CHAPTER 4 EXTREME TEMPERATURE Flashcards
What are the two types of extreme temperature?
Cold stress (when the body loses heat faster than it can produce, leading to hypothermia and frostbite)
Heat stress (when the body cannot cool fast enough, leading to conditions like heat stroke and heat exhaustion).
What is heat strain, and what factors affect its severity?
Heat strain is the body’s response to heat stress, such as increased heart rate and sweating.
Severity depends on age, physical fitness, acclimatization, and hydration.
Name three occupational exposures to extreme heat.
Smelters,
firefighters,
construction workers.
What are the three mechanisms of heat transfer?
Conduction (transfer through contact), Convection (transfer through moving gas or liquid),
Radiation (energy transfer without direct contact).
Explain the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and its purpose in environmental monitoring.
WBGT is an index used to measure heat exposure, factoring in temperature, humidity, and solar radiation,
helping assess safe working conditions.
List three control measures for managing extreme heat exposure.
Acclimatization,
fluid replacement,
engineering controls (like ventilation and air cooling).
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
heavy sweating,
weakness,
dizziness,
nausea,
muscle cramps,
sometimes fainting.
What are the primary symptoms of heat stroke?
High body temperature,
lack of sweating (dry skin),
confusion,
seizures,
possible loss of consciousness.
Name three key preventive measures for avoiding heat-related illnesses.
- Regular hydration
- Rest breaks in cool areas
- Wearing light and breathable clothing
What is acclimatization, and why is it important?
Acclimatization is the process of gradually adapting to hot conditions, which improves the body’s ability to regulate temperature and reduces risk of heat-related illnesses.
What are common symptoms of hypothermia in cold environments?
Shivering, slurred speech, slow breathing, fatigue, and confusion.
List three control measures to protect against cold stress.
- Layered clothing
- Regular breaks in warm shelters
- Consuming warm, high-calorie foods and beverages
What are frostbite and its common symptoms?
Frostbite is damage to skin and tissue from freezing,
symptoms like :
numbness,
tingling,
pale skin,
hardening of the affected area.
Explain the concept of the “Wind Chill Index.”
The Wind Chill Index combines air temperature and wind speed to estimate the cooling effect on exposed skin, helping to assess risk in cold environments.
Why is hydration important in both hot and cold environments?
In hot environments, it helps regulate body temperature.
In cold environments, it prevents dehydration, which can impair body heat regulation.
