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PES Environmental, Inc. 6.0 HEAT/COLD STRESS MONITORING 6.1 Heat Stress and Stroke Monitoring Heat stress is the adverse stress to the body due to exposure to excess heat. It can greatly diminish the ability of the body to function properly. Therefore, all personnel involved in work activities will become acquainted with the symptoms of heat stress and the necessary response actions for treatment. Because the incidence of heat stress depends on a variety of factors, all workers will be monitored. Hazards associated with heat stress include the following: • Heat Rash - may result from continuous exposure to heat or to humid air; • Heat Cramps - caused by heavy sweating causing cold clammy skin. Usually associated with inadequate electrolyte replacement. Heat cramps can cause muscle spasms, pain in the hands, feet, and abdomen; • Heat Exhaustion - occurs from increased stress on various body organs including inadequate blood circulation due to cardiovascular insufficiency or dehydration. Heat exhaustion can cause pale, cool, moist skin, heavy sweating, dizziness, and nausea and fainting; and • Heat Stroke - the most serious form of heat stress. Temperature regulation fails, and the body temperature rises to critical levels (usually above 106 degrees Fahrenheit). Immediate action must be taken to prevent serious injury and death. Competent medical help must be obtained. Heat stroke can cause red, hot unusually dry skin. Symptoms include lack of or reduced perspiration nausea, dizziness, confusion, and strong rapid pulse and coma. Do not try to treat on-site, give liquids or other treatments. During the day-to-day fieldwork, the SSHO, PM, and workers must be alert for the signs and symptoms of heat related incidents. Heat related conditions are hazards that exist when individuals are required to work in warm temperatures while wearing protective equipment. The SSHO will monitor the ambient air temperature and humidity utilizing local information sources. Employees working in protective clothing will be observed for the following signs and symptoms of heat stress, dizziness and nausea, profuse sweating, skin color change, vision problems, delirium, fainting, weakness, fatigue, cramping, and hot red, dry skin. Employees who exhibit heat related symptoms will be monitored on-site by the SSHO or other competent person. Monitoring heat related symptoms will consist of measuring the heart rate and body temperature to prevent the onset of heat stress illness. 148400101H002.doc 11