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Neil O.Anderson&Associates HASP Page 9 of 21 <br /> March 18, 2014 <br /> ' To prevent heat cramps the out-of-shape or un-acclimated should not overexert themselves. <br /> Take frequent breaks in cool places. Before any strenuous activities are undertaken, warm up <br /> with exercises. Keep well hydrated and drink liquids that can replenish electrolytes. <br /> Fainting <br /> A worker who is not accustomed to hot environments and who stands immobile in the heat can <br /> ' faint. Due to the body's attempts to control internal temperature, enlarged blood vessels in the <br /> skin and lower part of the body may pool blood rather than returning it to the heart. Upon <br /> lying down, the worker should soon recover. Keeping slightly active should prevent blood from <br /> pooling and further fainting. <br /> Heat Rash <br /> Heat rash is likely to occur in hot, humid environments where sweat does not readily evaporate <br /> from the skin, leaving it wet most of the time. Sweat ducts become plugged, and a skin rash <br /> 1 can develop. When the rash is extensive or complicated by infection, heat rash can be very <br /> uncomfortable and may reduce a worker's performance. The worker can prevent this condition <br /> by taking breaks and resting in a cool place, changing into dry clothes, and regularly bathing <br /> ' and drying the skin. <br /> Transient Heat Fatigue <br /> ' Transient heat fatigue refers to the temporary state of discomfort and mental or psychological <br /> strain arising from prolonged heat exposure. Workers unaccustomed to the heat are <br /> particularly susceptible and can suffer, to varying degrees, a decline in task performance, <br /> ' coordination, alertness, and vigilance. The severity of transient heat fatigue can be lessened by <br /> a period of gradual adjustment to the hot environment (heat acclimatization). <br /> 6.2.3 Preparing for Work in the Heat <br /> One of the best ways to reduce the heat stress in workers is to minimize the heat in the <br /> workplace. However, heat production is difficult to control in some environments, such as <br /> outdoors where exposure to various weather conditions is likely and when wearing personal <br /> protective clothing. <br /> Humans, to a large extent, can acclimate to the heat. Adjusting to heat under normal <br /> circumstances usually takes five to seven days, during which time the body will undergo a <br /> ' series of changes that will make continued exposure to heat more endurable. <br /> Gradual exposure to heat gives the body time to become accustomed to higher environmental <br /> temperatures. Heat stress is more likely to occur among workers who have not been given <br /> ' time to adjust to working in the heat, among workers who have been away from hot <br /> environments, or among workers who have never been exposed to hot environments. Hot <br /> weather in the summer is likely to affect the worker who is not acclimatized to heat. Likewise, <br /> ' workers who return to work after a leisurely vacation or extended illness can be affected by the <br /> 1 <br /> ' 902 Industrial Way•Lodi,CA 95240•209.367.3701•Fax 209.333.8303 ®2014 Neil 0.Anderson&Associates,Inc. <br />