IAGC LAND GEOPHYSICAL SAFETY MANUAL Edition 9 ... - CGISS

2.5.4 Heat FatigueThe signs and symptoms of heat fatigue include impaired performance of skilledsensorimotor, mental, or vigilance jobs. There is no treatment for heat fatigue except toremove the heat stress before a more serious heat-related condition develops.2.5.5 Heat Collapse (“Fainting”)In heat collapse, the brain does not receive enough oxygen because blood pools in theextremities. As a result, the exposed individual may lose consciousness. This reaction issimilar to that of heat exhaustion but does not affect the body’s heat balance. However,the onset of heat collapse is rapid and unpredictable. To prevent heat collapse, theworker should gradually become acclimatized to the hot environment.2.5.6 Heat ExhaustionThe signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin,headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst and giddiness. Fortunately, this conditionresponds readily to prompt treat.2.5.7 Heat StrokeHeat stroke occurs when the body’s system of temperature regulation fails and bodytemperature rises to critical levels. This condition is caused by a combination of highlyvariable, factors and its occurrence is difficult to predict. The signals of heat strokeinclude red, hot, dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallowbreathing.Heat stroke if untreated can result in death.2.5.8 Treatment of Heat StressWhen you recognize heat-related illness in its early stages, you can usually reverse it.Get the victim out of the heat. Loosen any tight clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths, such astowels or sheets.If the victim is conscious, give cool water to drink as described under FluidReplacement. Refusing water, vomiting and changes in consciousness mean that thevictim’s condition is getting worse. Initiate the crew’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP)immediately.If the victim vomits, stop giving fluids and position the victim on the side. Watch forsignals of breathing problems. Keep the victim lying down and continue to cool the bodyany way you can. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim’swrists and ankles, on the groin, in each armpit and on the neck to cool the large bloodvessels. Do not apply rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol.2.5.9 ControlsVentilation, air cooling, fans, shielding and insulation are the five major types ofengineering controls used to reduce heat stress in hot work environments.The following administrative controls can be used to reduce heat stress:Page 20 of 136