Scorpions (Download)
SCORPIONS 1 Scorpions are nocturnal arthropods with eight legs, two pedipalps and a tail with a venom-injecting barb. They have exoskeleton made of chitin They can live from 3 to 25 years There are over 2,000 different species found on six of the seven continents, only 40 exist in the United States. They Range in size from ½” – 7’-¼” long depending on the species The exoskeleton allows them to maintain body temperature and conserve water, making them adept for living in arid climates. Introduction http://www.scorpsweep.com/facts.html 2 Life And Habitat They are nocturnal and fossorial (Burrowing), finding shelter during the day in the relative cool areas and coming out at night to hunt and feed. Where found? stacked lumber or bricks, firewood piles, cellars, and attics, sandy soils and under rocks. While there are numerous scorpion species throughout desert climates, scorpions can be found in nearly any dry habitat including pine forests and grass lands. US scorpions are most common in southern Arizona and in parts of Texas and central Oklahoma. Scorpions exhibit photophobic behavior http://www.scorpsweep.com/facts.html, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpion 3 Some scorpion species can have over 100 viviparous (live birth) offspring, followed by the young climbing onto the mother’s back for weeks until first molt and then living independently http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpion Young scorpions can inject their prey with the same amount of venom as adults Life And Habitat 4 Scorpions are classified a venomous arthropods in the class Arachnida Scorpions with large, heavy pinchers are non-lethal; however, scorpions with slender pinchers generally contain lethal venom http://www.slate.com/id/2107022 , http://www.scorpsweep.com/facts.html, Types of Scorpions In the United States, only one, the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides excilicauda), is considered lethal http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/diseases/scorpions_and_spiders.html http://firstaid.about.com/od/bitesstings/ht/08_Scorpions.htm 5 http://www.slate.com/id/2107022 , http://www.scorpsweep.com/facts.html, Scorpion types and severity of stings Severe symptoms may include sweating , heart palpitations, rise in blood pressure, salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and random movements and tremors of the neck or eyes. hyperacute (typically allergic) reactions in the form of blurring of vision, unconsciousness, convulsions, fall in blood pressure, shock and consequently may lead to death. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/diseases/scorpions_and_spiders.html http://firstaid.about.com/od/bitesstings/ht/08_Scorpions.htm The majority of scorpions are harmless to humans, although the sting is extremely painful and will require painkilling treatment. Severe Symptoms 6 First Aid Apply a cool compress (ice wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the area of the scorpion sting. If stung on a limb (arm or leg) elevate the limb to heart level. , http://www.scorpsweep.com/facts.html, Keep the victim relaxed and avoid alcohol consumption Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1-2 tablets every 4 hours may be given to relieve pain. Wash the area of the scorpion sting with soap and water, do not submerge. 7 First Aid Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Antibiotics are not helpful Do not attempt to cut the sting area or suck the venom out , http://www.scorpsweep.com/facts.html, For serious reactions: call 911, poison control, or take the victim to the ER If possible, capture the scorpion for proper identification. 8 Handling scorpions. Exception- the African emperor scorpion Usually docile and can sometimes be carefully and gently handled Can and will sting if it is startled or handled roughly Never handle a scorpion with bare hands. The tail of a dead scorpion can inject venom http://) www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/2437/scorpionhandling.html, www.arkive.org Wearing personal protective equipment, such as gloves and boots, can prevent a sting 9 Handling scorpions. A safer method for handling scorpions (most applicable for pet scorpions) is to lure them into open areas. Cover the scorpion with a container, such as a transparent cup. Slide a piece of hard cardboard slowly under the cup and the scorpion will be safely contained in the covered cup. http://www.ipernity.com/home/33138 http://members.tripod.com/~c_kianwee/care.html Safest way to handle any scorpion is to use a long pair of tongs or forceps (padded with foam rubber) to grasp the animal at the end of the abdomen, just behind the telson 10 Statistics In the US in 2004, a total of 14,950 scorpion stings were reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers; however, because of underreporting, this is probably an underestimation of the true number of stings. The highest reported mortality rate is recorded in data from Mexico, with estimates as high as 1000 deaths in one year. In the United States, 4 deaths were reported in an 11-year period according to one source (Langley, 1997), but according to another source, only one death from the Arizona bark scorpion has been reported since 1964 (Boyer, 2001) No deaths were reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers from 1983 to 1999. Children and elderly persons have an increased risk of mortality. http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic524.htm 11 There were no OSHA-investigated fatalities from 1990 thru 2009 OSHA Investigated Fatalities 12 OSHA Regulations There are no OSHA regulations that specifically mention scorpions, some regulations clearly apply to them . 1926.604 – Site Clearing General requirements 1. Workers engaged in site clearing must have protection from plants, insects, and animals that may be hazardous. They must also know first aid for these hazards. 1926.21 – Safety Training and Education (b) Employer Responsibility 4. The employer must instruct workers about harmful plants and animals around the job site, potential hazards, how to avoid injury and required first aid. 13 1926.51 – Vermin control Every enclosed workplace shall be so constructed, equipped, and maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, as to prevent the entrance or harborage of rodents, insects , and other vermin. A continuing and effective extermination program shall be instituted where their presence is detected. 1926.250 – House Keeping Storage areas shall be kept free from accumulation of materials that constitute hazards from tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage . OSHA Regulations 14 Scorpion Safety on a Construction Site Safety Precautions: If gloves or boots are stored at the jobsite, check them in the morning before wearing them . http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2006/02/14/south-african-scorpion-dangerous-pseudolychas-pegleri/ To avoid being stung, wear long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts. Wear gloves and thoroughly inspect any wood or other materials before handling them. Watch for scorpions near ditches, ponds, etc. Keep the site clean and reduce the number of insects in the immediate environment. 15 Scorpion Safety on a Construction Site General Hiding places on construction site : In stacked lumber or bricks, firewood piles, cellars, and attics Burrowing scorpions can be found in sandy soil or under rocks Scorpions only need a crack of 1/16 inch to enter a home. Scorpions like water, especially in more arid climates. Any dark, damp place in contact with the earth is also a potential scorpion habitat. http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2006/02/14/south-african-scorpion-dangerous-pseudolychas-pegleri/ 16 Think Safety Work Safely 17