THORZT Catalogue 2021 - Flipbook - Page 32
THORZT
UNDERSTANDING
HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES
(17, 18)
YOUR BODY HAS SYSTEMS
IN PLACE TO CONTROL THE
INTERNAL TEMPERATURE
Heat stress is a condition where your body loses its
ability to control the internal temperature and finds it
difficult to remove excess heat. It causes the body’s
core temperature to increase (above 37.5°C), resulting
in conditions like heat rashes and muscle cramps. It
can also cause your heart rate to increase, irritability
and makes it difficult to focus on a task. In severe
cases, heat stress can lead to heat stroke and heat
exhaustion causing very high body temperatures,
confusion, nausea, dehydration, fainting, and even
death.
Working in the heat increases the risk of heat-related illness especially as a combination of the personal and
environmental contributing factors change. Factors like increased temperature, higher humidity, working near hot
equipment, increased physical exertion, wearing thick clothing or PPE, changes to personal fitness, sickness,
poor diet and consumption of alcohol and high caffeine/sugar drinks.
HEAT RASH
Symptoms
Mild inflammation of clogged sweat ducts. It may
occur from profuse sweating and wearing heavy work
uniforms and PPE. The blocked ducts prevents the
sweat coming to the skin surface to evaporate. The
rash is characterized by small, raised bumps (like
coarse sandpaper) spread evenly across small patches
of skin.
Treatment
Move to a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the
affected area dry.
HEAT STRESS
HEAT CRAMPS
32
Symptoms
Heat cramps are muscle spasms that result from loss
of large amounts of electrolytes and water. Sweating
depletes the body’s salt and fluid levels that can cause
these muscle cramps (especially when undertaking
strenuous activities or work).
This can be dangerous when working in certain job
situations. Heat cramps are associated with cramping
in the abdomen, arms and calves.
Treatment
Drink water and electrolyte replacement solution like
THORZT. Rest in a cool environment and do not return
to strenuous activity until the cramps have ended.
T H O R Z T. C O M | A U : 1 8 0 0 8 4 6 7 9 8 | N Z : 0 8 0 0 8 4 6 7 9 8