CLASSIFICATION: C1 - CONTROLLED

15/09/2021

QP STANDARD
FOR MANAGING HEAT STRESS

DOC NO: QP-OHH-STD-012

(FORMERLY: QP-GDL-S-060)

Description: Issued for Use

Rev: 01

CUSTODIAN
QUALITY REVIEWED BY DOCUMENT OWNER
DEPARTMENT
Ahmed Abdulrahman Digitally signed by
Andrew William
Albakri Alyafei Dempster
CORPORATE HSE & 2021.09.01 06:19:55 Date: 2021.09.02
QUALITY (BC) +03'00' 15:28:20 +03'00'

BCQ BC

EVP
Digitally signed by Nabeel
Mohammed Al-Buenain
Date: 2021.09.12 08:39:41
+03'00'

VB

FINAL APPROVAL

Digitally signed by Saad

Sherida Alkaabi
Date: 2021.09.13
08:19:04 +03'00'

PRESIDENT & CEO

CLASSIFICATION: C1 - CONTROLLED

QP STANDARD FOR MANAGING HEAT STRESS

DOC. NO. QP-OHH-STD-012 REV. 01

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

1.0 PURPOSE ......................................................................................3

2.0 SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY ......................................................3

3.0 STANDARD ...................................................................................3

3.1 HEAT STRESS PREVENTION MEASURES ................................................ 3
3.2 HEAT STRESS MANAGEMENT CONTROL MEASURES ........................... 4
3.3 FIRST AID RESPONSE AND CASE MANAGEMENT .................................. 6
4.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................6

5.0 VALIDITY PLAN ............................................................................8

6.0 REFERENCES TO OTHER DOCUMENTS ....................................8

7.0 DEFINITIONS.................................................................................9

APPENDIX ........................................................................................... 10
APPENDIX A - HEAT INDEX CHART: QP-OHH-STD-012-A ............................... 10
APPENDIX B - ACCLIMATIZATION PROCESS FOR WORK PRODUCTIVITY:
QP-OHH-STD-012-B ............................................................................................ 11
APPENDIX C - REVISION HISTORY LOG .......................................................... 12

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QP STANDARD FOR MANAGING HEAT STRESS

DOC. NO. QP-OHH-STD-012 REV. 01

1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose and intent of this Corporate Standard is to outline and detail the minimum
requirements for Managing Heat Stress within all the Qatar Petroleum (QP)
directorates. These requirements shall include implementing heat stress preventative
measures, heat stress control measures, and first aid response to protect QP
employees, contactors, and visitors.

2.0 SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY

The scope of this standard defines the provisions for Managing Heat Stress. This
corporate standard shall apply to all the QP directorates, business areas, employees
and contractors.

3.0 STANDARD

3.1 HEAT STRESS PREVENTION MEASURES

3.1.1 Heat Assessment for Fitness to Work

Each directorate shall carry out a Heat Stress assessment on QP employees as well
as contractors to assess specific risks associated with the nature of their work in
accordance with QP Fitness to Work Standard (QP-OHH-STD-011).
3.1.2 Heat Index Monitoring and Control Measures
In line with (Appendix A), QP and QP contractors shall:
• Continually monitor all workers visually under direct sun, shaded areas
performing heavy work when the heat index is between 27- 31.
• In addition to the above, adopt a buddy system when the heat index is
between 32- 38.
• In addition to the above, consider shading when the heat index is between
39- 49.
• In addition to the above, stop all the elevated and confined space work when
the heat index is between 50- 53.
• Stop all work when the heat index is more than 54.

The Heat Index Chart (Appendix A) shall be used to provide an indication of thermal
stress and mandatory controls.
3.1.3 Employee Training
Heat stress awareness shall be a part of the HSE induction process. Training shall
be conducted before and throughout the summer season (April-September) in line
with QP Standard for Occupational Health, Safety, Environment and Quality
(HSE&Q) Training (QP-STD-S-024).

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3.1.4 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

Proper clothing shall be selected for working in hot conditions while maintaining the
health and safety requirements of the job as per QP Standard for the Selection and
Procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (QP-OHH-STD-036).

3.2 HEAT STRESS MANAGEMENT CONTROL MEASURES

3.2.1 Engineering Controls

3.2.1.1 Shade and Shielding

Shading shall be considered to control exposure to heat. Radiant heat load can be
decreased by 10°C when working in the shade compared to working in direct sunlight
if the humidity levels are between low to moderate (10% to 60%).

