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Work safely in heat by using guidelines   by Jennifer Hoel Engineering & Facilities The hot summer months in Charleston pose special hazards for outdoor workers. Overexposure to the sun can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer. Overexertion in the heat can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps. Everyone who spends time outside must learn to protect themselves against heat and sun exposure.   Here are some ways to protect yourself from heat related injury and sun damage: Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and face cool. This also provides extra protection from sun exposure. Baseball caps only protect the face, leaving your ears and neck exposed. Wear a light colored, loose fitting, long-sleeved shirt. Wear UV-protected sunglasses. Wear a water-resistant sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hours. Carry water and take drinks frequently, at least every 15 minutes. Minimize heavy exertion during the hottest time of the day (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.). If you must work at that time, take frequent breaks in the shade or in a cool environment. Allow yourself to adjust gradually to the heat. This adjustment usually takes about five to seven days. Start with a short period of time outside and increase the amount slowly each day. There are three major heat related disorders: heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps. Here's how to identify and treat them: Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms. They are generally caused by salt and water loss in people who sweat profusely and drink a lot of water. Cramps may occur while working, or within several hours after. If you experience heat cramps, rest and cool down and drink clear juice or an electrolyte-containing sports drink. If cramps persist for more than an hour, call your doctor. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Someone suffering heat exhaustion will experience extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache. In more serious cases, the victim may vomit, suffer incontinence, or lose consciousness. They will be clammy and pale or flushed. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place and encourage them to drink plenty of water. Mild cases will improve quickly; more severe cases may require care for a few days. Heat stroke is the most serious heat related disorder. Someone suffering heat stroke will stop perspiring. They will have hot skin that may be dry, red or spotted and body temperature higher than 105 degrees. They may be confused, delirious, in convulsions, or unconscious. Unless quick and appropriate treatment is provided, death can occur.   If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, move them to a cool environment, soak their clothes with water, encourage them to drink water, and call 911.   For information, visit the following Web sites: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Fact Sheet, Working Outdoors in Warm Climates: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/working_outdoors.pdf; OSHA Protecting Yourself Against Heat Stress: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.html; or OSHA Protecting Yourself in the Sun: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3166/osha3166.html. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, Aug. 10, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.