Hot Weather Flashcards
When can hot weather happen in the pacific north west?
Between May 1st and September 30th
When is it too hot?
Above 89 degrees, especially if people don’t have enough water to drink
What are the L & I outdoor temperature action levels?
For non-breathing vapor barrier clothing or full body chemical resistant suits -52 degrees
For double-layer woven clothes, including coveralls, jackets and sweatshirts - 77 degrees
And for all other clothing - 89 degrees
What are the environmental factors that affect heat illness?
temperature and humidity, direct sun versus shade, breeze versus no air movement, reflected heat-roofs and pavement, hot equipment
What are the most important personal risk factors when it comes to heat illness?
Age, weight, diet, and medical conditions
What are personal factors that make you sensitive to heat?
Lack of sleep, caffeine, alcohol, certain medications, a previous heat-related illness, pregnancy
What factors affect heat tolerance?
Dehydration - not drinking enough water, Loss of electrolytes (salt), Illness or fever, Physical exertion, Amount of clothing worn
What are less serious effects from heat?
heat rash, fainting, heat cramps
What are the serious effects of excessive heat?
Heat Stroke: Red, Hot, dry skin, high temperature, confusion, fainting, convulsions
What are symptoms of heat exhaustion?
Extreme sweating, headache, dizziness, light-headedness or fainting, nausea and/or vomiting, pale, clammy skin, irritability or confusion
What are some symptoms of heat stroke?
dry skin (sweating may still be present), hot red skin - like a sunburn, nausea and vomiting, irritability, confusion and incoherence, seizures or fits, collapse/loss of consciousness, high body temperature - 104 degrees or above
What is the natural progression of heat illness?
Dehydration -> Heat Exhaustion -> Heat Stroke. Untreated heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke.
How can you distinguish whether a person is suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion?
Ask these three questions: “What is your name?”, “What day is this?”, “Where are we?” if the person can’t answer these questions, assume it is heat stroke.
What should you do if you have heat exhaustion or heat stroke symptoms?
stop all physical activity, drink some water and go to a cool place especially if you become light-headed, confused, weak, faint, have pounding heart, trouble breathing
What is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent heat illness?
Drink plenty of water
What is the right way to hydrate?
Drink plenty of water, start work well hydrated, consider sports drinks if sweating a lot
What is the wrong way to hydrate?
Drinking pop and other sugary drinks can dehydrate you, as well as drinking lots of coffee and tea and alcohol. Waiting for thirst before drinking water
What are heat related rest breaks?
When the temperature is above 89 degrees your employer is required to give you a break in shade or cool area if you feel sick from the heat.
What are heat related required rest breaks?
You must take a 10 minute rest break every two hours when the temperature is above 100 degrees.
What is the first aid for heat exhaustion?
Move the person to a cool, shady area and have them lay down. Loosen and remove clothing that restricts cooling. If the person is alert, and not nauseated, give them fluids - about one cup every 15 minutes.
Fan the person, spray them with water or apply a wet cloth to their skin. Recovery should be rapid. Call 911 if they do not feel better in about 15 minutes.
What is the first aid for heat stroke?
Get medical help immediately. Call 911 and transport as soon as possible to a medical facility. Use all ways available to cool the person down while waiting for emergency response.
Call hospital for further instructions
How can you measure dehydration based on urine color?
The clearer your urine, the more hydrated you are.
What temperature does heat threat occur?
89 degrees
How long does it take to acclimatize to hot weather?
One to two weeks
What is the best way to prevent heat illness?
Drink plenty of water
What is the most serious effect of extreme heat?
Heat stroke
What is a sure sign of heat stroke?
Confusion and incoherence