Shielding shall be properly designed to control exposure to heat and to manage

optimum air movement and its subsequent cooling effect. Other shielding controls
shall be designed and fitted whether temporarily or permanently at suitable locations
and the effect of such fittings shall be monitored for impact on radiant heat load.

3.2.1.2 Area Cooling

Spot cooling, portable air-conditioning, fans, etc. area cooling shall be designed and
allocated in specific locations to achieve their objectives. Cleaning, maintenance and
inspection of the equipment and locations where it is used shall be carried out on a
scheduled basis to ensure the health and welfare of the workforce. Shaded break
areas shall be kept cooler than the work areas by at least 10°C to 15°C. Where cooling
is not possible, air circulation with fans shall be used to facilitate cooling by sweat
evaporation.

3.2.1.3 Ventilation
Proper ventilation shall be achieved through the provision of fans, air-conditioning etc.
The temperature of the air being fanned shall be less than 40°C; otherwise, it might
actually result in increased heat stress.

3.2.2 Administrative Controls

3.2.2.1 Work Schedule

a. Working schedules shall be reviewed to decide to schedule extremely hot
jobs for cooler parts of the day, evening, or night work, or on a cooler day
as applicable.
b. Additional time for hot jobs shall be scheduled in order to allow for additional
cooling breaks.
c. Working schedule provisions shall be considered for fasting employees as
part of their religious rituals during the summer.
d. Contractors performing civil, infrastructure and construction work shall
comply with the requirements of the Minister of Civil Service Affairs and
Housing, Decision. 17 of 2021.

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3.2.2.2 Work/Rest Cycles / Intervals

QP and QP contractors shall allocate work/rest intervals as per (Appendix A). Rest
intervals are for rest in air-conditioned/shaded areas. Shaded break areas shall be
kept cooler than the work areas by at least 10°C to 15°C. Cool fluids shall be
consumed.

3.2.2.3 Employee / Contractor Rotation

On jobs that have the potential of introducing heat stress, two groups of workers shall
be assigned to allow for job rotation in and out of the area. For heavy workloads and
critical tasks, employee/contractor rotation shall be performed more frequently.

3.2.2.4 Fluid Replacement

a. Cool water or isotonic drinks approved by a physician shall be made
available to workers. Workers shall drink at least 1 cup (250ml) of fluids
every 10 minutes to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of heat
illnesses. Water intake shall not exceed 1.5 liters per hour.
b. Salt tablets are not recommended as per latest medical advice.

3.2.2.5 Food and Water

QP and QP contractors shall ensure suitable food and water supplies are available to
their employees and shall ensure a well-balanced diet and sufficient intake of water
and fluids.

3.2.2.6 Buddy System

A buddy system shall be adopted based on the prevailing heat conditions. The intent
is for workers to look out for each other.

3.2.2.7 Acclimatization
Acclimatization is a gradual physiological adaptation that improves an employee’s
ability to tolerate heat stress. The process requires several days with gradual build-
up of tolerance. QP and QP contractors shall adhere to acclimatization process as
per (Appendix B).

3.2.2.8 Control of High Risk Activities

In addition to heat stress conditions, all the high-risk activities carried out by both QP
employees and contractors shall be subject to a full risk assessment as per QP
requirements and permit to work systems. These are particularly important for:
• Confined space entry
• Working at heights
• Manual excavation
• Working in proximity of radiant heat sources (flares, furnaces etc.)

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3.3 FIRST AID RESPONSE AND CASE MANAGEMENT

3.3.1 First Aid Response

All first aid responses shall be administered by designated and trained first aid
providers. All appropriate treatment shall be carried out by suitably qualified
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff, nurses, and doctors.

3.3.2 Referral / Case Management

Onward referral and case management shall be closely managed by the medical
services staff of QP and QP contractors, to ensure that workers receive the proper
treatment as necessary and ensure their fitness to return to work.

4.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The table below sets the essential roles and responsibilities for each
(individual/department) within QP.

TABLE 1: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Individual/Department
Responsibilities
Roles
• Shall authorize their personnel to attend scheduled
“periodic medical surveillance” appointments.
• Shall ensure employees/contractors attend Heat
Stress awareness annually.
• Shall ensure adherence to acclimatization process as
detailed in Appendix B.
• Shall provide cool water and instruct
employees/contractors to follow the “fluid-drinking”
schedule as detailed in Appendix A.
Direct Supervisor • Shall recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses
and be able to act accordingly.
• Shall monitor subordinates’ exposure to heat and
modify work schedules accordingly.
• Shall, whenever possible, schedule the most physical
activities for the cooler parts of the day.
• Shall ensure that all the work is stopped immediately
and notified to the area/site leadership team when the
heat index is great than or equal to 54.
• Shall carry out heat stress monitoring using
internationally approved and calibrated equipment.
Industrial Hygiene • Shall develop awareness material and obtain
Specialist corporate approval.
• Shall ensure effective implementation of approved
awareness material.

