Heat hazards sweating

Sweating is the body s principal method for removing excess heat. Sweat consists of water and electrolytes (salts). An individual at rest and not under stress, sweats about one liter per day. The sweating rate for an individual under stress of heavy woric or high temperatures is about four liters in four hours. The body must replace water and electrolytes to prevent heat stress or sickness. This is why many people who try to walk out of stranded situations in a desert with only a few liters of water fail and die. They do not realize how profusely they will sweat and how dehydrated they will become. In the pages that follow, we will take a closer look at temperature hazards the process technician may be exposed to in the processing industry. 

Problems from infrared radiation derive from thermal effects and include skin burning, sweating and loss of body salts leading to cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke. Clothing and gloves will protect the skin, but the hazard should be recognised so that effects can be minimised without recourse to personal protective equipment. 

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