Safety In Heat Plan

1. Introduction

Heat illness is an important health issue facing all who work in hot environments in the UAE and GCC region in the summer months. Environmental heat stress causes fatigue and impairs mental and physical performance, which can compromise safety and can even be fatal. This training and procedures manual for occupational health and safety professionals and supervisors contains information and details of procedures, which have been designed to ensure the safety of all who work in heat, if implemented correctly.

Details of specific procedures to be carried out by appropriately trained personnel are covered in order to help supervisors and occupational health and safety personnel understand the elements of the HAAD Management of Work in Hot Environments Program or ‘Safety in the Heat Program’ as well as how to implement the various elements of the program. The program is designed to be implemented at whatever level is suitable for each site and may include placing posters in the workplace or showing the training video to workers or full implementation with environmental monitoring and the use of the new heat index - the Thermal Work Index.

Each person responsible for health and safety at work can decide the best way to implement the program at their worksite to raise awareness about and avoidance of heat illness amongst workers with the materials supplied and the online resources to help them. DoH Occupational Health can also be called upon to offer advice and additional support where required.

This training and procedure manual supplements and supports the requirements of the Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Management System (OSHAD SF) Code of Practice for Safety in Heat and the associated Technical Guideline and should be read in conjunction with those document for specific regulatory requirements.

Heat stress is the effect that the thermal environment has on a person’s ability to maintain a normal body temperature. Physical work generates heat in the body which must be lost to the environment through sweating and evaporation. A hot or humid environment makes this more difficult and this can affect both mental and physical performance. Inability to get rid of body heat adequately may result in heat illness.

Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, should also be avoided. There are precautions that can be taken any time temperatures are high and the job involves physical work.

2. Objective

The objective of Heat Stress Compliance Awareness Training is to provide the employees with the necessary knowledge on the heat Stress.

The key topics discussed during the training were as follows: -

· Increase awareness of workforce during heat time.

· Safe working procedure to working during heat or under the sun light.

· Reduce the number of heat stress incident to zero

· Increase awareness to workforce of heat stress symptoms and sign.

· Emergency workforce for reply any heat stress system.

· Monitor for Signs of heat illness such as skin rashes, dizziness and Headaches.

· Avoid heavy activity and rest in a cool place where possible.

· The purpose of the PPE and the risk which it is intended to control.

· The manner in which the PPE is to be used.

· Eye protectors or shields where work activities / processes being carried out are likely to cause eye injuries.

· Masks, respirators or breathing apparatus as protection against dust or fumes or lack of oxygen.

Furthermore, information was given by Bin Hafeez regards to Heat stress Campaign.

Midday break shall be availed in line with MOHRE regulations (June 15^th to Sep 15^th from 12:30 HRS to 15: 00HRS.

3. Purpose

The Heat Stress Management Plan/Adverse hot weather plan has been developed to provide guidance and oversight for the activities involving elevated temperatures and during occupational activities at the Bin Hafeez and Support the OSHAD Sector Regulatory Authorities, Ensure HAAD Requirements and Entities and the Ministry of Labour summer initiatives. Heat related illness is a well-known, recognized workplace hazard. All work operations involving exposure to temperature and humidity extremes have the potential for inducing Heat Related Illnesses (HRI). This plan is designed to provide information to employees working in temperature extreme environments, so the employee can organize work to reduce the level of risk, readily recognize the effects of Heat Related Illnesses and take immediate action to prevent heat related complication or illness.

4. Scope

The Heat Stress Management Plan/Adverse hot weather plan applies to all Bin Hafeez Employees, Clients, Consultants, sub-contractors, Stakeholders, Visitors and working at all official BHG facilities. The Aim is to raise awareness of the dangers of heat exposure amongst the target groups and prevention and provide support and health promotion materials to raise awareness of the issue, increase education and training.

