Originally posted to the web in News, on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 1:34 PM CDT.
Safety lessons for hot temperatures
Temperatures in Arizona have been breaking records. Recently, Arizona set record high minimum temperatures of 88 degrees on days where the highs peaked above 110. Many people have been treated for dehydration.
In extreme heat it is important to hydrate, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and guard against heat-related illnesses.
To protect against these record temperatures, important lessons can be learned from the natural surroundings, especially for workers who must be outside. For example, the saguaro cactus absorbs enough rain water to, at times, be comprised of 90 percent water; and the desert roadrunner protects it self from the heat by reducing its activity by half during a summer day.
For all things, hydration is an important first step. In the heat, thirst can diminish while an average worker can produce up to three gallons of sweat. To offset this, the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) suggests that workers drink five to seven ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, whether thirsty or not and avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol, which aids dehydration.
“It’s easy to be involved in an activity outside and not realize you’re becoming dehydrated,” said Claudia Baker, loss control manager at SCF Arizona. “Rather than wait for warning signs, plan ahead and drink plenty of fluids on a regular basis.”
Equally important as hydration, is to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and always protect yourself from the heat.
“Slow down,” states the Red Cross on its Web site. “If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.”
While active outdoors, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, which help reflect the sun’s heat. Wearing a hat or using an umbrella adds additional protection.
It is important to recognize that heat illnesses can occur despite the best preparation, and knowing symptoms is essential. Heat illnesses come on in stages and begin with cramps, which can be very painful.
According to the Red Cross, the signs of the next, more serious stage of heat-related illness, called heat exhaustion, include:
Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity)
Headache
Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion
Nausea
And the signs of a late-stage heat illness, called heat stroke, include:
Vomiting
Decreased alertness or loss of consciousness
High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit)
Continued moist skin or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.
Rapid, weak pulse
Rapid, shallow breathing
So while we don’t have the ability to store fluids like a cactus, or to always avoid activity during the day like a roadrunner, we can strive to stay hydrated, protect ourselves from the heat and guard against the danger and symptoms of heat related illnesses.
For additional information on heat safety, contact an SCF Arizona Loss Control Consultant at 602-631-2000.
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