Work wisely in warm weather by following Parks Tacoma’s strategies to prevent heat-related illnesses (HRIs). Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age, physical ability or personal heat tolerance. Don’t underestimate the risks: HRIs can lead to serious health problems and even death. Prevention, through the use of water, rest, shade and communication, is the best tactic to avoid the dangers of HRIs.
Parks Tacoma Heat Safety Guidelines
When temperatures outside reach 80° or higher, all employees working outdoors are responsible for following these heat safety guidelines.
- 80° and Higher
- 90° and Higher
- 100° and Higher
- Drink water. Supervisors are responsible for providing enough cool drinking water for each employee to drink a quart per hour.
- Take breaks to rest and cool down. Supervisors and leads are responsible for encouraging and providing additional paid breaks as needed.
- Seek shade or air conditioning. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring shaded or air-conditioned areas are available for breaks and mealtimes.
- Pay attention and communicate with your team. Employees should voice their needs for water, shade and rest to their leads, as well as if they notice any symptoms of HRIs developing for themselves or their teammates.
- When HRI hazards are present and work will be at a remote site, supervisors will make sure their crews always have open channels of communication to request breaks, water or help. Supervisors are also responsible for closely observing (through regular communication or use of a buddy system) any new employees or employees returning from absences.
- Take a break. Supervisors and leads are responsible for providing additional 10-minute paid rest periods for every two hours worked.
- Follow all other guidance for water, shade and communication for the previous heat level.
- Take a break. Supervisors and leads are responsible for providing additional 15-minute paid rest periods for every hour worked.
- Follow all other guidance for water, shade and communication for the previous heat level.
Heat Wave Conditions
- Supervisors are responsible for closely observing (through regular communication or use of a buddy system) all employees during heat wave conditions. Heat waves are days when heat will be at or above the 80° action levels and at least 10°F higher than the five-day average highs.
- Follow all other guidance for water, shade and rest for the appropriate heat level.
Recognizing & Responding to Heat-Related Illnesses
-
Sunburn
-
Signs & Symptoms
- red, hot skin
- may blister
First Aid
- Move to shade.
- Loosen clothing.
- Apply cool compresses or water.
-
Heat Rash
-
Signs & Symptoms
- red, itchy skin
- bumpy skin
- skin infection
First Aid
- Apply cool water or compresses.
- Keep affected area dry.
- Control itching and infection with prescribed medication.
-
Heat Cramps
-
Signs & Symptoms
- muscle cramps or spasms
- grasping the affecting area
- abnormal body posture
First Aid
- Drink water or sports drinks.
- Rest, cool down.
- Massage affected muscle
- Get medical evaluation if cramps persist.
-
Heat Exhaustion
-
Signs & Symptoms
- high pulse rate
- extreme sweating
- pale face
- insecure gait
- headache
- clammy and moist skin
- weakness
- fatigue
- dizziness
- nausea
First Aid
- Move to shade.
- Loosen clothing.
- Initiate rapid cooling.
- Lay flat and elevate feet.
- Monitor recovery.
- Drink small amounts of water.
- Evaluate mental status (ask who/where/when questions).
- If no improvement, call 911.
-
Heat Stroke
-
Signs & Symptoms
- any of the above but more severe
- hot, dry skin (25-50% of cases)
- altered mental status with confusion or agitation
- can progress to loss of consciousness and seizures
- can be fatal
First Aid
- Call 911.
- Immediately remove from work.
- Start rapid cooling.
- Lay flat and elevate feet.
- If conscious, give sips of water.
- Monitor airway and breathing—administer CPR if needed.