Safety Alert

Manoj Choyal
  Heat stress is the heat load on the body from the combined contributors of
metabolic heat production and external environmental factors.
 Heat stress causes the body's core temperature to rise.
 Hyperthermia occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can
dissipate.
 The body is required to get rid of excess heat to maintain a constant internal
temperature (37°C)
 The body’s best mechanism for removing any excess heat is through the
evaporation of sweat.
 High humidity stops/decreases the evaporation of sweat and therefore no heat is
lost.

Heat In Heat Out

Manoj Choyal
 Environmental: Individual:
 Air Temperature  Age
 Radiant Heat  Gender
 Humidity  Fitness
 Wind Speed  Medical Condition
 Alcohol Consumption
 Clothing
 Physical Activity
 Weight
 Acclimatization

Manoj Choyal
  Hypo/De-hydration is the major factor causing heat illnesses.
 Dehydration leads to decreased physical and mental
performance.
 Fact: Thirst only starts at 2% dehydration of body weight.

Symptoms: Prevention:
• Thirst • Drink plenty of fluids, don’t wait until thirsty
• Decreased urine volume • Drink small amounts and often
• Abnormally dark urine • Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and
• Unexplained tiredness alcohol which are diuretics
• Irritability • It is essential to replace the sodium lost
through sweating
• Lack of tears
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness

Manoj Choyal
  If the water in the body is balanced, the urine will be a pale straw or lemonade color. When
water loss from the body exceeds water intake, the kidneys need to conserve water, making
the urine much more concentrated with waste products and subsequently darker in color.
 Dark yellow urine is a sure indicator that the individual is dehydrated and that the fluid
consumption must be increased.
 Certain medicines and vitamins may cause the color of the urine to change. If any of these
have been taken, this test is unreliable.

Manoj Choyal
HEAT RASH
Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot,
humid weather. It is more likely to occur on the neck
and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in
elbow creases.

HEAT CRAMPS
Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms,
or legs, that occur due to electrolytes imbalance caused
by profuse sweating.

HEAT FATIGUE
Temporary state of mental or psychological strain
resulting from prolonged heat exposure.

HEAT SYNCOPE
Temporary state of mental or psychological strain
resulting from prolonged heat exposure.

Manoj Choyal
HEAT EXHAUSTION is the body's response HEAT STROKE is the most serious heat-
to an excessive loss of the water and salt, related disorder. It occurs when the body
usually through excessive sweating. becomes unable to control its temperature.
Symptoms Symptoms
• Thirst • Hot, dry skin
• Headache • No sweating
• Weakness or fatigue • Hallucinations
• Heavy sweating • Chills
• Complexion is red with rapid pulse • Headache
• Body temperature is normal or slightly elevated • High body temperature 40°C
• Dizziness, confusion • Confusion/dizziness
• Nausea • Slurred speech
• Clammy, moist skin • Irrational behaviour
• Loss of consciousness
• Convulsion
First Aid First Aid
• Rest in cool place • Call medical attention immediately
• Drink plenty of fluids • Move person to shade
• Severe cases could take one or two days to • Remove clothing and wet skin
recover • Increase local air velocity
• No known permanent side effects • Increase fluid intake if possible

Manoj Choyal
  We also have a “Duty of Care” towards
visitors
 Visitors need to be told of the hazards they
need to be aware of during their visit,
including hazards from heat, and what to do
if the unexpected happens

Manoj Choyal