5. Project Layout

INSERT YOUR PROJECT LAYOUT HERE

6. Measuring Heat

Heat stress is caused by a number of environmental and personal factors. Air temperature and the sun are two of these factors but to assess heat exposure and understand the effects of the environment on a person’s body all the important elements need to be taken into consideration. The section below highlights each of the most important environmental factors in heat stress:

6.1. Air Temperature (or Dry Bulb measured in degrees ^oC)

Air temperature is one of the factors that cause a person’s body to heat up. If the air is hotter than the body temperature (37 ^oC) the body will gain heat and if the air is cooler than the body it will lose heat to the environment. Dry bulb temperature is measured with a normal thermometer and is read off the scale on the thermometer after it has been given time to stabilize in the environment. The body loses or gains 12% of the heat exchange from the air temperature in contact with the skin.

6.2. The Sun (Radiant Heat or Globe temperature measured in degrees ^oC)

The rays of the sun (or radiant energy waves) that land on a person’s skin also adds energy to the body in the form of heat. In the sun a person feels hotter because the radiant heat is warming their skin and bodies. It is always cooler in the shade as the radiant heat load on the body is reduced or eliminated. Radiant heat can also come from other sources like hot melted metals or ovens or any hot surface so in some industries this may be a problem e.g.: near a furnace and should also be taken into account. Radiant heat is measured with a special thermometer which is enclosed inside a copper ball (15cm diameter) painted matt black. The body loses or gains 60% of the heat exchange from radiant heat gain or loss.

6.3. Humidity and Evaporation (or Wet Bulb measured in degrees ^oC)

Sweating is the way a person’s body cools down when it is hot. When sweat evaporates from the skin it takes heat with it and cools the body down. Evaporation of sweat depends on the humidity levels of the air. At a high humidity level e.g.: 80%, evaporation is very slow and heat loss from the body is less efficient so the body takes longer to cool down. At low humidity evaporation is fast and body cooling is good. We measure the evaporation rate in the air by using a wet bulb thermometer which measures the rate of evaporation and cooling ability of the air. It is a thermometer which has a wet cotton wick around the base and as the water evaporates it cools the thermometer down giving us the wet bulb temperature. Sweating is a very important process and if a person does not drink enough sweating will be reduced and stop and the body will overheat resulting in heat illness and even death.

6.4. Air Movement (Wind Speed measured in meters/sec or m/s)

Air movement of wind speed is important as it has an influence on evaporation of sweat from the skin (which in turn affects cooling of the body). If the air movement over the skin is very low or non-existent then evaporation rates and body cooling is low. If air movement is high (from wind or a fan) evaporation is high and the body is cooled down faster and more efficiently. We need to know the air speed to assess the environment. Wind speed is measured with an anemometer which is a device that can give the air movement speed in meters per second or m/s. To increase cooling of the body when a person is at work in hot conditions a fan can help by increasing the evaporation of sweat. Other factors that can affect the heating and cooling of the body are:

6.5. Workload (or pace of work)

Our muscles create heat as we use them and do exercise. The single most important way the body heats up is through muscular work and heating. The harder a person works the harder more the heat builds up in the body and has to be lost to the environment through sweating and evaporation. Workers should slow down the workload in hot weather during summer to reduce the amount of heat produced. Thermal work limit (the heat stress index) assumes that workers are self-paced in other words not forced to work at a fast pace but can take rests when required during the day when it is hot.

6.6. Clothing

Lots of clothing will prevent proper evaporation of sweat so loose-fitting clothing which allows the evaporation of sweat (like cotton) is preferred to allow for proper body cooling. If a person is wearing lots of thick clothing like a firefighter for example this needs to be considered when they are being assessed for heat exposure and increased airflow should be provided.

6.7. Acclimatization

Acclimatization is a natural process where the body adapts to or becomes used to increased heat exposure (up to a certain level). It takes about 14 days after heat exposure starts before a person is acclimatized (but the process is started after 4-5 days). Some benefits of acclimatization include:

Increased size of sweat glands

Faster start to sweating to allow more efficient body cooling

Reduction in heart rate (so less fatigue)

Decreased body temperature to a non-acclimatized person

Reduced loss of salt in sweat by up to 50%

Acclimatization can also be lost if a person is not exposed to heat, so workers who have been away on holiday to a cool area or who are newly arrived in the UAE to work should be given time to acclimatize before they have to work in the heat of summer.

