Page 261 - Safety Memo
P. 261
To help employers develop, implement, and monitor their heat • Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache
illness prevention procedures, Cal/OSHA has provided a • Body temperature normal or slightly high
number of materials on heat illness prevention including:
• Fainting
• Educational resources including Employer’s Training
Kit (www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/HeatIllnessInfo.html) • Pulse fast and weak
• eTool (http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-006/index.htm) • Breathing fast and shallow
• Employer’s Sample Procedures • Clammy, pale, cool, and/or moist skin
(www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/HIP-sample- Note: Heat exhaustion can occur because of high core body
procedures.pdf)
temperature even when an individual is well hydrated.
• “Protect Yourself from Heat Illness”
publication Heat Stroke—General Symptoms:
(www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/ • No sweating; the body cannot release heat or cool down
HeatIllnessEmployeeEngSpan.pdf)
• Mental confusion, delirium, convulsions,
Signs and symptoms of heat illness may include: dizziness
Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)—General Symptoms: • Hot and dry skin (e.g., red, bluish, or
mottled)
• Can cover large parts of the body
• Muscles may twitch uncontrollably
• Looks like a red cluster of pimples or small
blisters • Pulse can be rapid and weak
• Often on the neck, chest, groin, under the • Throbbing headache, shallow breathing,
breasts, or in elbow creases seizures/fits
• Feels uncomfortable, can disrupt sleep and • Unconsciousness and coma
work performance
• Body temperature may range from 102–
• Complicated by infections 104˚F or higher within 10–15 minutes
Heat Cramps—General Symptom: Note: A heat stroke victim may die within 30 to 60 minutes
unless treated properly, and survivors may have some degree
• Painful muscle spasms in the stomach, of permanent neurological impairment.
arms, legs, and other body parts (may
occur after work or at night) Requirements and guidance for heat illness prevention
in the workplace:
Fainting—General Symptoms:
A. All employers who have employees working in outdoor places
• Sudden dizziness, light-headedness of employment must have a written heat illness prevention
• Unconsciousness plan and implement effective procedures for the prevention of
heat illness.
Notes:
B. The plan must be employer-specific and be available on site or
» Provide first aid immediately immediately available on request of the employee or
» Never give liquids to an unconscious person the Division.
C. Heat illness prevention plan, at a minimum, must include: 3395(i)
Heat Exhaustion—General Symptoms:
• Heavy sweating, painful muscle cramps, 1. Procedures for providing sufficient water
extreme weakness and/or fatigue 2. Procedures for providing access to shade
80 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 81
