It's gettin hot in here!

1. When it’s warm and you are working outside, how much water is recommended for you to drink per hour?

A. You should drink at least one half-cup (4 ounces) each hour.

B. You should drink at least one cup (8 ounces) each hour.

C. You should drink at least one pint (16 ounces) each hour.

D. There is no set amount that is recommended. Just drink what you want to drink.

2. How long do the experts say it usually takes for the average person to build up a tolerance to working in the heat, commonly called acclimatization?

A. It takes a day or 2 to get fully acclimatized.

B. It can take up to a week or two (7 to 14 days) to get fully acclimatized.

C. Most people don’t need to build up a tolerance to the heat or become acclimatized.

D. Most people never fully tolerate or become acclimatized to working in the heat.

3. There is more than one heat-related illness. Which is considered the more serious, requiring you to call 9-1-1 immediately?

A. Heat stroke.

B. Heat exhaustion.

C. Heat stress.

D. Heat rash.

E. All these are considered serious.

F. None of these are considered serious.

4. Heat-related illnesses affect people differently, often because of what is called “personal risk factors.” What are some personal risk factors? (There is more than one correct answer.)

A. Certain medications, such as for high blood pressure.

B. Some pre-existing medical conditions, including having a previous heat-related illnesses.

C. Lack of physical fitness.

D. Alcohol consumption.

E. Just A and C are correct.

F. A through D are correct.

G. None of the above are correct.

5. How hot is “too hot,” meaning it is the temperature requiring you to take extra precautions before and during working outdoors?

A. 80 degrees is too hot.

B. 85 degrees is too hot.

C. 87 degrees is too hot.

D. 90 degrees is too hot.

E. Any temperature can be too hot when taking other factors into consideration, including, but not limited to the level of exertion being done, the humidity, clothing or PPE that might inhibit air flow.

Discussion Question:

6. What are the common signs and symptoms of a heat stroke?

Answers:

1. C. It is recommended that you drink 16 ounces per hour when the temps hit around 80 degrees.

2. B. It can take up to a week or two, 7 to 14 days, to become acclimatized to working in the heat.

3. A. Heat stroke is the most serious of the heat-related illnesses.

4. F. All the factors listed are personal risk factors for heat-related illnesses.

5. E. While 80 degrees is the temperature where an adequate water supply is required in the State of California, there are other factors to be considered, including humidity, PPE, and exertion.

6. The more common signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

Hot, dry skin (no sweating).

Mental confusion, delirium, hallucinations, irrational behavior, or loss of consciousness.

Throbbing headache.

Slurred speech, convulsions, and/or seizures

Body temperature of 104° F or higher.