7. Heat Stress Safety Training:

All employees who are or may be exposed to potential heat related illnesses will receive training on the following:

All the training session shall be complied in line with COVID-19 regulations and requirements.

The environmental and personal risk factors that cause heat related illnesses;

The employer’s procedures for identifying, evaluating and controlling exposures to the environmental and personal risk factors for heat illness;

The importance of frequent consumption of small quantities of water, up to 4 cups per hour under extreme conditions of work and heat;

The importance of acclimatization.

The importance of rest breaks.

Establish refresher training for heat illness prevention periodically.

The employer’s procedures for responding to symptoms of possible HRIs, including how emergency medical services will be provided should they become necessary.

The importance to employees of immediately reporting to the employer, directly or through the employee’s supervisor, symptoms or signs of HRIs in themselves, or in co-workers.

The importance of frequent consumption of small quantities of water, up to 4 cups per hour, when the work environment is hot.

The different types of heat illness and the common signs and symptoms of heat illness;

The importance of immediately reporting to the employer, directly or through the employee’s supervisor, symptoms or signs of heat illness in themselves, or in co-workers.

The employer’s procedures for responding to symptoms of possible heat illness, including how emergency medical services will be provided should they become necessary;

Procedures for contacting emergency medical services, and if necessary, for transporting employees to a point where they can be reached by an emergency medical service provider;

How to provide clear and precise directions to the work site.

All supervisors of employees who work in elevated heat areas should ensure that heat stress training is available. Types of training include a formal presentation by the Heat Stress Program Manager, “Tool-box talks” “Daily Task Briefing” led by the supervisor, or computer based training, “Job Specific Training”, Workplace Assessment, Welfare Facility Inspection led by HSE Personnel . Training should incorporate both identifying heat related conditions and measure to overcome elevated heat conditions.

7.1. Awareness Training for Managers and Supervisors

7.1.1. Awareness Training for Managers and Supervisors

§ Their legal responsibilities for the protection of the health of the workforce exposed to heat stress conditions;

§ How to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and how the body overheats; The precautions to be taken for the prevention of heat related illness amongst the workforce;

The importance of self-pacing and providing appropriate rest breaks for recovery;

The procedures to call for first aiders and/or medical assistance; and

The requirements of the employer’s heat stress program and how to implement it.

7.1.2. Awareness Training for First Aiders on site

First Aiders should be trained on:

How the body overheats and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and the different types of heat related illness;

The importance of hydration and electrolytes and advice to give to workers;

The precautions to be taken for the prevention of heat related illness;

The first aid treatment of the different types of heat related illness;

The procedures to call for medical assistance; and

The requirements of the employer’s heat stress program.

7.1.3. Worker Training

General worker training for exposed workers should include:

The hazards of working in heat;

The importance of maintaining good hydration (drinking at least 2 Liters of water every 2-3 hours);

Eating a well-balanced diet and adding a little extra salt to their meals;

Recognizing the signs of heat illness;

The hazards of consuming alcohol, teat, coffee and caffeinated drinks which may increase fluid loss;

Explanation of the self-assessment of hydration using the urine charts;

The importance of rest and recovery and getting a good night’s sleep;

What to do in case of heat illness and notifying the supervisor.

7.1.4. Heat Stress Awareness Guide

8. Responsibility

8.1. Employers Responsibilities

Heat exposure and heat stroke can be fatal if proper controls are not implemented. Employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health of their workers and these responsibilities include:

ensuring a risk assessment is performed to determine where heat stress hazards exist and who is at risk from developing a heat related illness;

ensuring that the required training and education is provided and undertaken by all managers, supervisors, first aiders and employees;

ensuring engineering control measures are implemented to eliminate the risk of heat exposure as far as reasonably practicable;

ensuring an effective heat stress programme is implemented;

ensuring worksites adhere to the UAE Ministry of Labour requirements for a midday break during the summer months for employees working outside;

ensuring employer supplied meals are evaluated so that they offer a healthy balanced diet with nutrition and electrolytes and calories to sustain work in high temperature environments;

ensuring availability of drinking water to all workers;

ensuring that work is self-paced and provide appropriate rest breaks for the heat stress conditions;

ensuring that workers suffering a suspected case of heat illness have immediate access to medical attention;

Allowing non-acclimatized workers (new arrivals or workers returning from vacation) time to acclimatize for 5-7 days before starting hard work in a hot environment in summer.

