What is Heat Stress?
The total net heat load on the body that results
from exposure to external sources and from internal metabolic heat production.
What to consider when dealing with heat?
Age Weight Degree of physical fitness Degree of acclimatization Metabolism Use of alcohol or drugs Medical conditions Clothing Environmental settings
People are more susceptible to heat stress under these conditions:
High air temperature
Radiant heat sources High humidity Direct contact with hot objects Strenuous physical activities Work in factories, canneries, laundries
50 degrees F – 60 degrees F Made available to workers Drink frequently (1 cup every 20 min)
Ample supply near working site
Inspect for:
Building and operation characteristics
Equipment functioning Information from employees Temperature measurements Heat Sources
Heat Stroke
VERY IMPORTANT
Symptoms: High body temperature, sweating,
flush dry skin, agile pulse, difficulty breathing, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Make sure you: Pour water on victim, fan them, or apply cold packs. Call 911 and get an ambulance on the way as soon as possible.
Treatment
Have the patient rest in the coolest available
place. Drink cool fluids, not cold. Contact a medical doctor, nurse, or first-aid officer if the patient does not rapidly improve. The National Health and Medical Research Counsel does not recommend the use of salt tablets.
Reduction of Heat Stress
Control: Ventilation Air cooling Fans Shielding Insulation Frequent breaks
Prevention
Limit exposure time Drink lots of cool liquids Take frequent breaks Wear light weight, light colored
clothing when working out in the sun Take advantage of fans and air conditioners Get enough sleep at night
What is Noise Pollution?
The contamination of noise that affects the human body and their surroundings.
How does chronic noise affect hearing?
Causes damage
Hearing aid Permanent hearing loss
The Extra –Auditory (non-hearing related) effects of noise :
Speech interference
Sleep reaction Stress reaction Morale
Reduced output efficiency
Annoyance Mental health effects
The Exposure Limit for Noise
The permissible exposure limit for noise established by the Occupational and Safety – Health Administration is 90 dBA (decibels). This is primarily for someone working at an 8 hour shift in a boiler plant.
Microphone Settings
The microphone of a noise dosimeter should be placed on the collar or close to the ear when conducting personnel monitoring.
The 3 Methods of Reduction
There are 3 methods used to reduce employee exposure to noise :
1) 2) 3)
Engineering control include anti-vibration machine mountings, acoustical enclosures, and so forth. Administrative practices may require shift rotation or exposure limitation. Personal protection equipment as ear muff or ear plugs or both can be used.
Patient Safety
* Falls in elderly people is the leading cause of death. * 371 patients were found between 1985 and 1999 caught, trapped, entangled, or strangled in bed rails. * Proper equipment can make the biggest difference in the patients abilities.
Protection of Nurses
Highest musculo-skeletal injuries. 12% forced to retire from medicine Practices of proper lifting procedures
decrease the injuries.
Fall – Related Services
Veterans undergo screening and evaluation. There are balance classes with emphasis on
fall prevention Many of these services are provided through fall clinics, patient education classes, and exercise programs.
How to Lift
Assess the object
Get really close Bend at the knees Pick up the object using the legs
VA Hospital and Safety Center
This Presentation was brought to you by: *Amber Patterson *Amanda Hill * September Connley * Lisa Le