Health Hazards Flashcards
Firefighting health hazards include
Fatigue
Dehydration
Heat stress and cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Exposure to sun
Smoke irritation
What are the Signs/symptoms of fatigue
Tired and lack of energy
Slow to react. Take longer to complete tasks
Impaired Judgement. Inability to make decisions
Can’t concentrate
Erratic
How can you prevent fatigue
Keep fit
Get enough sleep
Maintain healthy diet
Stay hydrated
Take regular breaks
What are the signs/symptoms of heat stress/cramps
Feeling very hot/Flushed
Vigorous perspiration
Muscle pains and spasms
Can’t relax muscles
Thirst
Nausea
Heat rash
Swelling hands feet
How to minimise heat Stress/cramps
Pre hydrate
Keep hydrated
Walt don’t run
Take regular breaks
Rotate crew
How to treat Heat stress
Stop work and move to cooler place
Drink water
Remove clothing and apply wet sponge/towel
Sit, lie down. elevate legs
Fan
Seek emergency first aid
Stretch/massage muscles
What are signs/symptom’s heat exhaustion
Feeling faint, light headed
Dizzy, headache
Vigorous perspiration
Muscle cramps
Lowered blood pressure
Can’t relax muscles
Thirst
Nausea
Heat rash
Swollen hands/feet
How to treat heat Exhaustion
Move away from work environment/heat source
Lay in shade
Frequent drinks
Seek medical attention
Loosen clothing
Spray with water
What are signs/symptoms heat stroke
High body temp. Often over 40
Red hot dry skin
weak close to collapse
reduced conscious state
Rapid weak pulse
rapid shallow breathing
seizures
How to treat heat stroke
Immediate cooling
remove from heat source
remove clothing down to underwear
sponge/spray with water
Fan
Call AV
How do we identify Hazards and risk assessment
Hierarchy of controls x5
Every Sunday Eat A Pizza
Elimination
Substitution
Engineering controls
Admin Controls
PPE
What act states that. Employers need to provide safe environment without risks to health
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Section 21
what is the Standard for noise level over 8 hour period as an average
85 db(A) leq. Over 8 hour period
140 db (C) . Maximum/peak