Providing medical clearance for work in heat for any person with a chronic medical condition (e.g. high blood pressure, obesity) or requiring the use of certain prescription drugs (consult a doctor);

A system of investigation, recording and reporting of heat illness and injuries.

Employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health of their workers as stipulated by the UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980).

Follow the Ministry of Labour Ministerial Resolution 587 for the midday break in summer

8.2. HSE Manager/Heat Stress Program Manager Responsibilities

§ Assist in the identification of elevated heat work areas

Ensure the proper testing, monitoring, and documentation for suspect and known elevated heat work areas

Ensure all equipment used for testing and monitoring is appropriate and in proper working condition

Document the program to manage the occupational activities in elevated heat work areas

Maintain an inventory of elevated heat work areas

Provide or ensure the training as necessary to/of BHG personnel required to work elevated heat work areas

Assist in the development of localized administrative, engineering or PPE controls and measures to reduce or eliminate heat stress conditions

Conduct periodic review of the BHG heat stress program to ensure it is in compliance with federal guidelines, regulations and best practices.

8.3. Occupational Health and Safety Personnel Responsibilities

Assign resources to identify and manage elevated heat work areas

Ensure the management of a heat stress program

8.4. Supervisors Responsibilities

Supervisors are responsible for performing the following:

Give workers frequent breaks in a cool area away from heat.

Adjust work practices as necessary when workers complain of heat stress.

Oversee heat stress training and acclimatization for new workers and for workers who have been off the job for a period of time.

Monitor the workplace to determine when hot conditions arise.

Increase air movement by using fans where possible.

Provide potable water in required quantities.

Determine whether workers are drinking enough water.

Make allowances for workers who must wear personal protective clothing (welders, etc.) and equipment that retains heat and restricts the evaporation of sweat.

Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day; schedule routine maintenance and repair work in hot areas for the cooler times of the day.

Make available to all workers, cooling devices (hard hat liners/bibs/neck bands) to help rid bodies of excessive heat.

8.5. Workers Responsibilities

Workers are responsible for performing the following:

Assist in the identification of elevated heat work areas

Attend required training(s) as specified by a supervisor, Heat Stress Program Manager, or HSE Officer

Comply with procedures as required by the Heat Stress Program, and all other heat stress related guidance as deemed appropriate by a supervisor

Use all personal protective equipment as specified in prescribed training or required by a supervisor, Heat Stress Program Manager, or Safety Officer.

Immediately notify a supervisor, Heat Stress Program Manager, or Safety Officer. of any hazards encountered.

Follow instructions and training for controlling heat stress.

Be alert to symptoms in yourself and others.

Determine if any prescription medications you’re required to take can increase heat stress.

Wear light, loose-fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of sweat.

Wear light coloured garments that absorb less heat from the sun.

Drink small amounts of water – approximately 1 cup every 15 minutes.

Avoid beverages such as tea or coffee.

Avoid eating hot, heavy meals.

Do not take salt tablets unless prescribed by a physician.

8.6. Sub- Contractors Manager

Sub-Contractors must comply with all BHG programs and Federal regulations, and any stipulations as required by their respective BHG Project Manager

Sub-Contractors are required to ensure the safety of their employees working on BHG property

Company Project Manager are required to convey all hazardous conditions to sub-contractors working in or around those locations

Company Project Manager are responsible for managing sub-contractor work and obtaining all necessary documentation as required by the Heat Stress Program Manager or HSE Officer

9. Heat Stress Disorders

9.1. Heat Stress

9.2. Minor conditions

Heat edema

Resents with swelling and discomfort of the hands and feet. Individuals may complain that their shoes feel tight or are ill fitting. The exact cause is unknown but generally involves dilation of the blood vessels and shifts in fluid within the body. The condition is self-limiting and symptoms typically resolve within a few days.

