Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is heat rash?
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, typically occurs when sweat is trapped against the skin and can't evaporate due to restrictive clothing. The parts of the body most commonly affected are the neck, upper chest, groin, and elbow creases. It is not considered a serious medical problem unless it covers a large area of the body and becomes infected.
What are heat cramps?
Heat cramps can occur during hard physical labor in a hot environment. Cramps are caused when heavy sweating leads to improper levels of sodium and electrolytes in the body.
What is heat syncope?
Heat syncope, also known as heat collapse, occurs when blood pools in the body's extremities leaving the brain with little oxygen. It typically happens when a person rises from a sitting or lying position and can be increased by dehydration.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body's core temperature rises above 100.4 °F. This is usually caused by a combination of high temperatures and dehydration from heavy sweating.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most dangerous heat-related medical condition. It occurs when the body can no longer control its internal temperature. The body's temperature may rise to 104 °F or higher in a matter of minutes, causing a full medical emergency. Any person suffering heat stroke needs immediate emergency help.
What are some engineering controls that can be used to reduce the risk of heat stress?
Ventilation, air cooling, shielding, insulation, hydration, and proper clothing.
What are some administrative controls that can be used to reduce the risk of heat stress?
Scheduling, acclimitization, and training.
What type of training should employees receive?
Provide training to all employees so they know the causes, symptoms, and prevention techniques for all forms of heat stress.