How to Prevent Heat Stress

When people work, participate in sports and recreational activities, and other activities requiring physical exertion they run the risk of succumbing to heat related illnesses. Sweating is the body's mechanism for cooling itself. When that mechanism is overwhelmed heat related illnesses such as heat rashes, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke can occur. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency marked by confusion; irrational behavior; loss of consciousness; convulsions; a lack of sweating; hot, dry skin; and an abnormally high body temperature. If not treated immediately it can quickly lead to death.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Time
• Knowledge
• Fluids

1. Acclimatize individuals not used to being in the hot environment by exposing them to activities in that environment for short periods of time then progressively extending the activities to longer periods. Typically a person will fully acclimatize to the hot environment in approximately two weeks.
2. Replace fluids by providing cool water or any cool non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquid to individuals. Liquids should be consumed in small amounts frequently over a period of time. Ample supplies of liquids should be available.
3. Reduce the physical demands of the activity by reducing physical exertion. Excessive lifting, climbing, or digging with heavy objects should be minimized. Use more people than normally necessary to minimize overexertion and complete the task in less time or to relieve individuals engaged in the task to allow them to rest and recover.
4. Develop an appropriate work-rest schedule that allows adequate recovery time for individuals exerting themselves in hot environments. Provide areas for recovery during rest periods that are air-conditioned or well shaded and equipped with fans or other means of air movement.
5. Reschedule activities for the cooler part of the day. Other routine activities such as maintenance and repair work should be scheduled for the cooler weather periods.
6. Monitor individuals who are heavily exerting themselves in hot environments and those who may be of greater risk such as individuals wearing heavy or impermeable clothing required for the task such as protective equipment or uniforms, and the very old and very young.

Tips & Warnings

• Some factors that affect the body's response to hot environments and lead to heat stress are high temperature and humidity, direct sun or heat, limited air movement, physical exertion, poor physical condition, some medicines, inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces, insufficient water intake and stress.
• Heat related illnesses can come on very quickly and could lead to death. It is extremely important to take precautions to protect yourself and others when exerting in hot environments and to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses. One should learn the proper first aid response to heat related illnesses, especially heat stroke and know how to summon emergency medical help quickly.