REMOVAL_2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Haight Road Tank Remova NOA Project Number: E07174A January 2008 i 9 quench the thirst, he/she consumes large quantities of water without replacing the salt. Heat cramps usually occur in the arms, legs, or abdomen (the major complaint may be severe abdominal pain) and are often a signal of approaching heat exhaustion. Hot weather is not necessarily a prerequisite to heat cramps. A person who exercises strenuously in cold weather and perspires may develop heat cramps if he/she drinks water but does not replace salt. Heat cramps result when blood calcium levels are too high in proportion to those of blood sodium. To function properly, the muscles need a strict balance of water, calcium, and sodium; whenever that balance is disrupted, regardless of temperature, muscular contraction malfunctions, and heat cramps may result. Cramping occurs when the muscle contracts without relaxing again; the muscle remains firm in a knotted configuration, leaving a cavity at its origin. Some signs and symptoms of heat cramps are as follows: • Severe muscular cramps and pain, especially of the legs, calves, and abdomen • Faintness and dizziness • A stiff, board like abdomen • Possible nausea and vomiting • Normal mental status and consciousness Emergency care of heat cramps is as follows: • If the patient is in a hot environment, remove him from the heat immediately. • To relieve pain, try gently stretching the involved muscle groups. Manipulate or push the knotted muscle mass back to its normal position. To prevent heat cramps the out -of -shape or un -acclimated should not overexert themselves. Take frequent breaks in cool places. Before any strenuous activities are undertaken, warm up with exercises. Keep well hydrated and drink liquids that can replenish electrolytes. Fainting A worker who is not accustomed to hot environments and who stands immobile in the heat can faint. Due to the body's attempts to control internal temperature, enlarged blood vessels in the skin and lower part of the body may pool blood rather than returning it to the heart. Upon lying down, the worker should soon recover. Keeping slightly active should prevent blood from pooling and further fainting. Heat Rash Heat rash is likely to occur in hot, humid environments where sweat does not readily evaporate from the skin, leaving it wet most of the time. Sweat ducts become plugged, and a skin rash can develop. When the rash is extensive or complicated by infection, heat rash can be very uncomfortable and may reduce a worker's performance. The worker can prevent this condition by taking breaks and resting in a cool place, changing into dry clothes, and regularly bathing and drying the skin.