Avoid Heat Exhaustion At Your Mine Site
By: The Mine Safety Institute, Part 46 New Miner Training
Heat Exhaustion 101 For Surface Miners
Heat exhaustion is a hazard of extreme heat in mining environments. When a miner does not maintain proper hydration and body temperature, they will begin to display symptoms of mild to severe heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The good news is that heat exhaustion is preventable! Below are tips for staying healthy while working in mines during extreme heat. As always, these are general suggestions, and you should always follow the rules at your mine site.
Prevention Strategies
STAY HYDRATED
- Drink water oz = your weight in lbs
- Set a timer to remind you to drink
- Drink before you feel thirsty
- Have a water bottle nearby
- Consider wearing a camelbak
PROTECT AGAINST THE SUN
- Wear a hat or bandana
- Apply SPF to all exposed body parts
- Wear fabric of light weight and color
- Consider using a coolwrap to keep down your body temperature.
TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS
- Take all breaks in the shade
- Take all breaks on time
- Use breaks to rest and recharge
- Take a break if feeling unwell
- Do light stretches to recharge
Symptoms
Faint or dizzy
Excessive sweating
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid, weak pulse
Muscle cramps
Throbbing Headache
No Sweating
Body temperature above 103°
Nausea or vomiting
Red, hot, dry skin
Rapid, strong pulse
May lose consciousness
Response
Get to a cooler, air conditioned place
Drink water if fully conscious
Take a cool shower or use a cold compress
CALL 9-1-1
Take immediate action to cool the person until help arrives