WORK PLANS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

f Natural wet bulb (NWB) temperature is measured by exposing a wet sensor, such as a wet cotton wick fitted over the bulb of a thermometer, to the effects of evaporation and convection. The term natural refers to the movement of air around the sensor. ' Dry bulb (DB) temperature is measured by a thermal sensor, such as an ordinary mercury- in-glass thermometer, that is shielded from direct radiant energy sources. HEAT DISORDERS AND HEALTH EFFECTS HEATSTROKE Heat Stroke occurs when the body's system of temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels. This condition is caused by a combination of Highly variable factors, and its occurrence is difficult to predict. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. The primary signs and symptoms of heat stroke are confusion; irrational behavior; loss of consciousness; convulsions; a lack C of sweating (usually); hot, dry skin; and an abnormally high', body; temperature, e.g., a rectal temperature of 41'C (105.80F). If body temperature is too high, it'causes death. The elevated metabolic temperatures caused by a combination of workload and environmental heat load, both of which contribute to heat stroke, are also highly variable and difficult to predict. If a worker shows signs of possible heat stroke, professional medical treatment should be obtained immediately. The worker should be placed in a shady area and the outer clothing ishould be removed. The worker's " skin should be wetted and air movement around the worker should be increased (as long as the temperature of the air is less than 95° F) to improve evaporative cooling!until professional methods of cooling are initiated and the seriousness of the condition can be assessed. Fluids should be replaced 4 as soon as possible. The medical outcome of an episode of heat stroke depends on the victim's physical fitness and the timing and effectiveness of first aid treatment. Regardless of the worker's protests, no employee suspected of being ill from heat stroke should be sent home or left`unattended unless a physician has specifically approved such an order. HEATEXHAUSTION E The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, and giddiness. Fortunately, this condition responds readily to prom pttreatm'ent. Heat exhaustion should not be dismissed lightly, however, for several reasons.' One is that the fainting associated with heat exhaustion can be dangerous because the victim may be ope'�ating!0achinery or controlling an operation that should not be left unattended; moreover, the victim may be injured when he or she faints. Also, the signs and symptoms seen in heat exhaustion are similar to those of heat stroke, a real potential medical emergency. w Workers suffering from heat exhaustion should be removed from the hot environment and given fluid replacement. They should also be encouraged to get adequate rest. HEAT CRAMPS :I; : ; Heat Cramps are usually caused by performing hard physical labor inl!a hot environment. These cramps have been attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating. It is important to understand that cramps can be caused by both too much and too little salt. Cramps appear to be caused by the lack of water replenishment. Because sweat is a hypotonic solution (±0.3% NaCl), excess salt can build up in the body if the water lost through sweating is not replaced. Thirst cannot be relied on as a guide to the need for water; instead, water must be taken every 15 to �I 20 minutes in hot environments. Under extreme conditions, such as working for 6 to 8 hours in heavy STANTEC Consulting Corporation Attachment 8