Summer Heat Safety Information

Heat Rash | Heat Stress | Heat Cramps | Heat Exhaustion | Heat Stroke

Even though Wisconsin summer temperatures are usually lower than the southern states, when the temperature rises so does the danger of heat exhaustion. The combination of heat, humidity and physical labor brings special hazards for those exposed to these conditions. Elevated body temperatures can cause problems as simple as physical discomfort or as serious as death. For anyone who must work outdoors or indoors where there is little or no air conditioning, a wave of extreme heat can turn the workplace into a dangerous environment.

Know What These Terms Mean...

Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity.

Heat index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.

Category	Heat Index	Possible heat disorders for people in high risk groups
Extreme Danger	130°F or higher (54°C or higher)	Heat stroke or sunstroke likely.
Danger	105 - 129°F (41 - 54°C)	Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion likely. Heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
Extreme Caution	90 - 105°F (32 - 41°C)	Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
Caution	80 - 90°F (27 - 32°C)	Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

More informational links from the National Weather Service

• Heat IndexEquation
• Ulra Violet Radiation Safety

Here are some signs and symptoms of heat-related conditions, along with tips on how to handle them if they occur.

HEAT RASH -Commonly known as prickly heat, heat rash often affects clothed areas of the skin. The skin around sweat ducts becomes inflamed and causes itching, tingling and a rash-like eruption of red pimples. It is less likely to occur when you are wearing loose-fitting clothing.

• Treatment: A cool shower followed with a light dusting of corn starch or talcum powder can ease the discomfort. Heat rash usually goes away on its own, but the symptoms may persist for several days before disappearing.

HEAT STRESS - Heat Stress can occur when a person is exposed to high heat and over-exertion. Symptoms of heat stress are thirst, tiredness, dizziness and sometimes-blurred vision.

• Treatment: Get the person out of the sun and into a cooler place and give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

HEAT CRAMPS - Prolonged work in high temperatures can cause profuse sweating, depleting your body of sodium chloride. This can result in sudden, painful cramps in the skeletal muscles---arms, legs or abdomen.

• Treatment: Get the person out of the sun and into cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Avoid a recurrence by taking foods and liquids that will help your body replace lost salt.

HEAT EXHAUSTION - Feeling weak or dizzy? Dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, extreme thirst and headaches are all symptoms of heat exhaustion. Over-exposure to heat or over-exertion in high temperatures causes it and immediate attention is crucial.

• Treatment: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position with their feet elevated slightly, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition. Heat exhaustion is a more serious reaction than heat stress and recuperation can take longer. Heat exhaustion victims should be treated immediately, it is usually not life threatening.

HEAT STROKE - By far the most serious heat-related condition, heat stroke CAN kill. The importance of avoiding the level of exposure to heat that can lead to heatstroke cannot be overemphasized. Heat stroke is marked by cessation of sweating and extremely high body temperature as high as 105 degrees F. Victims are often disoriented and confused. Their skin may be hot to the touch. Effects of heat stroke also include nausea, vomiting, seizures and shortness of breath. Collapse is not uncommon and death is distinctly possible.

• Treatment: Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1, heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Contacting emergency medical personnel as soon as possible.. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Awareness and preparation are the first and best means of defense against heat-related ailments. Learn the symptoms and the appropriate first aid techniques. Help yourself by always using sunscreen when spending any significant amount of time outdoors, by selecting light, loose-fitting clothing for hot weather, and by including nutritious foods in your diet.

Employers can help their workers by scheduling heavy work for mornings and evenings. If heavy work during midday cannot be avoided, frequent rest periods should be scheduled in a location out of direct sunlight. If there is no such location nearby, a temporary shelter can be put up. Workers should have plenty of liquids available to them, and the first aid kit should include icepacks.

Taking the time to rest and replenish liquids will save time that could be lost to recuperation. We can all stay safer by staying cool.

Information from Saf-T-News and Red Cross

Updated on 2/8/2008

For more heat related safety information:

• "Heat Waves" from the American Red Cross
• Extreme Heat from FEMA

 

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