Miliaria rubra,

also known as prickly heat or heat rash occurs when sweat gland pores become blocked. Sometimes a secondary infection may occur. Skin with Miliaria rubra cannot sweat effectively. Therefore the risk of heat illness is increased in proportion to the amount of skin involved.

Heat Rash,

Heat rashes exhibit as red spots on the skin that cause a prickling sensation during heat exposure.

Sunburn

impairs sweating and predisposed to heat injury from systemic effects, including fever, that influence thermoregulation. When sunburn occurs over 5% of the body surface area, the effected individual should be kept from significant heat strain until the burn has healed. Heat rashes/Sun Burn typically disappear in a few days after exposure. If the skin is not cleaned frequently enough the rash may become infected.

Heat tetany

may result when an individual hyperventilates after being exposed to heat stress. Symptoms include muscle spasms and numbness and tingling around the mouth. It generally occurs before heat acclimatization.

Syncope

is a temporary circulatory failure due to pooling of the blood in the peripheral veins. Symptoms range from light-headedness to loss of consciousness. Victims typically recover rapidly once they sit or lay supine. Syncope occurring more than five days after heat exposure may indicate dehydration or heat exhaustion.

Heat cramps

are brief, recurrent, often painful skeletal muscle cramps. The cramps are usually preceded by muscle fasciculation’s which may be seen or felt on the muscle surface. Cramps produce a hard lump in the muscle. There are no systemic symptoms. To treat this Stretch and massage muscles. Replace salt by drinking commercially available carbohydrate/electrolyte replacement fluids.

9.3. Major conditions

9.3.1. Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion is the most common heat related cause of illness. It occurs when the heart cannot pump quickly enough to sustain the needs of the skin blood flow to maintain body temperature along with the metabolic needs of the body for muscle and vital organ activity. Dehydration, reduced blood volume and constricted blood vessels are all contributing factors. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

Generalized weakness

· Headache

· Nausea

· Fatigue

· Dizziness

· Increased heat rate and muscle cramps

· Feeling faint or actually fainting.

· Sweating persists and may even be profuse, and the individual may become disoriented. Treatment should begin immediately in order to prevent progression to a more severe heat injury. The more severe assessment of heat stroke should be assumed in anyone who experiences a change in mental status such as disorientation.

9.3.2. First Aid

Help the victim to cool off by:

· Resting in a cool place.

· Drinking cool water.

· Removing unnecessary clothing.

· Loosening clothing.

· Showering or sponging with cool water.

Treatment

· Call +92XXXXXXXXXXX

9.3.3. Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke is characterized by elevated body temperature (>104º F) and dysfunction of the central nervous system resulting in delirium, convulsions or coma. Two types of heat stroke may occur, exertional and classical.

a. Exertion-al heat stroke occurs in physically active individuals who are producing substantial metabolic heat. It is the most common form in workers and athletes and can occur in both hot and temperate conditions.

b. Classical heat stroke occurs in vulnerable populations such as the young, the elderly and those without potable water. This type often presents as an epidemic during summer heat waves.

c. For up to an hour prior to the onset of heat stroke one may experience:

Headache

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Restlessness

Confusion

Irrational or aggressive behaviour

Lack of sweating.

Hot, dry skin.

Abnormally high body temperature.

9.3.4. First Aid

Provide immediate, aggressive, general cooling.

Immerse victim in tub of cool water or;

Place in cool shower; or

Spray with cool water from a hose; or

Wrap victim in cool, wet sheets and fan rapidly.

Transport victim to hospital.

Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious victim.

9.3.5. Treatment

Call Emergency Numbers

9.3.6. Provision of Water

Although slightly different treatments will be required for different conditions, in general the following is suggested. Whenever in doubt, medical assistance should be obtained.

Move the patient to a cooler place.

