physical hazards at the workplace Flashcards
what are the different types of hazards in occupational medicine ?
physical chemical biological mechanical psychosocial
what is the heat balance equation ?
body temp = M+R+c-E metabolism radiation conduction evaporation
what is heat stress determined by ?
air temperature
air movement
amount of radiant heat
humidity
what are the different types of occupational exposures to heat ?
hot environment
direct exposure to the sun
what are the different types of heat disorders ?
heat strokes heat exhaustion heat cramps heat syncope skin disorders
what are some risk factors of heat disorders ?
extremes of age alcohol abuse dehydration obesity sleep deprivation lack of acclimatisation history of heat strokes
what are some medical conditions that increase the risk factors for heat disorders ?
cardiac disease vascular disease hypotension disease of the CNS Extensive skin disease febrile illnesses thyrotoxicosis
what medications increase the risk of heat disorders ?
- sympathomimetics like cocaine and amphetamine
- anticholinergic drugs
- drugs that decrease cardiac contractility
- drugs that cause volume depletion
- lithium drugs
how does lithium have an affect on the occurence of heat disorders ?
lithium interferes with hypothalamic thermoregulatory mechanisms
what is the manifestation of heat strokes ?
cerebral dysfunction
altered mental status
what are the two types of heat strokes ?
classic type
exertional
what is the difference between a classic type and an exertional type of heat stroke ?
classic is when extreme heat exposure occurs to a susceptible individual
an exertional one happens when a lot of effort is exerted inn a hot environment to an unacclimitazied individual
what are the three cardinal signs of a heat stroke ?
- red hot dry skin “generalized anhidrosis”
- CNS manifestation
- Core body temp more than 41.1
what is the treatment for heat strokes ?
aim is to control the body temp within one hour
move to a shady cool place
entire body should be sprayed with cool water along with a fan
chlorpromazine can be used to control the shivering
what is acclimatization ?
gradual, controlled exposure to heated environments of increasing intensity and duration to allow the body to adjust to heat
what is heat exhaustion ?
strenuous work and prolonged exposure to heat with insufficient salt and water intake
what are the signs of symptoms of heat exhaustion ?
1 .thirst or dehydration 2 .heat cramps 3. moist skinn 4 .temperature more than 38 but less than 41.1 5. loss of consciousness
what is the treatment for heat exhaustion ?
- place patient in a cool and shaded environment
- hydration of 1-2 litres over 2 to 4 hours
- saline or isotonic glucose solution should be given IV in more severe cases
what are heat cramps caused by ?
dilutional hyponatraemia caused by replacement of sweat losses with water alone
what is the treatment for heat cramps ?
relax the muscle and provide water and salt
what is a heat syncope ?
sudden unconsciousness results from volume depletion and cutaneous vasodilation with consequent systemic and cerebral hypotension
what is the clinical picture of heat syncope ?
- the skin is cool and moist and the pulse is weak
2. systolic BP is usually below 100mmhg
what is a heat rash ?
miliaria is caused by sweat retention resulting from obstruction of the sweat gland duct
how do dysbaric disorders happen ?
when moving too quickly from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure can produce nitrogen gas bubbles in the body
