Heat Alert

In hot weather, our bodies keep cool through the evaporation of perspiration and sweat. When the skin absorbs more heat than it can handle, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related problems can occur. The following tips are designed to prevent the most common summer health problems while on the job: heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sunburn and breathing problems.

• Drink plenty of fluids - preferably water. Drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Also, avoid caffeine which will dehydrate you.

• Stay indoors when possible. If you have to be outdoors, avoid direct exposure to the sun. Seek shade or shelter at the first sign of heat exposure.

• Wear lightweight, light colored loose clothing. Also, wear a hat outdoors or use an umbrella.

• If you have to be outdoors, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

• Avoid midday exposure. Here's a hot summer rhyme for you: "From 10 to 2, no sun for you."

• Do not be fooled by a cloudy day. Ultraviolet rays can easily penetrate clouds.

• On hot days avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors.

• Hot and humid conditions especially affect those with breathing problems like asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. Keep a close eye on people with known breathing conditions and ensure that they are kept in cooler, dehumidified environments during the intense heat.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke:

Headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, a weak or rapid pulse, and cool, clammy and pale skin are all common symptoms of heat exhaustion. If these symptoms develop:

• Move the victim to a cool environment.

• Remove as much clothing as possible from the victim.

• Lay the victim on his or her back, with feet slightly elevated.

• Sponge the victim down with cool water, and use a fan if available-but avoid chilling.

• If the victim is not disoriented, he or she can have small amounts of water at a time.

Other Summer Hazards

Other summer safety issues include lightning strikes, insect stings, Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus.

To avoid the possibility of lightning strikes carefully monitor weather forecasts and adjust activities accordingly. Lightning can strike from a distance. If you are outside and you hear thunder, see lightning or the sky is threatening – DO NOT WAIT FOR RAIN – head for shelter immediately. When it comes to lightning and thunder, remember the axiom, “If you can see it, flee it; if you can hear it, clear it.”

To avoid insect stings do not swat at insects flying around you – stand still or move away slowly; when eating outdoors keep food covered and do not eat or rest near trash bins; avoid wearing scented products; and also avoid wearing bright colors, shiny jewelry, and clothes which are baggy or have flowery patterns. Try to reduce the amount of exposed skin outdoors by wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and closed shoes. Take precautions regardless of weather conditions. Many insects are more likely to sting in gloomy and rainy weather.

What to do if you are stung

See the school nurse, if there is one in your program. If not, scrape out the stinger with a credit card or a long fingernail. Do not use a tweezers or try to pull out the stinger. Wash the site with soap and water. For pain and swelling, apply ice alternately on and off every 10 minutes. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease the pain of the sting.

Other suggested remedies which may be helpful are applying a paste of water and meat tenderizer (papain), or a paste of water and baking soda directly to the area. Topical or oral antihistamines may also be helpful to reduce itching, but you should consult with your physician. Get medical help as soon as possible if you feel dizzy, faint, short of breath or break out in hives. Also, always seek immediate medical care if you are stung in the mouth, neck or nose. If you have a known insect sting allergy and you get stung, immediately call 911.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. To avoid infection with the West Nile Virus, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening; wearing long pants and sleeves outdoors; and spraying clothing with a repellent containing DEET or Permethrin, and applying insect repellent with 35% DEET to exposed skin.

Lyme Disease is a tick-borne illness. To avoid tick bites: avoid tall grass; wear light-colored long pants, sleeves and closed-toe shoes; check for ticks daily after outdoor activities and remove them promptly. Do not remove ticks with a tweezers, petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish or other products. Instead, grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible steadily pulling it away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic and wash your hands immediately. Consult with your physician to determine if more treatment is necessary.

DISCLAIMER: This Safety Tip is being provided for educational purposes only and addresses common reasons for accidents. It is not intended to imply fault or negligence on the part of any employee. It is the law, policy, and intent of Nassau BOCES to provide a safe and healthful workplace. However, the basic responsibility for safety and health rests with all BOCES employees. The measures contained herein can help employees to ensure their safety.

Although the information and recommendations contained in this Safety Tips Sheet have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, the Office of the Nassau BOCES Safety Coordinator makes no guarantee as to the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances.

For more information call the Safety Hotline 396-2400.