22 – Chipper/Shredder Safety
What to Do for a Heat Illness
4
If someone feels overheated, move him or her into a cooler, pref-
erably air conditioned area. Watch the person and seek medical
attention if needed.
4
Fan the person in order to increase cooling.
4
Have the person drink plenty of fluids.
4
If the person goes into convulsions or shows symptoms of heat
stroke, call 911 immediately and take steps to cool them down
such as soaking their clothing in cool water.
Avoid Heat Related Illnesses
It is important to keep yourself hydrated and cool while working
outside.
4
Drink water often throughout the day; don’t wait until you’re
thirsty to get a drink. At least a quart of water per hour is recom-
mended. Sports drinks can also be consumed to replace electro-
lytes lost through dehydration.
4
Stay away from soda, coffee, tea and alcoholic drinks that dehy-
drate the body.
4
Avoid large meals before working in the heat.
4
Some prescriptions can make you more susceptible to heat ill-
nesses. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any medi-
cine you are taking could affect you while working in the heat.
4
Wear light-weight fabric, such as cotton, to help keep your body
cool.
4
Wear a hat or sun visor on sunny days to help control body tem-
perature.
4
Plan to do the heaviest work at the coolest part of the day. This is
usually between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
4
Take frequent, short breaks in shaded areas to cool down.
4
Do not take salt tablets, unless recommended by your doctor.
Most people receive enough salt in their diet to account for the
salt that is lost through sweating
Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes skin cancer, cataracts and
other serious illnesses.
4
Choose a sunscreen that is marked broad-spectrum. This will
protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Ensure the Sun Pro-
tection Factor (SPF) is at least 15.
4
Wear a hat or sun visor, sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeve
shirts and pants on sunny days to help control body temperature
and block the sun.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
Heat exhaustion is a serious illness and needs
to be treated immediately before a heat stroke
occurs. If you or a coworker experience any of
the following symptoms, cool off immediately
and drink plenty of water.
o
Dizziness
o
Lightheadedness
o
Headache
o
Feeling weak, fatigued
o
Clammy and moist skin
Heat Stroke Symptoms
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that
can become fatal. If anyone experiences the
following symptoms of heat stroke, call 911
immediately.
o
Hot, dry, red skin (not sweaty)
o
Disorientation
o
Confusion
o
Body temperature greater than 105° F
o
Convulsing
o
Unconsciousness