Lower his or her body temperature by:

removing some of his or her clothing (only if necessary)

wiping his or her body with a towel soaked in cold water

Fanning him or her.

If the patient is unconscious, place him or her in the recovery position.

Do not give the patient any food or drink.

Send the patient to hospital as soon as possible.

Employees shall have access to portable water. Water shall be provided in sufficient quantity at the beginning of the work shift to provide one quart per employee per hour for drinking the entire shift for a total of 2 gallons per employee per 8-hour shift. Employees may begin the shift with smaller quantities of water if effective procedures for replenishment of water during the shift have been implemented to provide employees one quart or more per hour.

9.3.7. Access to Shade

Employees suffering from heat illness or believing a preventative recovery period is needed shall be provided access to an area with shade that is either open to the air or provided with ventilation or cooling for a period of no less than five minutes. Such access to shade shall be permitted at all times. Shade areas can include trees, buildings, canopies, lean-tos, or other partial and/or temporary structures that are either ventilated or open to air movement. The interior of cars or trucks are not considered shade unless the vehicles are air conditioned or kept from heating up in the sun in some other way.

To ensure access to shade at all time, BHG Management will ensure that the following measures will be taken:

Identify any existing features near daily work site location(s) capable of providing adequate shade during work shift. Plan work activity to maintain proximity to shaded areas.

If shaded areas do not pre-exist, portable shading devices shall be provided (e.g. umbrellas, canopies, tents etc.). Shading devices shall be set up at the start of each shift and relocated as needed to maintain proximity to work activity.

Transport vehicles and heavy equipment offer both means of shade and air conditioning. Vehicles should be parked as close as practical to the work activity.

Employees shall have access to construction site facilities with air conditioning.

Prior to the start of the work shift, employees shall be informed of shaded and air-conditioned areas available to protect employees during rest periods.

9.3.8. Medical Surveillance

Employees who routinely work under heat stress conditions should be required to have an annual physical – Contact Medical Services. Factors that must be considered before assigning an employee to work under heat stress conditions include:

1. Acclimatization

Adaptation to new surroundings or conditions

Under heat stress conditions, gradually increase the work time over the first two weeks. (Individuals are most susceptible to heat stress during their initial two-week period of work in hot and humid conditions).

Acclimatization can be affected by:

Medical condition or Prescription Medication inform your supervisor or the OMS prior to beginning work under heat stress conditions.

Allergy medicine (prescription or non-prescription

Sunburn – likely to reduce work capacity under heat stress conditions.

2. Muscular activity and work capacity

3. Age / physical condition

4. Prescription drug use Individuals who believe that they require a medical evaluation concerning their work in elevated temperature conditions should make a request through their respective supervisor.

9.4. Heat Stress Monitoring How to Monitor?

The work environment should be monitored or assessed using specialized instruments to calculate the Thermal Work Limit to know what precautions to take for worker protection in that zone.

Environmental monitoring should:

§ Be representative of an area where a group of workers are exposed (the working zone);

§ Be taken at regular intervals (or constantly) during the work shift especially if environmental conditions change;

§ Be taken using an accurate instrument that can calculate TWL or using the online TWL calculator on the safety in heat website (if other instruments are used);

§ Allow for adequate time for an instrument to settle and adjust to the environment before measurements are recorded (approximately 10-15 minutes if coming from an air-conditioned environment).

9.5. Where to Monitor?

All hot work areas should be monitored:

§ at least once per shift, during the heat of the day

§ at any time that workers complain of excessive heat

§ whenever anyone has reported signs of heat illness

9.6. Assessment of Heat Stress

The Thermal Work Limit (TWL), which has been validated for gulf conditions, is the heat stress index that is recommended by HAAD to enable the safe management of work in heat. It gives a measure of the maximum safe work rate for the conditions. If TWL is too low then even low rates of work cannot safely be carried out continuously. TWL, measured in watts per square meter (W/m2), is the maximum rate at which heat can be lost to the environment in the conditions. TWL is calculated from environmental parameters assuming that workers are well hydrated and acclimatised to the conditions and are self-paced.

