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HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
Included in this guide:
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS TOOL & POSTER
5252
A C
SAO
(04
/07)
© 2
007,
WSI
B O
ntar
io. P
rinte
d in
Can
ada
Heat stress can harm or even kill people working under very hot conditions.
To help employers and workers learn how to prevent heat stress, this guide
summarizesthecauses,symptoms,andtreatmentofheat-relatedillness
presentsafive-stepapproachforusingtheHumidextoassessheatstresshazards
outlinesspecificactionsformanagingandcontrollingheatstress
KeyinformationpresentedinthisguideissummarizedintheHeat Stress Awareness Tool(seepage7).
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
EXCERPT FROM CORONER’S REPORT –
…when the college student started his summer job
as a garbage collector. His second day on the job,
he was overcome by heat stress symptoms. He wasn’t
trained to recognize the warning signs. As a
result, he kept working until he collapsed and fell
into a coma. He died 17 days later. This Inquest
concludes that death could have been prevented
if the employer had a heat stress program that
included training to recognize the symptoms…
The appendices include:
aself-auditchecklist
anexampleofaheatstresspolicy
anoutlineoftheessentialelementsofaheatstressprogram
someusefulcontactinformation
YourHealth and Safety Association,theWorkers Health and Safety Centre,andtheOccupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workerscanprovideyouwith:
technicalsupport
workplace-specificinformation
trainingoninjuryandillnessprevention
consultingservices
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
Table of contents
Isheatstressaconcerninyourworkplace?. . . . . . 3
Thelaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Factorsinfluencingheatstress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Canyougetusedtoheat?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Causes,symptoms,andtreatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Howisheatstressmeasured?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fivestepstoreduceheatstress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Instructionsforuseoftheawarenesstool. . . . . . . 7
Heatstressacclimatization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Managingheatstress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Controlmeasures: General,job-specific,andpersonal. . . . . . . . . . 9
Appendices
A Sampleheatstresspolicy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
B Heatstressreferencechart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 TwoHumidexguidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
C Self-auditchecklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
D Essentialsforasuccessful heatstressprogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
E Researchandsupport (includingwebsitecontacts). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
F EnvironmentCanadacontacts. . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Disclaimer
Thematerialcontainedinthismanualisforinformationandreferencepurposesonlyandnotintendedaslegalorprofessionaladvice.Theadoptionofthepracticesdescribedinthismanualmaynotmeettheneeds,requirements,orobligationsofindividualworkplaces.
Use,reproduction,andduplicationofthismanualisrecommendedandencouraged.
OccupationalHealthandSafetyCouncilofOntario(OHSCO)
XX%
5252A CSAO (04/07) © 2007, WSIB Ontario. Printed in Canada
�
About this guide
TheHeat Stress Awareness GuidewasdevelopedbythemembersoftheOccupationalHealthandSafetyCouncilofOntario(OHSCO)*toprovideinformationandadviceonmanagingandcontrollingheatstressintheworkplace.
TheaudienceforthisGuideincludesemployers,managers,supervisors,workers,jointhealthandsafetycommittee(JHSC)members,healthandsafetyrepresentatives,andworkplaceunionrepresentatives.Unions,employerassociations,andhealthandsafetyprofessionalsmayalsofindtheinformationinthisGuideuseful.
*ForalistofOHSCOmembersseeAppendixE.
�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
Is heat stress a concern in your workplace? Hasanyonebeenaffectedbyheatinyourworkplace?
Arefansneededtokeepworkerscool?
Isworkdoneindirectsunlight?
Arethereheat-producingprocessesorequipmentintheworkplace?
Doworkerswearextraclothing/protectiveequipmentthatcanmakethemhot(e.g.,overalls,respirators,hardhats,etc.)?
Haveworkerseverexpressedconcernaboutheatintheworkplace?
Chancesarethatyouanswered“yes”toatleastoneofthesequestions.Actually,heatstressissomethingmostworkplacesmustdealwith—notjustthosewithworkersworkinginthehotsunorbesidehotfurnacesormachinery.
Thepurposeofthisheatstresstoolkitistoprovideworkplacepartieswithstrategiesfor:
recognizingthesymptoms
assessingtherisk
puttingtogetheraneffectivecontrolprogram
The law
EmployershaveadutyunderSection25(2)(h)oftheOccupational Health and Safety Acttotakeeveryprecautionreasonableinthecircumstancesfortheprotectionofaworker.Thisincludesdevelopingpoliciesandprocedurestoprotectworkersinhotenvironmentsduetohotprocessesorhotweather.Forcompliancepurposes,theMinistryofLabourrecommendsthecurrentthresholdlimitvalue(TLV)forheatstressandheatstrain,publishedbytheAmericanConferenceofGovernmentalIndustrialHygienists(ACGIH).Thesevaluesarebasedonpreventingunacclimatizedworkers’coretemperaturesfromrisingabove38°C.SeeMinistryofLabourwebdocument“Heatstresshealthandsafetyguideline”fordetails.
�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
HEAT RASH
CA
uS
ES Hothumidenvironment;
pluggedsweatglands
Sy
mp
To
mS Redbumpyrashwith
severeitching
TR
EA
Tm
En
T Changeintodryclothesandavoidhotenvironments,rinseskinwithcoolwater
SUNBURN
CA
uS
ES
Toomuchexposuretothesun
Sy
mp
To
mS Red,painful,orblistering
andpeelingskin
TR
EA
Tm
En
T
Iftheskinblisters,seekmedicalaid,useskinlotions(avoidtopicalanaesthetics)andworkintheshade
HEAT CRAmpSC
Au
SE
S
Heavysweatingdrainsaperson’sbodyofsalt,whichcannotbereplacedjustbydrinkingwater
Sy
mp
To
mS
Painfulcrampsinarms,legs,orstomachthatoccursuddenlyatworkorlaterathome
Heatcrampsareseriousbecausetheycanbeawarningofothermoredangerousheat-inducedillnesses
TR
EA
Tm
En
T
Movetoacoolarea;loosenclothinganddrinkanelectrolyte-replacementbeverage,ifthecrampsaresevereordon’tgoaway,seekmedicalaid
Can you get used to heat?
Yes.Thebodywillgetusedtoworkinginahotenvironmentgraduallyovertime.Thisprocessofthebodybecomingmoreefficientatcoolingitselfdownisknownas“acclimatization”:
Thebodyredirectsbloodtotheskin’ssurface
Theheartbecomesmoreefficient
Sweatingstartssooner,andthereismoreofit
Sweatcontainslesssalt
Duringthisadjustmentperiod,symptomsoffatigue,dizziness,heatrash,andstomachdiscomfortarecommon.Acclimatizationtakestime—aruleofthumbforassumingyouhaveacclimatizediswhenthelastfiveofsevendayshaveworkplacetemperaturesintheheatstressrange.Itshouldbenoted,however,thatdehydrationcancancelthebenefitsofacclimatization.Acclimatizedworkerswillgenerallybeabletoworklongerinahotenvironmentthanunacclimatizedworkers.
Factors influencing heat stress
Theheatingandcoolingbalanceinthebodydependsonthefollowingfactors:
airtemperature
humidity(moistureintheair)
radiantheatload(sun,furnaces,moltenmaterial,steam,etc.)
physicalactivity(howhardyou’reworking)
cooling(bytheevaporationofsweat)
bodyadjustments(acclimatization)
Therearetwosourcesofheatexposure,theoutsideenvironmentandinternalmuscleactivity.(80%ofmuscleenergyisturnedintobodyheat.)Hightemperaturesandhighlevelsofphysicalworkcreateheatstress.Thebodycoolsitselfbyevaporatingsweat.Highhumidityhinderssweatfromevaporating.
�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
FAINTING
CA
uS
ES
Fluidlossandinadequatewaterintake
Sy
mp
To
mS
Suddenfaintingafteratleasttwohoursofwork;coolmoistskin;weakpulse
TR
EA
Tm
En
T
GET mEDICAL ATTENTIONAssessneedforCPR;movetoacoolarea;loosenclothing;makepersonliedown;andwhen the person is conscious,offersipsofcoolwater.
Faintingmayalsobeduetootherillnesses.
HEAT ExHAUSTION
CA
uS
ES
Fluidlossandinadequatesaltandwaterintakecausesthebody’scoolingsystemtostarttobreakdown
Sy
mp
To
mS
Heavysweating;cool,moistskin;bodytemperatureabove38°C;weakpulse;normalorlowbloodpressure;tiredandweak,nauseaandvomiting;verythirsty;pantingorbreathingrapidly;blurredvision
TR
EA
Tm
En
T
GET mEDICAL AID Thisconditioncanleadtoheatstroke,whichcankill;movethepersontoacoolshadedarea;loosenorremoveexcessclothing;providecoolwatertodrink;fanandspraywithcoolwater
Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Heatstresssymptomsareasetofnaturalsignalstellingyouthatsomethingneedstobedonetobalanceyourbody’sheatingandcooling.Asyourbodyheatsup,ittriestoriditselfofexcessheatthroughtheevaporationofsweat.Ifitisunabletocoolitselfthisway,yourbodytemperaturewillincrease.Whenbodytemperaturegetsabove38-39°C,thebrainstartstooverheat,leadingtoashutdownofyourbody’scoolingsystem(sweatingstops).Yourtemperaturenowrisesevenfaster,leadingtoheatstrokeandpossiblydeath.Thecauses,symptoms,andtreatmentofvariousheat-relatedillnessesarelistedbelow.
