HEAT STRESS Flashcards
What does IDC do IRT Heat Stress?
Perform heat stress monitoring and provide recommendations to COC to prevent heat stress injx.
What is the definition of heat stress?
Any combination of air temperature, thermal radiation, humidity, airflow, and work load which stress the body as it attempts to regulate temperature.
-becomes excessive when the body’s capability to to adjust is exceeded, resulting in increase in body temp. This can cause heat ijx or death!
What environmental factors cause heat stress?
- Thermal radiation- sun, heat source (incinerator, engines, generators, laundry, dryers etc..)
- Ventilation- Airflow. Forced air systems (intake of outside air into workspace, spot cooling.
- Humidity- moisture in the Air. Steam leaks, bilge water, condensation.
- Air/Sea Water Temperature- intake valves that allow seawater/outside air to be utilized for cooling for shipboard eqpt. Refrigerator units, Engines, Generators, evaporators for freshwater consumption.
What is the definition of acclimatization?
The act of becoming accustomed to temperature or a new environment.
The body becomes more efficient in coping w/ heat stress. Occurs gradually, usually w/ in 3 weeks or more.
What are the personal factors contributing to heat stress injuries?
- Past exposure to heat injuries will affect body’s ability to adapt to new situations. Decreases the ability to handle heat stress conditions
- Current health status and use of meds alter physiological body changes. G6PD, Sickle cell trait.
- Excercise and fluid intake (dehydration)- Medications, alcohol intake, lack of sleep, drugs.
What areas aboard a ship are heat stress ijx most common in?
they can occur anywhere BUT are most common in: Machinery spaces, laundries, Sculleries (PHEL V*) Galleys, incinerator room, f light deck.
What does PHEL stand for? How many curves?
Physiological Heat Exposure Limit
6 Curves- Roman Numerals
What are PHEL curves?
They compare the WBGT index and the degree of effort or work rate to determine the maximum permissible exposure to the heat stress environment.
Who establishes PHEL curves?
PHEL curves and work rates are established by the IH and NAVSEA when a class of ships is designed and placed into service.
When are PHEL curves assigned?
During:
Routine Operations (Lightwork, sweeping, painting cleaning lube oil strainers
Non-Routine Operations- Only when ventilation is down. Use next higher PHEL when determining stay time.
ECC Excercise- Evacuation Control Center drills
Heavy Workload- Replacing large valves, cleaning lube oil dumps, disassembly reassembly, or large heavy equipment. ***PHEL VI
What is Stay Time?
(Work/Rest Cycle)
*Maximum allowable time personnel may work in heat stress conditions at a given workload.
What is Recovery Time?
is defined as a minimum of twice the stay time as determined by the PHEL chart or 4 hours, whichever is shorter.
What are Fuel Combustion Gases?
(Stack Gas) Combustion gases which may accumulate in space due to inadequate ventilation or machinery malfunction.
Phys. effects are intensified by heat stress conditions.
Causes vasodilatation on peripheral blood vessels which results in further impairment of the cardio. system.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of stack gas exposure?
watery eyes
dyspnea
tingling or numbness on tip of tongue, nose, finger tips or toes
mild sensation of alcohol intox
What actions should be performed when dealing with stack gases?
reduce exposure limits if 2 or more symptoms are detected.
*divide current PHEL stay-time by 3
Who provides Heat stress training and when do they do it?
MDR provides Heat Stress training for all new check-ins during indoc and annually thereafter.
Film “Play it Cool: Heat Stress Prevention Afloat” for All Hands.
