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Environmental
heat hazards pose a significant threat and the onset of heat injury
can be sudden and, in extreme cases, can kill.
An environmental heat hazard is created by the net effect of air
temperature, airflow, humidity and radiant heat load. Typically
such hazards are present in hot humid climates, poorly ventilated
buildings, in proximity to plant and machinery, or in temperate
climates during the summer months.
Heat injury is relevant to Defence, given the nature of our activity
in a variety of climates and all personnel need to be vigilant.
In the Naval environment there is considerable potential for exposure
to heat hazards and all personnel need to understand the risks.
Heat injury is preventable and recognition of hazards and the application
of effective control measures is essential if injury is to be avoided.
The term Heat Injury refers to all injuries that result from exposure
to an environmental heat hazard. Such injuries can range from minor
conditions that are easily treated to severe injuries and even death.
Typical heat injuries include:
Heat exhaustion caused by cardiovascular insufficiency. This condition
results from the effect of blood being diverted to the skin for
cooling during physical activity in a hot environment.
Dehydration results from the excessive loss of water from the body.
It also involves the loss of important blood salts like potassium
and sodium. Dehydration can impair the function of vital organs
like the kidneys, brain, and heart.
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury. It manifests
as the body core temperature exceeds 41°C. Typical symptoms
are confusion or aggressive behaviour and may progress quickly to
unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
We all have responsibility for the prevention and management of
heat injuries. As individuals, we must take reasonable precautions
to safeguard our own wellbeing. We must think on behalf of our shipmates
and advise our supervisor if we believe there are factors that could
increase the risk of heat injury or if we believe someone is already
suffering from the onset of heat injury.
To reduce the risk of heat injury, the following factors should
be considered:
•
Rest regularly in a cool or shady environment, particularly if
your work is strenuous. If you are wearing restrictive clothing
(possibly some form of PPE), loosen this while resting;
•
Drink plenty of water to ensure adequate hydration. Be aware that
dehydration may not be recognised in the early stages and approximately
1.5 litres of fluid may be lost without experiencing a sense of
thirst. Also be aware that drinks containing caffeine and alcohol
increase the risk of dehydration. As a guide you should drink
until you are no longer thirsty and then a little more.
•
Acclimatise to your work environment. Acclimatisation allows the
body to cope better with heat stress. It increases sweating and
this enhances the evaporative cooling capacity of the body. Beware
that increased sweating can lead to dehydration;
•
Physical fitness. Physically fit individuals acclimatize more
rapidly than the less fit.
•
Learn to recognise some of the symptoms.
•
Lastly, report sick if you are not feeling well or suspect heat
injury.
Defence
is working to improve its management of environmental heat hazards
and the web link below will take you too the Defence Heat Stress
Awareness learning module. This module will provide you with a
basic understanding of heat stress, the symptoms, risk factors
and the Defence Heat Injury policy.
http://ohsc.defence.gov.au/DSMA/Programs/HeatInjury/HeatStressElearning/index.htm
To aid Navy in monitoring its performance in managing environmental
heat hazards all cases of heat injury must be reported by OHSIR
and AC563.
If any unit or individual has any examples of best practice or
any other concerns regarding the management of environmental heat
hazards, they are encouraged to raise them through the command
chain to DGNCSA either via signal (to DGNAVCERTSAFE) or email
to navy.safety@defence.gov.au.
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