Checklist for Heat and Sun Protection
Heat-related Illnesses
???? Know that heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses can occur even when the outside temperature isn’t extremely high. Use the National Weather Service’s heat index (which combines air temperature and relative humidity) to tell you how hot it actually feels. *
???? Drink small amounts of water every 20 to 30 minutes when the threat of heat illness is high. Avoid coffee, other drinks with caffeine, and alcohol, which increase your risk of heat illness.
???? Be sure you and your workers are acclimatized to working in the heat. Know that persons who are over 40, overweight, in poor physical condition, or have a past history of heat illness are often more sensitive to the heat.
???? Choose the coolest possible personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying pesticides or other chemicals in hot, humid conditions. Read the product label for the minimum amount of PPE that’s required.
???? Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that reflects the heat and allows your body to release heat. Materials such as cotton or cotton/polyester blends “breathe” and allow air circulation.
???? Take sufficient breaks out of the sun when the heat index is high. Also, try to schedule your most strenuous tasks early in the morning or later in the day.
???? Train your workers to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses, and to respond appropriately. Know that heat stroke – characterized by excessively high body temperature, confusion, irrational behavior, slowed down or no sweating, rapid breathing and pulse (if conscious), and possible convulsions – can occur suddenly and is a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected.
???? Know that the symptoms of heat exhaustion and organophosphate (OP) poisoning are very similar, but their treatments are very different. Call 911 if you suspect either but are uncertain.