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■ dizziness, • ■ nausea, ■ blurred vision, ■ cramps, ■ irritation of eyes, skin, or respiratory tract, or ■ any other abnormal physiological function 54 Heat Stress Adverse climatic conditions - heat and cold - are important considerations in planning and conducting site operations Ambient temperature effects can include physical discomfort, reduced efficiency, personal injury, and increased accident probability Heat stress is of particular concern while wearing impermeable garments because these garments prevent evaporative body cooling, and this is of particular concern on projects involving hazardous or toxic materials where employees may be equipped with extensive personal protective equipment 5 4 1 Heat Stress Control Measures One or more of the following control measures can be used to minimize heat stress ■ Ingestion of adequate liquids to replace lost body fluids Workers must replace water and salt lost from sweating Workers must be encouraged to drink more than the amount required to satisfy thirst Thirst satisfaction is not an accurate indicator of adequate salt and fluid replacement Electrolyte replacement fluids such as Gatorade or Quik-Kick, or a combination of these with fresh water, should be available for use Workers should be encouraged to increase their sodium intake ■ Establishment of a work regime that provides adequate rest periods for cooling down This may require additional shifts of workers Heat stress measurements shall be compared to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Heat Exposure for Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for work regimens ■ Cooling devices such as vortex tubes or cooling vests can be worn beneath protective garments 5-4 REV 4192-EGI Mr.