Working in a hot environment can cause the body to overheat, this is 'heat
stress'. Heat exhaustion can result if fluids are not taken to replace those
lost by sweating. In the extreme, heatstroke may occur, and this condition can
be fatal.
Precautions should be taken and work regimes adjusted to ensure that deep body
temperature is maintained within its required operating range.
Control of Body Heat
Things that contribute to increase
the body temperature include, metabolism (the processing of food etc
generates heat), exercise (during which heat is generated in the muscle
tissue), ambient air temperature, radiation from the sun and any hot objects
in the vicinity, flames, etc.
Working in a Hot Environment
If you are required to work
in a hot environment, like in the furnace area of a steelworks or
glassworks, in a boiler house, or have to weld on, or in, a preheated
vessel, for example, you must take steps to prevent your deep body
temperature from rising dangerously high.
Symptoms of Heat Stress
The human body only functions
properly if the temperature deep within it is maintained between about 37
and 38°C. Heat stress on the body occurs when the deep body temperature
rises above about 38°C. The consequences of heat stress can be serious and,
even, fatal.
Precautions
Some of these have been mentioned in the
preceding text, but will be reiterated here, as they are important. If
working in hot and particularly humid conditions you should:
- Use fans or other forced air ventilation to aid cooling.
- Work in short periods followed by longer rest periods.
First AidHeat Exhaustion
Transfer casualty to a cool place.
Remove any heavy, restrictive clothing.
Give plenty of fluid, to be taken in sips.
Heat Stroke
Transfer casualty to a cool place and remove
clothing.
Always seek medical advice, heat stroke can kill!
