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protective gear, a loss of sodium may occur. Studies have shown that drinking commercially available F ' carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement. liquids is effective in minimizing physiological-disturbances I� f during recovery. } HEAT COLLAPSE Heat Collapse ("Fainting").). In heat collapse, the brain does not receive enough oxygen because blood pools in the extremities. As a result, the exposed individual may lose consciousness. This reaction is similar to that of heat exhaustion and does'not affect the body's heat balance. However, l � the onset of heat collapse is rapid and unpredictable. To prevent heat collapse, the worker should gradually become acclimatized to the hot environment. r HEAT'RASHES Heat,Rashes are the most common problem in hot work environments. "Prickly heat", as heat rashes are sometimes called, is manifested as red papules on the skin and usually appears in areas where the clothing is restrictive. As sweating increases, these papules give rise to a prickling sensation. Prickly heat occurs .in skin that is persistently wetted by unevaporated sweat, and heat rash papules may become infected if they are not treated. In most cases, heat rashes will disappear when the affected individual returns to a cool environment. j HEAT�FATIGUE k A factor that predisposes an individual to heat fatigue is lack of acclimatization. The use of a program of acclimatization and training for work in hot environments is advisable. Acclimatization can take several weeks depending on the individual involved and the difference in temperature between the { location from which the person is coming and the temperature to which he/she is. going. The signs and symptoms of heat fatigue include impaired performance of skilled sensorimotor, mental,- or. vigilance jobs. There is no treatment for heat fatigue except to remove the heat stress before a more x serious heat-related condition develops. 4 CONTROLMEASURES FOR HEAT STRESS Ventilation, air-cooling, fans, shielding, and insulation are the five major types of engineering controls used to reduce heat stress in hot work environments. Heat reduction can also be achieved by using j power assists and tools that reduce the physical demands placed-on a worker. However, for this approach to be successful, the metabolic effort required for the worker to use or operate these devices must-be less than-the effort required without them. Another method is to reduce the effort necessary to operate power assists: The worker should be allowed to take'frequent rest breaks in a cooler environment. �! III ACCLIMATIZATION t u. The human body can adapt to heat exposure to some extent. This physiological adaptation is called — acclimatization. After a period of acclimatization, the same activity will produce fewer cardiovascular demands. The worker will sweat more efficiently (causing better evaporative cooling), and thus will more easily be able to maintain normal body temperatures. _ FLUID REPLACEMENT ' Cool (50°-600F) water or any cool liquid (except alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee) should be made available to workers to encourage them .to drink small amounts frequently, e.g., one cup every 20 minutes. Ample supplies ,of'liquids should be .placed close to.the work area. Although some STANTEC Consulting Corporation Attachment 8 1• J