Heat Stress Prevention
As summer approaches, it is important to remember that working AND PLAYING outdoors during the hot days of summer can lead to heat stress related illness. Preventing heat stress is key to having an enjoyable summer. Here are 7 quick tips that you and your family can follow to prevent heat stress and enjoy the beautiful Southern California summer.
Cover up. Wear lightweight, light colored, and loose-fitting, but tightly woven clothes that block out light. Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of the clothing and a light source. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection.
Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, forehead, ears, eyes, nose, and scalp.
Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you're unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the day's strongest.
Drink lots of water, about 1 cup every 15 minutes. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals - these adversely affect your tolerance to heat.
REST REGULARLY (!!!!!) in the shade or cool (air conditioned) place.
Know the signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Monitor yourself, coworkers, and family members for symptoms such as: headache, lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting, weakness, moist skin, and mood changes such as irritability or confusion.
If you are a UC Riverside employee and have questions, contact the Associate Director , (951) 827-2415.
For more information
- Video message from Cal/OSHA Chief Len Welsh
- Protect Yourself from Heat Illness (English and Spanish)
- Cal-OSHA Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) - Heat Illness Prevention
- Federal OSHA - Heat Stress