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Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________ Date________
HEAT EXHAUSTION AND SUNSTROKE
When working during hot
weather, we may suffer heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Heat exhaustion is caused
by the loss of body salt, and sunstroke occurs when the body mechanism is not
able to keep the system cool. Following are the symptoms of these ailments and
the steps we should take to aid the victim.
Symptoms: The first signs of heat exhaustion are dizziness, weakness,
headache, blurred vision, nausea and staggering. The face becomes pale, there is
profuse sweating, the pulse is weak, and breathing is shallow. The person may
become unconscious.
Treatment: When someone shows symptoms of heat exhaustion, immediately
remove that person to a place where the air is circulating freely. Make the
person lie down and keep him or her warm. If the victim is conscious, add a
teaspoon of salt to a pint of cool water and give this to the victim in small
sips at frequent intervals. If the heat exhaustion symptoms persist, call the
doctor.
How to Avoid:
Keep in good physical condition and stop to rest when you begin to feel
faint. Increase dietary salt and fluids when working in extremely hot weather.
SUNSTROKE (HEATSTROKE) Symptoms:
The victim develops a
severe headache, the face is red the skin is hot and dry, there is no sweating,
and the pulse is strong and very rapid. The person has a high fever (105o—106oF.)and
may become unconscious. This is
followed by convulsions, coma, and sometimes death.
Treatment: Get the victim to where there's professional medical
treatment as soon as possible. In the meantime place the individual in the
shade. Loosen the clothing and cool the victim with the best means available. If
the individual's temperature starts to drop, cover with a light blanket, so that
the sudden change in body temperature won't cause shivering or convulsions.
How to Avoid: Stay away from alcoholic beverages. Instead, drink water,
lemonade, or citrus fruit juices. Wear clothing that is lightweight, well
ventilated, and loose. Replace the
body salts lost through perspiration by making sure your salt and fluid intake
is adequate.
Know The Difference: Become familiar with the symptoms of sun- stroke and heat exhaustion. As we've discussed, the treatment for each of these ailments is different and knowing the difference could mean life or death.
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
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M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
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