Category: Toolbox

Training Topic- Heat Stress

Introductory Comments

Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat in their workplaces. Although illness from exposure to heat is preventable, every year, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure, and some cases are fatal. Heat Stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes.

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Meeting Start Question

• How do we prevent Heat Stress?
• What steps are taken if an employee has symptoms of Heat Stress?
• How can you reduce your risk of heat related illness?

Critical Safety Points

Heat-Related Illnesses:

Heat Stroke- Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and occurs when the body’s
temperature regulation fails, and body temperature rises to critical levels. Suffering from a Heat
Stroke can result in death or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Primary signs
and symptoms of heat stroke are confusion; irrational behavior; loss of consciousness;
convulsions; a lack of sweating (usually); hot, dry skin; and an abnormally high body temperature.

Heat Cramps- Heat Cramps are painful short lived muscle cramps. Heat cramps are usually caused
by performing hard physical labor in a hot environment. These cramps have been attributed to
an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating.

Heat Exhaustion- There are two types of Heat Exhaustion:

Water depletion – Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness.

Salt depletion – Signs include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness. Fortunately, this condition responds readily to prompt treatment.

Employees suffering from heat exhaustion should be removed from the hot environment and given fluid replacement. They should also be encouraged to get

adequate rest and when possible, ice packs should be applied.

The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. Air
conditioning is the best way to cool off, according to the CDC. Also:

• Drink more liquid than you think you need and avoid alcohol
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
• Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
• Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself
• Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body

Employees who are new to working in warm environments are at increased risk of heat-related illness. Especially during a worker’s first few days, absolutely all symptoms should be taken seriously. Workers who develop symptoms should receive an evaluation for possible heat-related illness.

Personal Risk Factors– Some workers handle heat stress less effectively than others. Heat
tolerance happens for a varity of reasons. Personal Risk Factors can include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Lower level of physical activity
• Alcohol use

Employers should recognize that not all workers tolerate heat the same way. Workplace
controls should focus on making jobs safe for all employees. An occupational medical
monitoring program can identify workers who are at increased risk of heat illness, while
maintaing the confidentiality of worker’s health information.

When heat hazards are present, workers should receive training about personal factors that can
make them more susceptible to heat related illness. When in doubt, workers should talk to
their healthcare provider about whether they can work safely in the heat.

Hazard Communication

Introductory Comments

Hazard Communication also referred to as “HAZCOM” was developed to ensure that employers provide employees with important safety information about chemicals used in the workplace. Its purpose is to ensure that employers and employees can quickly identify the hazards associated with a chemical and know what protective action to take. The Hazard Communication Standard will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.

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Meeting Start Question

• What is Hazard Communication?
• What are Safety Data Sheets?
• What is considered Hazardous Chemical?

Critical Safety Points

Categories of the Hazard Communication Standard:
• Hazard Classification
• Written Hazard Communication Program
• Labels
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Training

Hazard Classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards,
as well as classification of mixtures.

Written Hazard Communication Program: The Hazard Communication Program requires
employers to fully document the actions taken to comply with all the provisions of the Hazard
Communication Standards, a copy of the written program must be made available, upon request,
to all employees and OSHA Officials.

Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to provide a label that includes a
signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary
statements must also be provided.
• Signal Word: is used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard. DANGER is used
for more severe hazards and WARNING is used for less severe hazards.
• Pictogram: is a symbol plus other graphic elements to convey specific hazard information.
• Hazard Statement: describes the nature and degree of the hazards.

Safety Data Sheets: Includes information such as properties of each chemical; the physical,
health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for
handling, storing, and transporting the chemical. All the information on the SDS must be available
to employees working with or near the hazardous chemical. The SDSs are presented in a
consistent user-friendly, 16-section format.

Training: Employers are required to provide employees with effective information and training
on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a
new physical or health hazard is introduced into the area. The training must include methods and
observations used to detect the presence or release of the chemical, physical and health hazards,
protective measures, labeling and explanation of the SDS.

Pictogram: The Hazard Communication Standard requires pictograms on labels to alert users of
the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a
white background framed with a red border and represents a distinct hazards. The pictogram on
the label is determinsed by the chemical hazard classficiation.

Hazardous Chemicals: Is a chemical that has properties with the potential to do harm to human
or animal health, the environment, or capable of damaging property. Hazardous Chemicals are
categorized as:
• Flammable or Explosive
• Irriating or Corrosive to skin, lungs, and eyes
• Toxic Chemicals such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, cyanide.