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Site Safety and Health Plan Stockton Field Maintenance Shop #24 8020 Airport Way, Stockton, CA 9.0 HEAT/COLD STRESS MONITORING 9.1 HEAT STRESS When the body temperature rises, the body seeks to dissipate the excess heat. The major disorders due to heat stress are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The symptoms and recommended prevention for each are listed below: Heat cramps are painful spasms that may occur in the muscles of workers who have perspired profusely in the heat. If this occurs work should be stopped and worker supplied with fluids. Heat exhaustion is characterized by extreme weakness or fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headache. In serious cases, a worker may vomit or lose consciousness. The skin is clammy and moist, complexion pale or flushed, and the body temperature can be normal or slightly higher than normal. Treatment consists of rest in a cool place and replacement of body water lost by perspiration. Mild cases may recover spontaneously with this treatment. Severe cases may require care for several days. There are no permanent effects. Heat stroke is caused by the breakdown of the body's heat-regulating mechanism. The skin is very dry and hot with a red or bluish appearance. Unconsciousness, mental confusion, or convulsions may occur. Without quick and adequate treatment, the result can be permanent brain damage or death. Medical assistance should be given quickly. The person should be moved to a cool place. Body heat should be reduced by soaking the person's clothes with water. Concerns with heat stress generally can be expected whenever temperatures exceed 80° F; therefore, the following requirements should be initiated and adhered to when ambient temperature exceeds 80° F. Acclimate the body to the working environment. Drink cool water to replace body fluids lost during sweating. Site personnel taking prescribed heart and/or high blood pressure medication may require electrolyte replenishing liquids to combat heat stress. It is recommended that each individual taking prescribed heart and/or high blood pressure medication consult his personal physician prior to consuming these drinks. Wear personal cooling devices only in extreme cases. Wear supplied air suits or respirators equipped with a vortex tube that cools the air being supplied. Take rest breaks as frequently as necessary to prevent personal distress and development of symptoms. Count pulse rate during a 30-second period as early as possible in the rest break. If heart rate exceeds 110 beats per minute at the beginning of the rest break, shorten the next work cycle by one-third and keep the rest break the same. If the heart rate still exceeds 110 beats per minute at the next rest break, shorten the following work cycle by one-third. 29 Star Resources Corp