HEAT STROkE
CA
uS
ES
Ifaperson’sbodyhasusedupallitswaterandsaltreserves,itwillstopsweating,whichcancausebodytemperaturetorise;heatstrokemaydevelopsuddenlyormayfollowfromheatexhaustion
Sy
mp
To
mS
Highbodytemperature(above41°C)andanyofthefollowing:thepersonisweak,confused,upset,oractingstrangely;hashot,dry,redskin;afastpulse;headacheordizziness;inlaterstages,apersonmaypassoutandhaveconvulsions
THIS IS AN ImmEDIATE mEDICAL EmERGENCY. pROmpT ACTION mAY SAVE THE pERSON’S LIFE
TR
EA
Tm
En
T
CALL AN AmBULANCEThisconditioncankillapersonquickly;removeexcessclothing;fanandspraythepersonwithcoolwater;offersipsofcoolwater,if the person is conscious
�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
� Steps toStep 1 Training Measurementsbythemselvescannotguaranteeworkerprotectionfromheatstress.Itisessentialthatworkerslearntorecognizetheearlysignsandsymptomsofheatstressandknowhowtopreventthem!(SeeAppendixEonpage18fortrainingresources.)
Ifit’spossible,workersneedtobeabletoaltertheirpaceofwork,takerestbreaks,anddrinkinresponsetoearlysymptoms(acupofwaterevery20minutes).Theidealheatstressresponseplanwouldletworkersregulatetheirownpaceby“listening”totheirbodies.
Step � Clothing TheHeatstressactionchartontheawarenesstool(page7)assumesworkersarewearingregularsummerclothes(lightshirtandpants,underwear,and,socksandshoes).
Ifworkerswearadoublelayerofwovenclothing(e.g.,cottonoverallsontopofsummerclothes),add5ºofHumidextotheworkplacemeasurement(usingtheHeatstressreferencechartinAppendixB,onpage12).
Estimatethecorrectionfactorforotherkindsofclothing/protectiveequipmentbycomparingthemwithcottonoveralls(e.g.,gloves,hardhat,apron,andprotectivesleevesmightbeequivalenttoalittlelessthanhalftheevaporationresistanceofoveralls,soadd1ºor2ºofHumidex).
Ifcompletelyencapsulatingsuitsareworn,heatstressshouldbemanagedbymonitoringvitalsigns,asrecommendedbytheACGIHTLV.
Step � Select a measurement location Dividetheworkplaceintozonesthathavesimilarheatexposures.
Selectarepresentativelocationineachzonewhereyoucantakemeasurements.
How is heat stress measured?
TheMinistryofLabouruses“wetbulbglobetemperature”(WBGT)tomeasureheatstress.Thiscalculationtakesintoaccountairtemperature,radiantheatandhumidity.Exposurestandardsaredividedintocategoriesbasedonphysicalactivityandworkers’acclimatization.Adjustmentsaremadeforwearingtypesofclothingandpersonalprotectiveequipment.TakingWBGTmeasurementsproperlyrequiresspecializedequipmentandexpertise.Workplaceswithveryhotworkprocessesorwhereworkershaveexperiencedheat-relatedillnessesshouldmeasuretheWBGT.
Mostworkplacesdon’thave“hotprocesses”buthotweathercanposehealthriskstotheirworkers.Forthesehotworkenvironments,aHot Weather Planisappropriate.Thisisasimplifiedheatstresspreventionprogramandshouldestablishimplementationcriteria,or“triggers,”toputtheplanintoeffect.Criteriamayinclude:
Humidexreachingorexceeding35
EnvironmentCanadaHumidexadvisory(airtemperatureexceeding30ºCandHumidexexceeding40)orOntarioMinistryoftheEnvironmentsmogalert
Heatwaves(threeormoredaysoftemperaturesof32ºCormore)
Generally,HotweatherplansshouldbeinplacebetweenMay1andSeptember30.
