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The goal of this procedure is to minimize the detrimental effects of excessive heat on NPS employees who are required to work with elevated temperatures. Effective measures to prevent heat stress vary by work unit, job and the work environment. Because each situation is different, general possible preventive measures are in this procedure.
1. Heat Stress
Heat Stress is influenced by several risk factors: climatic conditions, the work environment, demands of the work, clothing and personal characteristics. 1.1 Climatic and environmental conditions that affect the risk of heat-related disorders are air temperature and humidity, air movement, and the temperature of surrounding surfaces which affects radiant heat exchange. 1.2 Demands of the work influence the stress on the temperature regulation system. Individual responses to a given work load vary but, as an employee expends more energy, the bodys internal metabolic heat production rises. This increases stress on the cardiovascular system to regulate body temperature (i.e., by increasing blood flow to skin). Work-related factors that influence heat stress include work rate, level of physical effort, and duration of activity. 1.3 Clothing characteristics such as insulation, permeability, weight, fit and ventilation affect the bodys ability to regulate internal temperatures. Other factors that may increase the risk of heat-related disorders include additional equipment, the use of a respirator, or other personal protective equipment (PPE). 1.4 Personal characteristics such as age, weight, previous heat stress injury, underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, chronic pulmonary disease, and thyroid disorders), medication use and overall health and physical fitness contribute to an employees susceptibility of contracting a heat-related illness. 1.5 Working in an environment with heat stress not only increases the risk for specific heat related conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but also increases the risk for other adverse events. Studies show link between heat
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Muscle cramps (abdominal and lower extremities) Fatigued muscles Blurred vision
2.1. Heat exhaustion occurs when the core body temperature rises above normal. It is caused by insufficient fluid intake while exposed to extreme heat for prolonged period without rest. Symptoms include sweating, extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, dizziness, nausea, or headache. The victims skin will be clammy and moist; the complexion will be pale or flushed. The body temperature is usually normal or slightly higher. For treatment, lay victim in a cool shady spot. Elevate feet and loosen clothing. Pour water on victim and fan to cool. Seek medical attention immediately.
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2.4. Heat Syncope or Fainting is caused by pooling of blood in the legs and skin from prolonged static posture and head exposure. Un-acclimatized workers required to stand in one position for extended periods of time are at the greatest risk. Symptoms include blurred vision and fainting. The body temperature will be normal. Preventive measures include moving around rather than standing still. Usually the victim will recover quickly after drinking water and lying down.
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Some preventive controls for heat stress: 3.1 Hydration: The human body is highly dependent on adequate fluids and minerals to function properly. Adequate water intake is the single most important
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