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3.5 Heat Stress Management Symptoms and first aid: Heat stress may take different forms, ranging from heat rash to potentially fatal heat stroke. Heat cramps are caused by heavy sweating and inadequate fluids intake. Symptoms include muscle spasms, and pain in hands, feet, and abdomen. First aid for heat cramps is to move the worker to a cooler place. If possible, give the worker one-half glass of water every 15 minutes for an hour. In extremely hot (desert) conditions, workers are encouraged to slightly increase their salt intake to elevate electrolyte levels in the body. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body organs are stressed to keep the body cool. Symptoms include pale cool moist skin; heavy sweating; dizziness; and possibly nausea. First aid measures include moving the worker to a cooler location. Lie the victim down and apply wet towels or cold compresses to the victim. Fan the victim to help cool the body. Contact emergency services and, if necessary, transport to a medical care facility. Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat stress. Immediate actions must be taken to cool the body before serious injury and death occur. The symptoms include red, hot, dry skin; lack of perspiration; nausea; dizziness and confusion; strong rapid pulse; and coma. First aid measures include the immediate notification of local emergency medical services, such as Paramedics. Immediately move the person out of the heat to a cooler location. Use wet sheets wrapped around the body to cool the victim or place in a lukewarm bath. Watch for signs of shock. DO NOT GIVE ANY FLUIDS TO DRINK IF HEAT STROKE IS SUSPECTED. NEVER GIVE ANY FLUIDS TO AN UNCONSCIOUS VICTIM. Prevention: To avoid heat stress, field personnel need to take an adequate number of breaks out of direct sunlight, and ensure they are adequately hydrated. Field personnel will implement the following minimum break schedule: <90°F Take regular breaks throughout the work period. The number and length of the break will be dictated by (among other factors) the type of work, the level of physical exertion required, and the amount of direct sun exposure. 90°F - 100°F All field personnel are required to take a 5 minute break every hour. Breaks are required regardless of the type of work, the level of physical exertion required, and the amount of direct sun exposure. 100°F - 105°F All field personnel are required to take a 10 minute break every hour. Breaks are required regardless of the type of work, the level of physical exertion required, and the amount of direct sun exposure. >105°F Give thought to stopping work for the day, or to re-scheduling the job for the early hours of the day or for days when the temperature is forecast to be cooler. If field activities must take place, all field personnel are required to take a 5 minute break every 30 minutes. Breaks are required regardless of the type of work, the level of physical exertion required, and the amount of direct sun exposure. BP Arco # HASP Created by: Scott Bittinger Revised by: Evan Lee Fau Template Version: 02.02 Created on: 10/02/2017 Revision date:10/30/2017