SITE INFORMATION AND CORRESPONDENCE

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HEAT STRESS 1.0 BACKGROUND Wearing personal protective equipment, especially during warm weather puts employees at considerable risk of developing heat stress. Health effects from heat stress may range from transient heat fatigue or rashes to serious illness or death. Many factors contribute to heat stress including protective clothing, ambient temperature and humidity, work load and the physical condition of the employee. Because heat stress is one of the more common health concerns that may be encountered during field activities, employees must be familiar with the signs and symptoms and various treatment methods for each form. 2.0 EFFECTS AND TREATMENT Heat stress is manifested in many forms from mild to severe. This section describes the causes, signs and symptoms and treatment methods for the most common forms of heat stress. 2.1 Heat Cramps 2.1.1 Causes and Effects Heat cramps are caused by heavy sweating with inadequate electrolyte replacement. The signs and symptoms of heat cramps include: - Muscle cramps in legs and abdomen - Pain accompanying cramps - Faintness - Profuse perspiration 2.1.2 Treatment To provide emergency care for heat cramps, remove the patient to a cool place. Give them sips of liquids such as "Gatorade"or its equivalent. Apply manual pressure to the cramped muscle(s). Remove the patient to a hospital if there is any indication of more severe illness. 2.2 Heat Exhaustion 2.2.1 Causes and Effects Heat exhaustion occurs when excessive body heat is transported from the interior of the body to the surface by the blood. The skin vessels become dilated and a large amount of blood is pooled in the skin. This condition, plus the blood pooled in the lower extremities when in an upright position, may lead to an inadequate return of blood to the heart and eventually to physical collapse. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are as follows: