Heat StressBUILDING EFFICIENCY MIDDLE EAST

What’s wrong with me ?I have a headache and I’m feeling exhausted & faint

Work Stress

Psychological Stress

Financial Stress

Travel Stress

Social Stress

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HEAT STRESS

YES, Summer has arrived …………..

Yesterday, the temperature in Dubai reached

41C (106F)

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Heat Stress - Water content in Humans

Body weight of an adult man = 60% water

Body weight of an adult Woman = 55% water

Body weight of babies = 75% water

Perspiration is the body’s natural process for cooling itself (Evaporative Cooling)..…but if you are exposed to extreme conditions

Water content in the human body is as follows:

Lean muscle = 75% water by weight

Blood = 70% water

Bone = 22% water

Body fat =10% water

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HEAT STRESS

When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as ‘heat stress’ or ‘heat exhaustion’ and the more severe, ‘heat stroke’ can occur, and can result in death.

Body’s reaction to temperature

Increase in blood flow to skin and Sweating

Excessive sweat and evaporation causes excessive body fluid loss

Failure of body’s means to control internal temperature

…….. Excessive loss of body fluids is dangerous

Normal body temperature 37.0 °C (98.6 °F)

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Heat Stress - Causes

High temperature and humidity

Extreme weather conditions in summer

Direct sun or heat

Limited air movement

Physical exertion

Produces heat within body causes stress

Certain clothing

Affects sweat evaporation

Dehydration

Dehydration due to any reason affects sweat production

Heat stress leads to dehydration as well

Inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces

The tolerance differs from person to person

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Heat Stress - Symptoms

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Headaches

Dizziness

Lightheadedness or fainting

Weakness and moist skin

Muscle cramps

Mood changes such as irritability or confusion

Upset stomach or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Dry, hot skin with no sweating

Mental confusion or losing consciousness

Seizures or convulsions

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Preventing Heat Stress

Avoid exposure to strong sun

Schedule out-door activities for the morning or, evening

Mandatory afternoon breaks for site work or, physical outdoor activities

Block out direct sun or other heat sources

Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly

Drink lost of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes

Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes

Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals

Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses;

monitor yourself and co-workers

Acclimatize

Human body increases tolerance with acclimatization

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Treating Heat Stress

Move the worker to cool / shaded area

Loosen / remove heavy clothing

Fan and mist the person with water

Provide cool drinking water

Seek medical advice

Preventing Heat Stress

Thank You !

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