Employee Manual 2023 - Flipbook - Page 109
Illnesses:
Many long term illnesses such as heart, lung, or kidney disease can interfere with your ability to
tolerate heat. Even short term illnesses such as the flu or stomach viruses can affect your
performance. Any questions you may have about your tolerance to heat should be discussed with
your physician.
Know Your Limits:
Many heat injuries occur because people push themselves beyond their limits.
Do…
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Pace yourself and avoid overexertion.
Whenever possible, wear a hat and loose cotton fabrics to help you stay cool.
Take breaks in cool shaded locations.
Get medical attention if heat-related symptoms appear:
o Muscle cramps
o Weakness
o Dizziness/nausea
o Perspiration stops, with dry hot skin
Do NOT…
• Substitute soft drinks or coffee for water.
• Take salt tablets (unless approved by your health care provider). A normal diet usually
supplies all the salt you need to replace salt lost through perspiration.
Heat Burns
Please be careful when handling hot objects, working near hot surfaces and liquids, and when
working near open flame.
Do…
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Where the job permits, use protective gloves, pads, or towels to handle hot objects.
Wear only flame-resistant clothing if your job requires you to work with open flame
sources.
Cap or seal containers of hot liquids before transporting them.
Use extreme caution when carrying hot liquids. Many burns result from slips or trips while
carrying hot liquids.
Only operate heat-producing equipment on which you have been trained.
Be alert to other employees handling hot items or working with flame sources near you.
Preventing Burns
Do…
•
Keep your work area free of unnecessary combustible clutter, scrap paper, and boxes.
City of Plymouth Employee manual - Page 109 – March 2023
