Fluid Replacement Guidelines for Warm Weather Training
Working in the heat can be risky to your health. Life- threatening problems can occur if your body is unable to stay cool enough in hot temperatures or high humidity. Heat stress causes a range of health effects, which can lower your job performance and become life-threatening if left untreated.
Health Risks
- Heat stroke is life-threatening. Your body can no longer cool itself. You may have hot, dry skin, experience confusion, convulsions, or loss of consciousness.
Heat stroke can kill.
If you or a coworker experience symptoms, call 911 and get emergency medical help!
- Heat exhaustion develops when your body has lost too much fluid. Signs of heat exhaustion include damp, flushed skin, feeling tired, nauseous, head achy, or giddy.
- Heat cramps occur when salt your body loses from sweating isn’t replaced. They affect the muscles you use most and can set in after you’ve left work.
- Heat rash occurs when sweat can’t evaporate from your skin. It can make work activities difficult to perform.
A SAFE WORKPLACE IS YOUR RIGHT!
To protect workers from heat stress, employers can:
- Provide clean water in convenient locations at all work areas.
- Schedule frequent rest and water breaks.
- Reduce work demands or scheduling heavy labor for cooler times.
- Ensure adequate air circulation in work areas (e.g. ventilation).
- Provide adequate and immediate medical response in the event of heat stress.
- Choose PPE with heat stress in mind
PROTECT YOURSELF!
- Know and report early signs and symptoms. • Drink water frequently. • Take breaks in cool, shaded areas. • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Report problems with heat, AC or drinking water. Take breaks and be alert to signs of heat stress when > 85°F. Implement all precautions when >95°F – the DANGER ZONE for heat exhaustion and stroke.
Spotlight on Breaks: No OSHA standard exists on heat breaks. However, take action as soon as you or a coworker begins to feel symptoms of heat stress!