ThistoolkitprovidesasimplifiedversionoftheWBGTbyconvertingitintoHumidexvalues.Itallowsworkplacestomeasureheatstressusingonlyworkplacetemperatureandhumidity.(SeeAppendixBonpage12formoredetails.)Thefollowingfivestepshelpdetermineactionstoreduceheatstress.
�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
Step � measure workplace temperature and humidity Usingathermal hygrometer(usually$20-$60athard-wareoroffice-supplystores),measurethetemperatureandrelativehumidityinyourworkplace.Avoidplacingthethermalhygrometerindirectsunlightorincontactwithhotsurfaces.
Onceyouhavethetemperatureandhumidity,besuretoadjustforclothing(Step2),andradiantheat(Step5).ThenusetheHeatstressawarenesstool(orthetableonpage13inAppendixB)todeterminetheappropriateheatstresspreventionresponse.
Formoredetailedcalculations(e.g.,foracclimatizedworkers),seeAppendixBonpage12orthecalculatorlocatedatwww.ohcow.on.ca/menuweb/heat_stress_calculator.htm.
Instructions for use of the heat stress awareness tool
1. Measuretheworkplacetemperatureandhumidity.
�. Turnthewheeltodisplaytheworkplacetemperature.Then,findthehumidityvalueontheleftaxis.Notethecolouroftheindicatedcell.
�. Refertothecolourontheinstructionchartforrecommendedaction.
Example: Ifthetemperatureis32°C(blackringinthewindow)andtherelativehumidityis50%,thecolourforthisrangeisyellow.Thisindicatesthattheprecautionsareinthe“moderate”valuerange.Inthiscase,therecommendedactionsare:
Furtherreducephysicalactivity Drinkacupofwaterevery15-20minutes
Note: The Heat stress action chart is based on workplace measurements, not weather station/media reports. (Temperatures inside buildings do not necessarily correspond with outside temperatures.)
Reduce Heat StressStep � Adjust for radiant heat Foroutdoorworkindirectsunlightbetweenthehoursof10a.m.and5p.m.,add1º-2º(prorateaccordingtopercentagecloudcover)toyourHumidexmeasurement.
Forindoorradiantheatexposures,useyourtraining,knowledgeandexperiencetojudgewhethertheexposureinvolvesmoreorlessradiantheatthandirectsunlightandadjustthe1º-2ºcorrectionfactorappropriately.
�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
Heat stress acclimatization Ontariosummersarenothotenoughforworkersdoinglightwork(sitting/standing,doinglightarmwork)tobeconsideredacclimatizedforWBGTpurposes.
WorkersdoingmoderateworkareonlyconsideredacclimatizedinOntarioiftheyregularlyworkaroundheatsources(e.g.,infoundries,aroundovens,etc.).SeeAppendixB.
WorkersperformingheavyworkacclimatizequicklyinOntario,butforthefirstwarmweatheroftheseason,morecautionisrecommended.EvenHumidex1(seepage13inAppendixB)maybetoohightoprotectfullyunacclimatizedworkersdoingheavywork.
Note: Clothing and radiant heat must be taken into account when using this guideline. See Steps 1 to 5 outlined on previous page.
managing heat stress
Nosystemcanaddressallsituations.Workplaceswithparticularsourcesofheatorhumiditymayneedextraassistanceindevelopingaheatstressresponseplan.TheHealthandSafetyAssociationslistedinAppendixEonpage18areanexcellentplacetostart.
Someworkplacesbeginwithrigoroussystemsofmeasurementandprescribedreactions,butonceinheatstressseason,workersandsupervisorseventuallylearntoanticipatewhenheatstresscontrols“kickin.”Insuchsituations,thesystembecomeslessformal.
Acoroner’sinquestintoacollegestudent’sdeathnotedthatprescribedresponsestothemeasurementsalonewillnotprotecteveryworker.Workersmustalsolearntolistentowhattheirbodiesaretellingthemandknowhowtorespondappropriately.Theheatstressresponseplanmustbeflexibleenoughtoprotectthemostvulnerableworkers.
Before establishing a policy, you must determine:
1. Oneormoremonitoringmethodsorcriteria(e.g.,self-regulation,Humidex,WBGTmeasurements).
2. Asamplingstrategy(e.g.,location,frequency,time,triggertostartmonitoring).
3. Responses(e.g.,rests,rotation,airconditioning,voluntarystayingonthejob,shutdown).
4. Training(when,howoften,content,length,JointHealthandSafetyCommitteeinvolvement,supervisors,workers,firstaid).
5. Water-supplycoordination(ensuringworkershavesufficientquantitiesofwateravailable).
6. First-aidreporting,emergencyresponse,medicalmonitoring,confidentiality.
�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
InworkplaceswithJHSCsorHealthandSafetyrepresentatives,itisimportanttogettheminvolvedandincorporatetheirideasintotheplan.TheHealthandSafetyAssociationsandtheWorkersHealthandSafetyCentrehaveresourcesavailabletoassistineducatingHealthandSafetyrepresentativesandJHSCmembersregardingthehazardsofheatstressandcontrols.