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Individual/Department
Responsibilities
Roles
• Shall advise supervisors whenever the Heat Index has
reached critical levels (please refer to Appendix A to
determine criticality and work/rest cycle) and
recommend appropriate hazard-mitigation measures.
• Shall attend training on heat stress and pay attention
to “health notices/ warnings” from Area HSE, medical
personnel and supervisors.
Employees/ • Shall recognize the early warnings/ symptoms of heat
Contractors stress and take immediate appropriate action.
• Shall use all protective measures and precautions
(water, coolers and fans) supplied to them by their
organization.
• Shall ensure that risk assessment is conducted, and
heat stress management is included in their HSE
plans.
QP Department / • Shall ensure the provision of heat stress awareness to
Contractor HSE their workers.
Specialist • Shall ensure effectiveness of the heat management
plan through audits and inspections.
• Shall report all Heat Stress incidents as per the
Corporate Procedure for Incident Management.
• Shall develop and update the Managing Heat Stress
standard.
Corporate HSE & • Shall review the effectiveness of the standard by
Quality planned assessments and audits.
• Shall provide advisory support on the standard.
• Shall conduct Medical fitness assessment and make
sound recommendations for acclimatized/ non-
acclimatized individuals.
Healthcare • Shall ensure that employees exposed to high
Department temperature environments are familiar with the signs
and symptoms of heat stress.
• Shall ensure proper reporting/ recording of heat stress
illness statistics.
• Shall ensure the effective implementation of heat
management standard and any ensuing/operational
HSE Department procedure.
Manager • Shall make funds available and means of acquiring
approved heat stress measuring devices.

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Individual/Department
Responsibilities
Roles
Shall ensure that all the requirements in this standard
•
are strictly adhered to.
• Shall Support and ensure that the required resources
for adequate fluid-intake, cooling areas, work
Operations schedules and effective air-conditioning are installed in
Managers/Department all their operating areas.
Managers/Project • Shall ensure that contractor manager conforms to this
Managers standard.
• Shall make themselves aware of the special
requirements of fasting staff during the Holy month of
Ramadan.

5.0 VALIDITY PLAN

This standard is effective immediately after its publication. For any additional grace
period or transition, please approach Corporate HSE&Q department.

6.0 REFERENCES TO OTHER DOCUMENTS

TABLE 2: REFERENCES TO OTHER DOCUMENTS

Document Internal/External Document

Document Name
Number Document Referencing

U.S. National Oceanic and

N/A External N/A
Atmospheric Administration

The Minister of Civil Service

Affairs and Housing, Decision
No.20 of 2005 regarding
necessary precautions,
N/A External N/A
requirements in work areas
and places to protect workers,
operators therein and visitors
against risks of works

The Minister of Civil Service

Affairs and Housing, Decision.
17 of 2021 regarding the
N/A External N/A
determination of working
hours in open places during
summer

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Document Internal/External Document

Document Name
Number Document Referencing
The Minister of Civil Service
Affairs and Housing, Decision
No.18 of 2005 -Regarding
N/A External N/A
Work Injuries and Occupation
Disease Statistics Templates
and Reporting Procedures
Health Aspects of Work in
Extreme Climates: A Guide
for the Oil and Gas industry IOGP Report 398 External N/A
managers and supervisors-
2008
QP Standard for Occupational
Health, Safety, Environment QP-STD-S-024 Internal Sideways
and Quality (HSE&Q) Training
QP Standard for Fitness to
QP-OHH-STD-011 Internal Sideways
Work
NIOSH Criteria for a
Recommended Standard:
Occupational Exposure to N/A External N/A
Heat and Hot Environments
(2016)
QP Procedure for HSE
Incident Reporting QP-HSE-PRC-022 Internal Sideways
Investigation Learning
ISO 45001:2018-
Occupational health and
N/A External N/A
safety management systems-
2018

7.0 DEFINITIONS

TABLE 3: KEY TERMS DEFINED

Term Definition
Loss of body fluids and salts essential for normal body
Dehydration
functions.
An index that combines air temperature and relative humidity
Heat Index in an attempt to determine the human-perceived equivalent
temperature.

