ECI Working in Extreme Heat

Working in extreme heat conditions can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers. The human body needs to maintain a body temperature of approximately 37 degrees Celsius.

If the body must work too hard to keep cool or starts to overheat, a worker can suffer from a heat-related illness. Regular ten minute drink breaks every hour is highly recommended while working in extreme heat conditions. If the outdoor/indoor heat reaches 38 degrees, it is tools down for ECI workers.

This is a general term to describe a range of progressive heat-related conditions including fainting, heat rash, heat cramps and heat stroke.

Some common effects of working in heat include:

• Heat rash, leading to skin irritation and discomfort.

• Heat cramps resulting from heavy sweating without replacing salt and electrolytes.

• Fainting, particularly when workers stand or rise from a sitting position.

• Dehydration from increased sweating if workers aren’t drinking enough water.

• Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer cool itself. This can be fatal.

• Burns can occur if a worker encounters hot surfaces or tools.

• Slips, as a worker will sweat more in hot conditions which can increase the risk of slips - for example, a worker might slip when using sharp tools if their hands are damp.

• Reduced concentration, as heat can make it more difficult to concentrate, leading to confusion. This means workers may be more likely to make mistakes, such as forgetting to guard machinery.

• Increased chemical uptake into the body may occur as the heat causes the body to absorb chemicals differently and can increase the side effects of some medications.

Dehydration symptoms 
Seek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve or are severe. 
Dehydration symptoms include: 

• mild to severe thirst (remember that thirst is satisfied before fluid loss is fully replaced) 

• dry lips and tongue 

• slowed mental function and lowered performance. 

• reduced or dark urine output. 

First aid for dehydration 

• Drink water.  

• Avoid caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic drinks, and salt tablets. 

• Loosen tight clothing and remove unnecessary clothing, including personal protective equipment (PPE). 

• In cases of extreme heat or dehydration, replace  electrolytes. 

Heat rash  
Heat rash is an itchy rash with small raised red spots on the face, neck, back, chest or thighs. Seek medical advice if symptoms don’t  improve. 
First aid for heat rash 

• Move worker to a cooler, less humid environment. 

• Keep the affected area dry and remove unnecessary clothing, including PPE. 

• Apply a cold compress. 

Heat cramps symptoms  
Heat cramps are painful and often incapacitating cramps in muscles, particularly when doing demanding physical work. Seek medical advice if symptoms don’t  improve. 
First aid for heat cramps 

• Stop activity and have the worker rest quietly in a cool place until recovered. 

• Give the worker an electrolyte solution. 

Fainting symptoms  
Fainting (heat syncope) can happen while standing or rising from a sitting position. 
Seek medical advice if a worker faints. 
First aid for fainting 

• Lie the worker flat immediately with their legs slightly raised. 

• Do not raise the head. 

• Treat as for heat stroke. Treatment:

  • Immediately call 000 for an ambulance.

  • If available, have the person take a cold shower or bath.

  • Cool the person with household items such as wet towels, fans or icepacks placed in the neck, groin and armpits.

  • If unresponsive or not alert, place in the recovery position.

  • Prepare to give CPR if necessary.

Call ambulance immediately if heat stroke is suspected! 
Heat stroke symptoms include: 

• dehydration, thirst, and reduced or dark urine output. 

• sweating 

• elevated body temperature 

• weakness or fatigue 

• headaches and dizziness 

• nausea 

• muscle cramps. 

Severe symptoms include: 

• the worker stops sweating. 

• skin can be pink, warm, and dry, or cool and blue. 

• clumsiness or slower reaction  times 

• disorientation or impaired judgement 

• rapid or short breathing 

• rapid weak pulse, pounding pulse or heart palpitations. 

• tingling or numbness in fingers or toes 

• visual disturbance 

• vomiting or an unwillingness to  drink.  

• irritability and mental confusion 

• collapse, seizures and unconsciousness. 

• cardiac arrest (the worker is unconscious, has stopped breathing and has no pulse). 

Not all heat-induced illness symptoms will be present. 

First aid for heat-induced illness 

• Call 000 and evacuate by ambulance immediately.  

• Update the ambulance if the worker seizes or becomes unconscious and follow all directions given by emergency crew. 

• Follow all instructions given by ambulance operator. 

• If cardiac arrest occurs, follow  DRSABCD action plan 

• Move the worker to a cool place with circulating air. 

• Lie the worker flat. 

• Remove unnecessary clothing, including PPE. 

• Loosen tight clothing. 

• If practicable, immersion in a bath of cold water is the most effective cooling means possible. 

• Immerse the worker (whole-body from the neck down) in a bath of cold water (preferably 1–7˚) for 15 minutes. 

• Continuously observe the worker to ensure an open airway in case of any change in their level of consciousness. 

• If cold bath is not available, or is not reasonably practicable to use, use a combination of the following as available: 

• Cool the worker by splashing cool or cold water on their skin or sponging their skin with a damp cloth. 

• Make a wind tunnel by suspending sheets around – not on – the worker’s body and use a fan to direct gentle airflow over the worker’s body. 

• Apply cold packs or wrapped ice to the worker’s neck, groin, and armpits. 

• Give an electrolyte solution with sugar – do not attempt to give oral fluid if the worker is not fully conscious. 

Shivering is an automatic muscular reaction which warms the body. It will make the body temperature rise even further.  If the worker starts shivering: 

• stop cooling immediately and cover them until they stop. 

• once they have stopped, recommence first aid treatment.