Oncethesebasicsareaddressed,youcanwriteyourpolicyandresponseplan.Asampleofaheatstresspolicycanbefoundonpage11,inAppendixA,alongwithaself-auditchecklistonpage14inAppendixC.Itiscrucialtothesuccessoftheplantogetuppermanagement’sendorsement.Oncetheplanisapproved,itneedstobecommunicatedandimplemented.Allprogramsneedtobeevaluatedtoensurethattheypreventheatstress.
Control measures
General control measures
Develop,communicateandimplementtheheatstressplanforallworkers.
Trainworkerstorecognizethesignsandsymptomsofheatstressandtoknowhowtoavoidthem.
Providewaternearbyonthejobsiteandensureeveryonedrinksaboutonecupofwaterevery20to30minutes,evenifthey’renotthirsty.
Establishafirst-aidresponsesystemwithtrainedfirst-aidprovidersandameanstorecordandreportheatstressincidents.
Allowtimeforworkerstoacclimatizetotheheatandthework.Thisusuallytakesabouttwoweeks.
MeasureHumidex(orWBGT)levelsandallowforself-limitationofexposure.(Ifthisisnotpossible,adjustthework/restcyclesaccordingly.)
Encourageworkerstouseabuddysystem—eachbuddylooksoutforearlysignsandsymptomsofheatstressintheother.
Job-specific control measures
Providebarrierstoshieldworkersfromradiantheatexposure.Providecoolingfanswhenairtemperatureisbelowskintemperature(35°C)and thehumidityisbelow70%.Considercoolingordehumidifyingtheworkplace.
Note: When the temperature exceeds 35°C and the relative humidity is above 70%, the use of fans will increase worker’s temperature because there will be little evaporation of sweat
Providemechanicalaidsformaterialhandling—dollies,carts,liftingdevices—toreducephysicalactivity.Organizetheworktoreducethepaceofactivity.
Ifpossible,postponestrenuousworkuntilacoolertimeoftheday.
Ifworkisdoneoutside,ensurethatshadedareasareavailable.
Rotateworkersinandoutofhotworkareaswheneverpossible.
Considercoolingvests,iffeasibleandeffectivefortheindividual.
personal control measures
Avoideatinglargemealsbeforeworkinginhotenvironments.
Avoidalcoholorbeverageswithcaffeine.Thesemakethebodylosewaterandincreasetheriskofheatstress.
Wearlightclothingthatpermitstheevaporationofsweat(e.g.,cottonclothing).Usesunscreenandcoveryourheadifworkingoutside.
Adviseworkerstocheckwiththeirdoctoriftheirmedicationmayaffecttheirheattolerance.
Makehealthylifestylechoices(i.e.,bodyweight,fitness,diet,rest,etc.)
10
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
11
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
AppendixA
Heat stress policy (sample)
(Company name)
(Companyname)recognizesthepotentialproblemscausedbyhightemperaturesintheworkenvironment.Toreducethepotentialforheat-relatedillness,(Companyname)hasdevelopedthefollowingheatstresspolicy.
Thispolicyrequiresthefullcooperationofallmembersofthe(Companyname)team:Seniormanagement,theJointHealthandSafetyCommittee,supervisors,andworkers.Inordertomonitorandevaluatethepotentialforheat-relatedproblemsintheworkplace,areferenceguidecalledtheHeat Stress Awareness Guidewillbeused.Bylinkingtemperatureandhumidity,acolourcodeontheheatstressawarenesstool(asdescribedintheGuide)providestheappropriatework-siteresponse.
Employeesareaskedtocooperatefullywiththispolicy.Allemployeesof(Companyname)willbetrainedtorecognizethesignsandsymptomsofheatstress—inthemselves,aswellasinotheremployees.
Employeesexperiencingsymptomsofheatstressmustreporttofirst-aidpersonnelimmediatelytoobtainpropermedicalattention.Duringdayswhenheatstressproceduresareinplace,allemployeeswillfollowthecontingencyplans.Extrawaterwillbeavailableandworkerswillbeencouragedtodrinkit.
