I was the safety Guru at ALCOA Potrooms where every summer we had some ba cases of heat illnesses.. This is a handout I put tgether..
BASIC HEAT INJURY PREVENTION
1. Consider water and electrolyte drinks as tactical weapons. Reduce heat injury by forcing consumption. Drink water even if not thirsty.
2. When possible, drink cool (50 F to 55 F) water.
3. Drink water before strenuous work. Water requirements vary with climatic conditions and workloads. In hot climates, drink at least one quart of water each hour. In extreme conditions, hourly water requirements could increase to over two quarts.
4. Take frequent drinks since they are more effective than drinking the same amount all at once. Larger people need more water.
5. Replace salt loss only by eating on all meals.
6.When possible, workloads and /or duration of physical activity should be less during the first days of exposure to heat; then should gradually be increased to follow acclimatization.
7.Modify activities if conditions which increase risk of heat injury (fatique/loss of sleep, previous heat exhaustion, taking medications) are present.
8.Take frequent rest periods in the shade, if possible.
9.Perform heavy work in the cooler hours of the day such as early morning or late evening, if possible.
HEAT CRAMPSSYMPTOMS - Muscle cramps of arms, legs And/or stomach. Heavy sweating (wet skin) and extreme thirst
may occur.
FIRST AID1. Move person to a shady area and loosen clothing.*
2. Have the person drink at least 1 quart of cool water.
3.Watch the person. Continue to give water if person accepts it.
4.Get medical help if cramps continue.
HEAT EXHAUSTIONSYMPTOMS - Heavy sweating with pale, moist, Cool skin: headache, weakness Dizziness, and/or loss of appetite.
FIRST AID1. Move person to a cool, shady area and loosen/remove clothing.*
2. Pour water on person and fan to permit cooling effect.
3.Have person slowly drink at least one full quart of water.
4.Elevate person’s legs.
5.Get medical help if symptoms continue;
Watch person until symptoms are gone or medical aid arrives
Heat cramps, nausea (with or without vomiting), urge to move
bowels, chills (gooseflesh), rapid, confusion, and tingling of
the hands and/or feet may occur.
HEATSTROKETHIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCYSYMPTOMS - Sweating stops (red, flushed,hot dry skin).
FIRST AID HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. EVACUATE to a medical facility
IMMEDIATELY. Reduce body temperature.
1. Move person to a cool, shady area and loosen or remove clothing (remove outer clothing
2.Start cooling the person
IMMEDIATELY.
Immerse in water. Fan to cool. Massage extremities and skin with cool water.
3.Elevate person’s legs.
4.If conscious, have person slowly drink one full quart of cool water.
Thanks woody !