CEU Series: Beat Heat Stress

Did you know that an increase in body temperature of just two degrees can affect mental performance? A five degree increase can even be life threatening. Prepare yourself and your team for working in the heat and take the stress out of heat stress.

Heat stress is a risk when laboring in high temperature conditions. When heat generated by working muscles combines with high temperatures, the body may be unable to sufficiently cool itself resulting in heat stress, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Those working in full sun or high humidity conditions are at particular risk. The risk of heat illness is also increased when wearing protective or impermeable coverings, such as pesticide applicator coveralls. Protective clothing and high humidity limit the effectiveness of the body’s natural cooling mechanism, sweating, by limiting the evaporation of sweat and heat from the body. One possible symptom of severe heat illness is a reduction or lack of sweating.

While the temptation to reduce protective clothing may be hard to ignore, pesticide applicators are required by law to wear the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) listed on the product label for the task they are performing. If applying a product that requires coveralls, the applicator must wear the coveralls, heat or no heat. Special cooling clothing may be an option to help reduce the effect of high temperatures when wearing PPE.

Tips To Avoid Heat Illness

Work during cooler hours of the day, such as early morning.
Shorten work periods and increase break periods.
Stay hydrated. Drink water even if you are not thirsty, a pint or more every 15 minutes is recommended at temperatures above 85 degrees.
Rest in the shade.
Wear a hat and loose fitting, light colored clothing.
Reschedule applications or switch to products that require less PPE if possible.
Discuss heat stress with workers, watch out for one another, and have an action plan prepared.

Would You Recognize Heat Illness?

Symptoms of heat illness include: sweating, headache and fatigue. Weakness, nausea, dizziness, irritability and thirst may also occur. The skin may be cool and moist; however, life threatening heat stroke can be indicated by red, hot and dry skin. Heat illness can cause a fast pulse and painful heat cramps or heat rash may also occur. Heat stroke can cause severe, life threatening symptoms such as fainting, seizures, very high body temperatures and aggressive or irrational behavior.

Heat illness symptoms should be taken seriously. If a worker appears to be overheated, get them to shade as soon as possible and provide plenty of cool water. Cold compresses or ice packs can also be used in the armpits. If symptoms are severe or do not improve within an hour, seek medical attention right away. If heat stroke symptoms such as fainting, seizures, very high body temperature, or red, hot, dry skin are observed, call 911 immediately. Stay with the worker while waiting for help and take measures to help cool them off, such as loosening or removing outer clothing and fanning the person in addition to the measures already mentioned.

Heat Or Pesticide Illness?

Pesticides are more quickly absorbed through hot, sweaty skin than cool skin and heat stress symptoms can mimic pesticide poisoning. As the body heats up, less blood is circulated to important organs like the brain. Workers can become dizzy, confused and disoriented. The strain on the body can contribute to heart attacks, injuries and equipment accidents. Beginning symptoms range from mild dizziness and fatigue, while full blown heat stroke can result in life threatening convulsions and brain damage.

Learn to keep cool when Mother Nature turns up the temperature. Earn one Core CEU. Take the Series 45 test now.