Inordertomonitortheeffectivenessofthispolicy,(Companyname)willperformanannualreview.Theheatstresspolicywillbeevaluated,improvementswillbemade,andacknowledgementwillbegiventothosewhomakesignificantcontributionstoitssuccess.
(Company manager) Date
1�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
AppendixB
ThefollowingheatstressreferencechartshowsHumidexreadingsforthe2007ACGIHmoderateactionlevel(unacclimatized)workloadcategoryWBGTvaluesfromtheheatstress/strainTLV.SincetheMinistryofLabourheatstressguidelinesstatethat“hotspellsinOntarioseldomlastlongenoughforworkerstoacclimatize,”workersperforming“moderate”work(e.g.,workwithsomepushing,lifting)cannotbeassumedtobeacclimatizedunlesstheyareregularlyexposedtosignificantradiantheat.Workersperforming“heavy”work(e.g.,shovellingdrysand),however,couldprobablybeconsideredacclimatizedoncetheyareintothewarm-weatherseason.
Limitations:Thistableisbasedontheassumptionthattheworkisbeingperformedunderconditionswithlittleornoradiantheat,andworkerswearingregularsummerclothing;ifyourconditionsvaryfromthese,usethestepslistedonpages6and7tomakeadjustments.
Anonlineversionofthechartisavailablefordownloadatwww.ohcow.on.ca/menuweb/hhrplan.pdf
Anonlinecalculatorcanbeaccessedatwww.ohcow.on.ca/menuweb/heat_stress_calculator.htm
Heat stress reference chart
RELATIVE HUmIDITY (%)
100% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% 1�% 10%
TE
mp
ER
AT
UR
E (
OC
)
49 50 49
48 49 48
47 50 47 47
46 49 46 46
45 50 47 45 45
44 49 46 44 44
43 49 47 45 42 43
42 50 48 46 43 41 42
41 48 46 44 42 40 41
40 49 47 45 43 41 39 40
39 49 47 45 43 41 39 37 39
38 49 47 45 44 42 40 38 36 38
37 49 47 45 44 42 40 38 37 35 37
36 50 49 47 45 44 42 40 39 37 35 34 36
35 50 48 47 45 44 42 40 39 37 36 34 33 35
34 49 48 46 45 43 42 40 39 37 36 34 33 31 34
33 50 48 47 46 44 43 41 40 39 37 36 34 33 32 30 33
32 50 49 48 46 45 44 42 41 40 38 37 36 34 33 32 30 29 32
31 50 49 48 47 45 44 43 42 40 39 38 37 35 34 33 32 30 29 28 31
30 48 47 46 44 43 42 41 40 39 37 36 35 34 33 32 30 29 28 27 30
29 46 45 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 29
28 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 28
27 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 27
26 39 38 37 36 35 34 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 26
25 37 36 35 34 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 27 26 25 25
24 35 34 33 33 32 31 30 29 28 28 27 26 25 24
23 33 32 32 31 30 29 28 28 27 26 25 23
22 31 30 30 29 28 27 27 26 25 25 22
21 29 29 28 27 27 26 25 21
100% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% ��% �0% 1�% 10%
1�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
Humidex 1 or Humidex �
TherearetwoHumidexguidelinestodeterminetheappropriateactionsrequired:
Humidex 1referstounacclimatized workersdoing“moderate”work,andrangesindicatetheneedforgeneral heat stress controls.
Humidex � referstoacclimatized workersdoing“moderate”work,andrangesindicatetheneedforspecific controls.
TheACGIHspecifiesanactionlimitandaTLVtopreventworkers’bodytemperaturesfromexceeding38°C(38.5°Cforacclimatizedworkers).Belowtheactionlimit(whichcorrespondstoHumidex1forworkofmoderatephysicalactivity),mostworkerswillnotexperienceheatstress.Mosthealthy,well-hydrated,acclimatizedworkersnotonmedicationwillbeabletotolerateheatstressuptotheTLV(Humidex2formoderatephysicalactivity).
nEVER IGnoRE AnyonE’S SympTomS, REGARDLESS oF youR mEASuREmEnTS!
Note: Clothing and radiant heat must also be taken into account when using this guideline (See Steps 1 to 5 outlined on pages 6 and 7).