Thermal work limit is a heat stress index designed for self-paced, well hydrated, acclimatized workers. It gives a measure of the maximum safe work rate for the important environmental conditions present (DB, WB, GT and wind speed). If TWL is too low (i.e.: very harsh conditions) even low rates of work cannot be safely carried out continuously without proper controls.

9.7. Determination of TWL

To determine TWL the following must be measured:

§ Dry Bulb Temperature (ambient air temperature) (in degrees °C)

§ Wet Bulb Temperature (determined by the humidity/evaporation) (In degrees °C)

§ Globe Temperature (determined by the radiant heat) (In degrees °C)

§ Wind speed in metres per second

Instruments are available that carry out all of these measurements and internally compute the TWL.
Alternative instruments can be used to take the measurements which can then be entered into the online TWL calculator .

9.8. Working Zones

The Thermal Work Limit (TWL) is a measure of the maximum sustainable metabolic rate under the environmental conditions being experienced. The thermal environment can be classified on the basis of TWL into the following working zones.

9.8.1. Work in the cautionary (medium risk) Zone

This is where the TWL is between 115 and 140 W/m2. Anything more than light work may lead to heat accumulation and illness if work without rest is continued for prolonged durations.

§ All possible measures must be taken to increase TWL to above 140 W/m2 e.g. ventilation, shade, shielding, cooling PPE etc.;

§ Work may still be carried out but work-rest cycling and increased fluid intake may be required;

§ No acclimatized employees may work in this zone;

§ Rotate workers if possible;

§ No lone or isolated workers to work in this zone.

9.8.2. Practical Control Solutions

§ Establish and enforce work in heat protocols and procedures

§ Inform and train workers and supervisors to recognize heat stress symptoms and to control heat exposure.

§ Training should be conducted in a language understood by the worker and should include:

§ How the body overheats,

§ symptoms of heat illness,

§ acclimatization,

§ work pacing and

§ the importance of rest breaks and effect of clothing

§ Implement First-Aid measures for heat-related disorders

§ Encouraging good hydration (drinking 2 litres of water every 2-3 hours, drinking on the bus before work etc.)

9.8.3. Control Measures

General Control Measures

§ Develop, communicate and implement the heat stress plan for all workers.

§ Train workers to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress and to know how to avoid them. Provide water nearby on the job site and ensure everyone drinks about one cup of water every 20 to 30 minutes, even if they’re not thirsty.

§ Establish a first-aid response system with trained first-aid providers and a means to record and report heat stress incidents.

§ Allow time for workers to acclimatize to the heat and the work. This usually takes about two weeks. Measure TWL levels and allow for self-limitation of exposure. (If this is not possible, adjust the work/rest cycles accordingly.)

§ Encourage workers to use a buddy system — each buddy looks out for early signs and symptoms of heat stress in the other.

9.8.4. Job-Specific Control Measures

§ Provide barriers to shield workers from radiant heat exposure. Provide cooling fans when air temperature is below skin temperature (35°C) and the humidity is below 70%. Consider cooling or dehumidifying the workplace.

§ 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

§ Provide mechanical aids for material handling — dollies, carts, lifting devices — to reduce physical activity. Organize the work to reduce the pace of activity.

§ If possible, postpone strenuous work until a cooler time of the day.

§ If work is done outside, ensure that shaded areas are available.

§ Rotate workers in and out of hot work areas whenever possible.

§ Consider cooling vests, if feasible and effective for the individual.

9.8.5. Engineering Controls for Heat stress

May include:

§ Adding Insulation of ceilings to minimize solar heat transfer;

§ Providing shaded work areas as much as possible;

§ Providing cooled and air-conditioned rest areas with water or electrolyte drinks available (not salt tablets or salt water);

§ Using exhaust ventilation such as extraction hoods above heat-generating processes;

§ Using forced air-ventilation such as fans to increase airflow across the skin and increase evaporation and cooling; and

§ Using cooled air from an air-conditioning system

9.8.6. Personal Control Measures

§ Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments.

§ Avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine. These make the body lose water and increase the risk of heat stress.

§ Wear light clothing that permits the evaporation of sweat (e.g., cotton clothing). Use sunscreen and cover your head if working outside.

§ Advise workers to check with their doctor if their medication may affect their heat tolerance.

§ Make healthy lifestyle choices (i.e., body weight, fitness, diet, rest, etc.).

9.8.7. Provision of preventative measures:

§ Provide workers with adequate amounts of drinking water close to the workplace and if possible electrolyte replacement drinks. Programmed drinking every hour can be implemented to encourage adequate fluid intake.

§ Provide workers with appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment where applicable including a large personal water container (of at least 1-2 litres in size).

§ Allow workers to self-pace where applicable and take rests when they can to cool down.

9.8.8. Acclimatization and medical issues

§ Allow non-acclimatized workers (new arrivals or workers returning from vacation) time to acclimatize for 5-7 days before starting hard work in a hot environment in summer.

§ Before working in hot conditions, pre-placement training (safety induction) should be given.

§ Provide medical clearance for work in heat for any person with a chronic medical condition (e.g. high blood pressure, obesity) or requiring the use of certain prescription drugs (consult a doctor).

Symptoms	Recommended Action
Heat rash	Go to medical Centre /clinic when convenient
Fatigue Dizziness Headache Nausea/Vomiting Cramps	Move to a cool area Drink fluids (Electrolyte drink or water) Report to medical Centre if symptoms don’t improve within one hour In case of cramps rest and cool down, practice gentle, range-of-motion stretching and gentle massage of the affected muscle group and drink electrolyte drink or juices. Seek medical attention if the cramps don't go away in one hour
Exhaustion Inability to concentrate , lack of coordination, disorientation, confusion Fast heart rate or breathing Feeling of “burning up” Fainting or collapse	Immediate Action / First Aid: If fever greater than 39°C, fainting, confusion or seizures occur (heat exhaustion) or signs and symptoms of heat stroke present call for medical emergency assistance If possible move/remove person to a cool, shady or air-conditioned area Sit or lie person down, elevate legs slightly if they have fainted Loosen the person's clothing. Give sips of cool (not ice cold) water or electrolyte drink when conscious to be drunk slowly Cool the person down by spraying or sponging cool water on them, place a cold towel on the head, or direct air to them with a fan or newspaper (if air temperature is <35 °C). Do not throw ice or ice cold (chilled) water on them. If there is no quick recovery, place them in the “recovery” position and use the ABC procedure (Airway, Breathing & Circulation) Monitor the person carefully and wait with them for assistance to arrive

10. Safety in Heat Campaign Plan - 2020

June	2020

July	2020

August	2020

September	2020

11. Emergency contact details

Sr. No.	Name of Person	Designation	Mobile no.

12. References

10.

11.

12.

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
	1	2	3	4	5	6

7	8	9	10	11	12	13

14	15	16	17	18	19	20
	Poster, Banners, Awareness Training & Inspection
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
Poster, Banners, Awareness Training & Inspection
28	29	30
Emergency preparedness for Heat cramp, Heat Stress & Heat Stroke

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
			1	2	3	4
			Emergency preparedness for Heat cramp, Heat Stress & Heat Stroke
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Monitoring and Inspection
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
Awareness Campaign for Workers, Supervisor & Engineers
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
Monitoring and Inspection for Bus, Welfare and Rest Areas
26	27	28	29	30	31
Safety in Heat Mass Toolbox Talk

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
						1

2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Monitoring and Inspection
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
Drink Water and ORS Campaign
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
Monitoring and Inspection
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
Assessment of Campaign and Workers, Supervisor, Engineer Committment
30	31
Monitoring and Inspection

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
		1	2	3	4	5
		Monitoring and Inspection
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Performance Evaluation
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
Awards & Appreciation
20	21	22	23	24	25	26

27	28	29	30

Breaking

Friday 29 January 2021

Safety in Heat Plan

7.1.1. Awareness Training for Managers and Supervisors

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