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APPENDIX
APPENDIX A - HEAT INDEX CHART: QP-OHH-STD-012-A

TABLE 1: HEAT INDEX CHART

CORPORATE HSE & QUALITY
Health & Hygiene

HOW TO CALCULATE HEAT INDEX

RELATIVE HUMIDITY
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
50 44 52 54 54 54 54 54 54 54
49 43 51 54 54 54 54 54 54 54
48 43 50 53 54 54 54 54 54 54
47 42 48 52 54 54 54 54 54 54
46 41 47 50 54 54 54 54 54 54
45 41 46 50 54 54 54 54 54 54
44 40 45 49 54 54 54 54 54 54
AIR TEMPRATURE (°C)

43 39 44 48 54 54 54 54 54 54
42 38 43 46 54 54 54 54 54 54
41 38 41 45 52 54 54 54 54 54
40 37 40 43 49 54 54 54 54 54
39 36 38 42 47 52 54 54 54 54
38 35 37 41 43 49 54 54 54 54
37 34 36 38 41 43 54 54 54 54
36 33 35 37 40 42 49 53 54 54
35 32 34 36 39 42 46 52 54 54
34 32 34 35 38 41 44 50 53 54
33 31 32 33 36 38 41 46 50 53
32 29 31 32 33 36 38 41 46 50
31 28 30 31 32 34 35 38 41 46
30 27 29 29 31 32 33 36 38 43
29 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 35 37
28 25 26 27 27 29 30 32 33 35
27 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 32
26 22 24 25 26 26 27 27 28 29
EXAMPLE: The temprature stands at 34C and Relative Humidity is now 62%.
The HEat Index is 44 in the Danger Area
SEVERITY HEAT INDEX HEAT SYNDROME
IV. Extreme Danger > 54 Heat Stroke or Sunstroke imminent

Sunstroke, Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion likely, Heat

III. Danger 39 - 53 Stroke Possible with Prolonged exposure and physical
activity

Sunstroke, Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion possible

II. Extreme Caution 32 - 38
with Prolonged exposure and physical activity

Fatigue possible with Prolonged exposure and physical

I. Caution 27 - 31
activity

1. Degree of Heat Stress may vary with age, health and body characterstics.
Note:
2. Do not take any form of "Salt Supplement" unless advised.
PREVENTOVE HEAT STRESS WORK PRACTICES TO MINIMIZE THE EFFECT OF HEAT EXPOSURE
WORK:REST WATER REQUIREMENTS
HEAT INDEX CONTROLS
PERIOD (minutes) (1 cup = 1/4 Litre)
Continous Visual Monitoring of Workers
27 - 31 50 : 10 1 Cup every 20 Minutes
in direct sun and heavy work
32 - 38 40 : 10 1 Cup every 20 Minutes No Working Alone
39 - 49 30 : 10 1 Cup every 15 Minutes Work Under Shade
STOP Elevated Work and Confined Space
50 - 53 20 : 10 1 Cup every 10 Minutes
Work
> 54 - - All Work Stopped

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APPENDIX B - ACCLIMATIZATION PROCESS FOR WORK PRODUCTIVITY: QP-

OHH-STD-012-B

TABLE 1: ACCLIMATIZATION PROCESS FOR WORK PRODUCTIVITY

Acclimatization
Activity (as percentage of full work assignment)
Day
Experienced worker New Worker
1 50% 20%
2 60% 40%
3 80% 60%
4 100% 80%
5 100% 100%
Re-acclimatization
Illness (days away Exposure sequence (percent of full
Absence from heat related work assignment per day)
job routine) Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
<4 - 100%
4-5 1-3 *R/E 100%
6-12 4-5 80% 100%
12-20 6-8 60% 80% 100%
>20 >8 50% 60% 80% 100%
*R/E: Reduced expectations by workers and supervision
*Source: this table is adopted from OGP IPIECA Report No. 398

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APPENDIX C - REVISION HISTORY LOG

Revision Number: 01 Date: 18/08/2021

Item Revised Revision Description Page No.

3.2.2.1 (d) Update the Ministerial decision no. with newly released 4
reference.

Update the incident management procedure reference

Section 6.0 9
with newly published procedure Title and number.
(Table 2)

Remarks:
* Ministerial decision no. 16 of 2007 has been cancelled and replaced by the attached
Ministerial decision no. 17 of 2021.

** New revision published 1/11/2020.

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