Humidex 1 general controls ACTION RECOmmENDED
Humidex � specific controls
�0 – �� Warnforsymptomsandextrawater �� – ��
�� – �� Workwith15minutes/hourrelief �� – ��
�0 – �1 Workwith30minutes/hourrelief �� – ��*
�� – �� Workwith45minutes/hourrelief �� – ��*
��+ Hazardoustocontinuephysicalactivity �0+*
*ForHumidexrangesabove45,heatstressshouldbemanagedaspertheACGIHTLV
Humidex 1 general controlsincludeprovidingannualheatstresstraining,encouragingadequatefluidreplacement,permittingself-limitationofexposure,encouragingemployeestowatchoutforsymptomsinco-workers,andadjustingexpectationsforworkerscomingbacktoworkafteranabsence.
Humidex � specific controlsinclude(inadditiontogeneralcontrols)engineeringcontrolstoreducephysicaljobdemands,shieldingofradiantheat,increasedairmovement,reductionofheatandmoistureemissionsatthesource,adjustingexposuretimestoallowsufficientrecovery,andpersonalbody-coolingequipment.
Example:Supposethetemperatureintheworkplaceismeasuredat��°C andtherelativehumidityis�0%.TheHumidex wouldbe�1(seeheatstressreferencechart,page12).
Therefore,recommendedactionisasfollows:
Humidex 1: 30minutes/hourrelief,and;
Humidex �:Fullwork,withwarningtobewaryofheatstresssymptomsandtodrinkextrawater.
1�
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
LEADERSHIp Writtenheatstresspolicyandplan
Responsibilitiesandaccountabilitiesidentifiedfor:
Employer
Supervisor
JHSC/H&Srepresentative
Worker
EmpLOYEE TRAINING Forallrelevantpersonnel
Whatisheatstress?
Symptomsandhealtheffects
Personalriskfactors
Jobsatrisk
Monitoringresults
Actionstobetakenforcontrollingheatstress
Heatstresspolicyandplan
Controlsasestablished—engineering,administration,workpractices
Personalprotectiveequipment
Firstaid
Reportingprocedures
Medicalsurveillance
Aself-auditcandeterminewhatmechanismsandpracticesyourworkplacehasinplacetocombatheatstress.Italsoindicateswhichprogramsorpracticesmaybedeficientandrequireattention.
AppendixC
The self-audit checklist
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HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
STANDARDS & pROCEDURES
Identificationofpotentialheathazardsandjobsatrisk
Visualobservations
Accident/incidentreports
Absenteerate,employeecomplaints,medicalrecords
Assessmentandevaluationofrisk
mONITORING Weatherasatrigger
Typeoftesting
Frequency
Workloadcategoriesforjob
Clothinginsulationvalues
Comparisonofmonitoringresultstoacceptablestandards
CONTROLS Controls(e.g.,shieldingheatsources,ventilation,fans, airconditioning,reducingmetabolicworkload,acclimatization, workscheduling,rotation,work/restregimen,water,personal protectiveequipment)
Evaluationofoverallprogrameffectiveness
Compliancewithstandardsandprocedures
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HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
AppendixD
Essentials for a successful heat stress prevention program
The following elements are important in making your heat stress prevention program successful:
CommunicationTheorganizationshouldcommunicatetherequirementsofallheatstressstandards,policies,andprocedurestoallemployees.
Training and personnel developmentEmployeesmayneedtrainingonsuchtopicsas:
Definitionofheatstress
Signsandsymptomsofheat-relateddisorders
Importanceofreportingsignsandsymptomstosupervisors
When,how,andwhytotakebreaksfromhotwork
Recognition,assessment,andevaluationofheatstress
Controlsforheatstress
measurementTheorganizationshouldkeeptrackofdatathatcanprovideanevaluationoftheheatstresspreventionprogram.Forexample,youshouldkeeptrackoflost-timeinjuriesduetoheatandhotweatherconditions,workercomplaintsofdiscomfortafterprolongedwork,andpurchasesofequipmentmeetingstandardsthathavebeenset.Youmaywanttorepeataneedsassessmentoraheatsurveydoneearliertogetcomparativedataaftercontrolshavebeenputinplacetocheckifthecontrolsareadequate.
Leadership commitmentManagementmustrecognizethataheatstresspreventionprogramisrequiredtopreventheatstress,andmustshowcommitmenttoaheatstresspreventionprogramthroughappropriateassignmentofresources.Employeesmustbeinvolvedateverystepoftheprogram’sdevelopmentandimplementation.
Identifying hazards, assessing risk, and determining needsTheorganizationmustperformanddocumentanassessmenttoidentifyallriskfactorsintheworkplacethatcouldleadtoheatstress.Considerationshouldbegiventolegislativerequirements,industrybestpractices,internallost-timedata,etc.Toolstoperformthisassessmentcouldincludewalk-throughinspections,surveys,checklists,andtaskanalysis.Theseassessmentsshouldberepeatedperiodically,orasoftenasprocessesintheorganizationchange.
Implementation of the plan and strategyOncetherisksandneedshavebeenidentified,theorganizationshoulddevelopaplantoaddressthem.Theplanshoulddefineresponsibilities,accountabilities,timelines,andmilestonesforimplementingtheplan.
StandardsTheorganizationshouldestablishanddocumentitsstandardsforheatstressprevention,consideringguidelinesfromprofessionalbodies,industrybestpractices,etc.
procedures, guidelines, and practicesProcedures,guidelines,andpracticestoimplementallidentifiedheatstresspoliciesandstandardsmustbedocumented.Theyshoulddefine,stepbystep,theprocesstoaccomplishataskoractivity,includingwork/restregimes(howoften,when,inwhatareas,etc.),asdefinedinthestandards.
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HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
EvaluationTheorganizationshouldanalyzethemeasurementdatatodeterminethedegreeofcomplianceandeffectivenessoftheheatstresspreventionprogrambylookingatindicatorssuchas:
Reductioninheat-relatedsymptomsandillnessthroughimplementationofcontrols
Reductioninabsenteeismorlosttimerelatedtoheat
Increaseinworkers’knowledgeaboutheatstressrecognitionandprevention
Decreaseincomplaintsofdiscomfort
Adherencetowork/restregimensonhotdays
Recognition, improvement, correctionDevelopanimprovementplanbasedonthemeasurementandevaluationfindings,andincludeopportunitiesforimprovementandcorrection.Ifyouensurethatallcomponentsofthiscontinuous-improvementloopareinplace,youwillincreasetheeffectivenessofyourheatstresspreventionprogram.
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HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
AppendixE
Research and support
TechnicalsupportisavailablefromyourHealthandSafetyAssociation.Workplace-specificinformation,aswellastrainingandconsultingservicesforillnessandinjuryprevention,areprovidedbytheHealthandSafetyAssociationsofOntario,theWorkersHealthandSafetyCentre,andtheOccupationalHealthClinicsforOntarioWorkers.
OntarioMinistryofLabourwww.labour.gov.on.ca
InstituteforWorkandHealthwww.iwh.on.ca
WorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceBoardwww.wsib.on.ca
ConstructionSafetyAssociationofOntariowww.csao.org
EducationSafetyAssociationofOntariowww.esao.on.ca
Electrical&UtilitiesSafetyAssociationwww.eusa.on.ca
FarmSafetyAssociationwww.farmsafety.ca
IndustrialAccidentPreventionAssociationwww.iapa.ca
MinesandAggregatesSafetyandHealthAssociationwww.masha.on.ca
MunicipalHealthandSafetyAssociationwww.mhsao.com
OntarioForestrySafeWorkplaceAssociationwww.ofswa.on.ca
OntarioSafetyAssociationforCommunityandHealthcarewww.osach.ca
OntarioServiceSafetyAlliancewww.ossa.com
Pulp&PaperHealthandSafetyAssociationwww.pphsa.on.ca
TransportationHealth&SafetyAssociationofOntariowww.thsao.on.ca
WorkersHealth&SafetyCentrewww.whsc.on.ca
OccupationalHealthClinicsforOntarioWorkerswww.ohcow.on.ca
Other sources of information on heat stress include:
HealthCanadawww.hc-sc.gc.ca
OccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministration(USA)www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/recog nition.html
For information on humidity, weather reports, and smog alerts:
EnvironmentCanadawww.msc.ec.gc.ca
EnvironmentCanadafactsheet:summersevereweatherwww.on.ec.gc.ca/severe-weather/summer.html
OHCOWHumidex-basedheatstresscalculatorwww.ohcow.on.ca/menuweb/heat_stress_calculator.htm
EnvironmentCanadaHumidexcalculatorlavoieverte.qc.ec.gc.ca/meteo/Documentation/Humidex_e.html
EnvironmentCanadaweatherofficewww.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/canada_e.html
AirQualityOntariosmogadvisorieswww.airqualityontario.com
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HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
AppendixF
Environment Canada contacts
EnvironmentCanadaprovidesregionalweatherdetailsandforecastsviatheserviceslistedbelow:
www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca
EnvironmentCanada(toll-freeat1-�00-���-����)foroptionstoobtainthelatestweatherconditionsandforecastforyourlocation.
Asof2008:Dial�11foraccesstothelatestweatherandroadconditions,anywhereinCanada,viaatouch-tonephone.
HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
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HEAT STRESS AWARENESS GUIDE
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