7.) HEAT STROKE (Medical Emergency)SYMPTOMS- Dry Pale Skin (No sweating)- Hot Red Skin (Look like sunburn)- Mood Changes (irritable, confused/delirious)- Seizure/Fits/Convulsion- Collapsed / Passed out / Unconscious

TREATMENT & PRECAUTIONS- Call Emergency for Help - Move affected person to cool area, don’t leave him alone.- Remove any heavy or outer clothing- Immediate & rapid cooling of body is required, E.g. If ice is available, put icepack in arm pits & groin area cool skin by fanning, cool spray mist of water, or wet cloth.

General PrecautionsACCLIMATIZATIONShort work exposure early in the hot season, followed by gradual increases in the intensity and duration.

HYDRATIONThe best way to avoid heat strokes and other heat disorders is to keep your body well hydrated. Drink a lot of water (1 small cup every 15-20mins) if you are exercising or working in hot conditions. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages.

VENTILATIONRemain in shaded or cool areas where your body can cool itself. If working in hot conditions, try to take frequent short breaks to regain energy and to avoid overexposure to the sun.

CLOTHINGWhat you wear plays a big factor in how your body handles the heat. Light clothing and loose fitting clothing will help your body in breathing and cooling itself. It is fine to wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun but once you feel warm, remove it. This usually traps the heat inside your body.

LIMIT YOURSELFIt is also important to watch the amount of activities you are participating in during hot days. Don’t overdo it. Heat stroke and other disorders can take effect in less than an hour.

Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environment; you can add a little extra salt to your meals. Eat fruits and vegetables every day.

Get enough sleep during night and rest days.

HOT WEATHER CAN BRING A HOST OF HAZARDS…PROTECT YOURSELF

FROM THE HEAT.

Prepared By: MAAZ KHAN (OHSE OFFICER)

Brochure use for Safety Awareness Only

QCC QATAR CLEANING COMPANY W.L.L.

Safety Awareness Program

(Brochures)

HEAT STRESS PRECAUTIONS

From QCC - OHSE Department (SAFETY)

It is that time of year again when we have to take certain precautions/steps to combat heat and its effects. Working under hot and humid condition, places a lot of stress on the body that can result in minor or life threatening illnesses.

OBJECTIVE:To be aware of various heat illnesses, symptoms and preventive steps to help us deal with heat stress.

HEAT STRESS is a situation where too much heat is absorbed by a person and causes stress, illness or even death. It is manifested by elevated body temperature, hot, dry skin, lack of sweating and neurological symptoms such as paralysis, headache vertigo and unconsciousness. It can also cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke which may lead to death.

Heat Disorders1.) HEAT RASH (prickly Heat)SYMPTOMS -Irritation of the skin normally occur in the back of the neck.-Formation of small red pimples & even blisters.TREATMENT & PRECAUTIONS -Clean with antiseptic cleanser or soothing mild lotion.-Don’t wear tight-fitting & non-porous garments.- Avoid oily ointments/cream.

2.) SUNBURN SYMPTOMS -Skin red & painful burning sensation -Skin swelling & even blisters

TREATMENT & PRECAUTIONS

-Apply cold towels on the areas affected or take a cold shower.- Apply moisturizer lotions not ointments.

- Do not break blisters.- Try to avoid repeated sun exposure.- Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.- Seek medical attention for severe cases.

3.) DEHYDRATION SYMPTOMS- Flushed (blush) face- Increased thirst and or Dry mouth / tongue- Dry skin- Weakness- Dizziness made worse when standing- Cramping in the arms and legs- Palpitations / Rapid & deep breathing- Headache, Confusion,

Sluggishness even Fainting- Inability to sweat, Decrease urine output (If urine is concentrated & deeply yellow/amber it indicates dehydration)TREATMENT & PRECAUTIONS - Try Cooling your body temperature by removing any excess clothing and loosen other clothes.- Rest in air-conditioned or ventilated areas.- Increase water intake- Avoid exposure to heat until refreshed.- Avoid alcohol consumption. Lessen caffeine intake like cola, coffee or tea.

4.)HEAT SYNCOPE (Heat Collapse)

SYMPTOMS-

Dizziness, headache, Nausea- Increase pulse rate then- Fainting/Temporary loss of consciousness without mental confusionTREATMENT & PRECAUTIONS- Rest in a cooler area in a seating or supine position with legs raised.- Water and Oral rehydration is administer slowly.- Avoid prolong sun exposure (standing still in the sun).

5.) HEAT CRAMPS (Heat Injury)SYMPTOMS- Muscle pain in the abdomen, arms or legs in association with strenuous activity- Rapid heartbeat, sweaty skin (due to dehydration & electrolyte imbalance)

TREATMENT & SYMPTOMS - Stop the activity and return only when cramps

subside (further exertion may lead to exhaustion or heat stroke).- Rest in a cool place, out of the sun- After heavy sweating, replenish with water & - Electrolyte (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1L Water, or sports drink, salty food w/ water is also effective).

6.) HEAT EXHAUSTIONSYMPTOMS-Weakness,

Exhaustion, Fatigue

-Nausea and Vomiting-Diarrhea-Heart Cramps-Lack of coordination, Giddiness, Faintness-Rapid pulse and Breathing-Cold clammy skin-Profuse sweating-Dizziness, Fainting/Passing out

TREATMENT & PRECAUTIONS - Rest in shade or cool environment- Loosen clothing- Increase water intake and electrolyte drinks- If the person doesn’t feel better in a few minutes call emergency, this might progress to heat stroke.