WORKING ON EXTREME

HOT WEATHER CONDITION

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY HEALTH CENTER:
Labor Advisory No. 3-2016 :
Safety and Health Measure to Prevent and Control Heat Stress at the
Workplace:
Labor Advisory No. 3-2016 :
TRAINING OBJECTIVES:
 To establish the minimum safety requirements for preventing heat-related illnesses by
providing standards and parameters for physical labor in high heat and/or intense sun
environments while on the Project.

DEFINITIONS:
Heat Stroke
 Heat stroke occurs when the body's system of temperature regulation fails
and body temperature rises to critical levels.

 The primary signs and symptoms of heat stroke are confusion; irrational
behavior; loss of consciousness; convulsions; a lack of sweating (usually); hot,
dry skin; and an abnormally high core body temperature.
DEFINITIONS:

Heat Exhaustion
 The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, vertigo,
weakness, thirst, and giddiness.

 Heat exhaustion should not be dismissed lightly for several

reasons.
• One is that fainting associated with heat exhaustion can be dangerous,
resulting in possibly extreme injury and/or risk to others.
• Another is that the victim may be injured when he or she faints.
DEFINITIONS:

Heat Cramps
 Heat cramps are usually caused by performing hard physical labor in a hot
environment and a lack of water replenishment.

 These cramps have been attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by

sweating.

 It is important to understand that cramps can be caused

by both too much and too little electrolytes in the system.
HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS:
HEAT STRESS PREVENTION:
 WORKPLACE AND TASK EVALUATION

 Work Sites with potential extremely high temperatures shall evaluate the
conditions using the Heat Stress Index to determine the acceptable
workloads for the effected workforce.

 When weather forecasts include Heat Awareness Conditions, control

measures for heat stress prevention shall be included in the work plans
and Pre-task hazard analysis programs. Work shall not proceed without
control methods in place.

 Employees requiring the use of improvise clothing (FRP; Slicker suits or

other) will necessitate the need for an approved task specific plan prior to
initiating the Work.
HEAT STRESS PREVENTION:
 CONTROLING HEAT STRESS

 As with any hazard, feasible engineering controls should be the primary

control measure, followed by administrative (work practice) controls and
PPE, in that order.

 Engineering Controls:

• General Ventilation
• Local Ventilation
• Air Treatment / Air Cooling
• Radiant Heat Reduction
• Shade
HEAT STRESS PREVENTION:
 Administrative and Work Practice Controls

• Fluid Replacement
• Scheduling
• Acclimation
• Work/Rest Cycles
• Recovery Times
• Buddy System

 Personal Protective Equipment

• Ice Cooling Garments
• Reflective Clothing
• Wetted Clothing
 EMPLOYEE PREVENTION INFORMATION AND TRAINING

 Heat stress awareness training shall be provided at least once a year to all Project personnel. This training
shall include:

• The hazards of heat stress and sunburn injuries including predisposing factors,
warning signs, and symptoms.

• Employee responsibilities in avoiding heat stress.

• Potential health effects of heat and sun injures as well as first-aid procedures
in case of heat or sun injury.

• Proper use of engineering and administrative (work practice) controls.

• Proper use of personal protective equipment.

• Measures employees can take to minimize the effects of heat stress

(hydration,work pace, helpful nutritional habits, etc.).
HEAT STRESS INDEX:
HEAT STRESS INDEX:
HEAT STRESS INCIDENTS: