By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
June 28, 2013 (San Diego) – The Heat is on and looks like it will be with us for a while!
If you work or play outside, you should know about heat stress safety tips. Heat stress is caused by over exposure to hot climates. You might not think it is possible, but you can suffer from heat related injuries inside as well as outside. Heat stress occurs when your bodies core temperature rises above normal.
Follow these heat stress safety tips to prevent heat injuries:
Types of Heat Stress – There are two popular types of heat stress. The first is heat stroke.
This is caused by your body temperature rising above 103 degrees. Heat stroke is a serious problem and often leads to death if it is not taken care of immediately. There are several symptoms of heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, flushed skin, vomiting, no sweat on skin, seizure and loss of consciousness. If you notice someone suffering from any of these symptoms call for medical attention.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion - The cause of heat exhaustion is very similar to heat stroke. The main difference is that the body is having trouble dehydrating to due lack of liquids and electrolytes. People that are most likely to suffer heat exhaustion are outdoor workers and the elderly. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, cool clammy skin, excessive sweating, anxiousness, thirst, cloudy thinking and trouble standing. If you or someone you are working with starts to show these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. There are a few things you can do while waiting for help to keep the person from getting worse. Pour cold water on them. Sit in a shaded area. Remove any heavy clothing
Heat Stress Prevention Safety Tips - It’s important for you to wear light, loose fitting clothes that allow air to flow through them. Clothes should be light colors that reflect the Sun rather than dark which attracts the sun. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinks with caffeine in them. They will cause you to dehydrate faster. If at all possible, work in a shaded area. If you are on any medication, check with your doctor to make sure long exposure to the sun is safe. Take frequent breaks to cool off.
Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
*Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.