thermometer normally requires a minimum of 20 minutes to return to equilibrium reading.

The cooling effect of evaporation and air movement is taken under consideration by employing a natural wet-bulb thermometer. A natural wet-bulb thermometer may be a conventional thermometer with its bulb wrapped with a cotton wick. The wick extends 30 to 35 millimeters above the thermometer bulb, and therefore the lower end of the wick is immersed in water. About 25 mm of the moistened wick is exposed between the water and therefore the bulb of the thermometer. The moist wick continuously provides water for evaporation. Like the black globe thermometer, the natural wet-bulb thermometer also requires a minimum of 20 minutes to succeed in equilibrium.

There are two different ways in which you can calculate the WBGT within the workplace: 

(1) workplaces which is effected from direct sunlight, and 

(2) therefore the other for workplaces is without direct sunlight.

When conditions of the workplace fluctuate widely, time-weighted WBGT is usually used. The question below gives us the detail information regarding "How do we calculate the WBGT Index?" gives worked samples of WBGT calculations. WBGT direct reading meters, often called heat stress analyzers, also are available to give direct WBGT reading and no calculations are necessary for determining the value

How do I calculate the WBGT Index?

The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) can be calculated by using the following equations for direct sun exposure and without direct sun exposure

For outdoors with direct sun exposure:

WBGT = 0.7 x Tempwet bulb + 0.2 x Tempglobe + 0.1 x Tempair

For indoors or outdoors without direct sun exposure:

WBGT = 0.7 x Tempwet bulb + 0.3 x Tempglobe

Where:

Tempwet bulb is the natural wet bulb temperature which can be measured by using a thermometer whose bulb is covered with wet cotton cloth and is cooled by the natural air movement

Tempglobe temperature measured using a black globe thermometer

Tempair temperature measured using a conventional thermometer

All temperatures are to be expressed in °C.

Example:

Workers employed in an outside workplace with direct exposure to the sun. Measurement of workplace conditions produced the subsequent results.

Tempwet bulb = 23°C

Tempglobe = 43°C

Tempair = 42°C

WBGT = 0.7 x 23 + 0.2 x 43 + 0.1 x 42 =28.9°C

How does one know if you’re dehydrated? 

Use a dehydration urine chart that uses your urine color as a sign of your level of dehydration, and what actions you must go for help return your body back to a standard level of hydration, and at last rest consider a modified work schedule like starting early morning and finishing early afternoon to avoid the most popular times of the day. Take rest and water breaks when needed and make sure that fully shaded or air-conditioned areas are available for periodic resting and cooling down. Workers not accustomed to working in higher temperatures need a chance to acclimatize over a period of up to 14 days this process gradually allows the body to create a tolerance to working within the heat. If a worker falls ill from heat stress immediately get them to Shady or air-conditioned area provide cool water and apply ice to the rear of the neck and immediately contact a supervisor Working safely especially in high temperatures means being prepared, knowing how to limit heat stress may save your life.

So, Stay Hydrated! Stay Safe!

At-risk Employees-

Some employees are more likely to possess heat disorders than others. Employees with heart, lung, or nephritis, diabetes, and people on medications are more likely to experience heat stress problems. Diet pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, cool drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption can all accelerate heat stress effects.

It often takes two to a few weeks for workers to become acclimated to a hot environment. This acclimation can subsequently be lost in just some days far from the warmth. 

Other Factors-

Other heat stress factors also are vital. Additionally to temperature, increased ratio, decreased air movement, or lack of shading from direct heat (radiant temperature) can all affect the potential for heat stress.

Prevention of Heat Stress: Supervisors-

Allow time for workers to regulate to hot jobs when possible. It often takes two to a few weeks for an employee to become acclimated to a hot environment.

Adjust the work schedule, if possible. Assign heavier work on cooler days or during the cooler a part of the day.

Reduce the workload. Increase the utilization of kit on hot days to scale back physical labor.

Establishing a specific schedule for work rotation and resting periods during hot days.

Train workers to acknowledge signs and symptoms of heat stress disorders and be prepared to allow tending if necessary.

Choose appropriate employees: Avoid placing "high risk" employees in hot work environments for extended or prolonged time periods. Realizing each individual employee may vary in their tolerance to heat stress conditions acting accordingly as per the OSHA standard.

Prevention of Heat Stress: Workers-

Learn to acknowledge the symptoms of heat stress. The pace of the work, taking adequate rest periods (in the shade or cooler environments, AC cabins), taking frequent breaks as per the heat stress index.

Use adequate fans for ventilation and cooling system, especially when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the plant premises and during the working hours.

Wear light-colored, loose clothing (unless working around equipment with moving parts).

Keep shaded from the direct heat wherever possible (e.g., wear a hat in direct sunshine).

Drink lots of water: in hot environments, the body requires more water

Heat Stress isn’t cool!!!

give yourself plenty of air and water!!!            

Stay safe be safe work safe!!!