Heat Stress Advisory Information

When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur, and can result in death.

Factors Leading to Heat Stress:

High temperature and humidity; direct sun or heat; limited air movement; physical exertion; poor physical condition; some medicines; and inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

• Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
• Weakness and moist skin.
• Mood changes such as irritability or confusion.
• Upset stomach or vomiting.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

• Dry, hot skin with no sweating.
• Mental confusion or losing consciousness.
• Seizures or convulsions.

Preventing Heat Stress:

• Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses; monitor yourself and coworkers.
• Block out direct sun or other heat sources.
• Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly.
• Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals.

When conditions warrant, EH&S will issue a "Heat Stress Advisory" to the Campus Community to alert supervisors that work schedules may need to be modified as a result of forecasted weather conditions. If workers experience a heat-related illness, call the University Police (911 from any campus phone or (631) 632-3333 from a cell phone).

Work Rate Examples
LIGHT WORK	MODERATE WORK	HEAVY/VERY HEAVY WORK
Sitting with moderate arm and leg movements Standing with light work at machine or bench while using mostly arms Using a table saw Standing with light or moderate work at machine or bench and some walking about (mechanical work) Sitting or Standing to control machine (riding mowers) Performing light hand or arm work (hand weeding)	Walking about with moderate lifting or pushing (e.g. push mowing, weed whacking) Walking on level at 4 mph while carrying 5 lbs weight load Scrubbing in a standing position	Carpenter sawing by hand Shoveling dry sand Heavy assembly work on a noncontinuous basis Intermittent heavy lifting with pushing or pulling (e.g. pick and shovel work) Very Heavy - Shoveling wet sand

For more information on heat stress, view the OSHA Fact Sheet .

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