Heat Stress Management Plan Overview
Heat Stress Management Plan Overview
Contents
1.0 Purpose:............................................................................................................................. 3
2.0 Scope: ................................................................................................................................ 3
3.0 Heat Stress ........................................................................................................................ 3
3.1 How the body handles heat ............................................................................................... 3
4. 0 Factors to be considered................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Environmental factors ....................................................................................................... 5
4.1.1 Air Temperature (or Dry Bulb measured in degrees °C) ............................................... 5
4.1.2 Sun (Radiant Heat or Globe temperature measured in degrees °C)............................... 5
4.1.3 Humidity and Evaporation (or Wet Bulb measured in degrees °C)............................... 5
4.1.4 Air Movement (Wind Speed measured in meters/sec or m/s) ....................................... 6
5 . Job Factors ......................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ......................................................... 6
5.2 Workload (or pace of work) .............................................................................................. 6
5.2.1 Personal risk factors ....................................................................................................... 7
6.0 Legal Requirements .......................................................................................................... 7
7.0 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................ 8
7.1 Project Manager ................................................................................................................ 8
7.2 Construction Manager ....................................................................................................... 8
7.3 HSE Manager .................................................................................................................... 8
7.4 HSE Engineer: .................................................................................................................. 9
7.5 Project Engineer / Site Engineer / Supervisor/ Foreman .................................................. 9
7.6 Site Nurse ........................................................................................................................ 10
7.7 Sub-Contractors: ............................................................................................................. 10
8.0 Heat Stress Effect ............................................................................................................ 10
9. 0 Heat-Related Illnesses .................................................................................................... 12
10.0 Prevention of Heat Stress ........................................................................................ 14
10.1 Work Practice Controls / Planning ............................................................................... 14
10.2 Rest Areas.................................................................................................................... 15
10.3 Provide Acclimatization............................................................................................ 15
10.4 Hydration maintenance ........................................................................................... 16
11.0 Choice of Fluid Replacement Drinks ...................................................................... 17
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12.0 Drinkable Water supply ............................................................................................ 18
13.0 Specific Control Procedures ......................................................................................... 19
13.1 Engineering Controls ................................................................................................. 19
13.2 Personal Protective Equipment ................................................................................ 19
14.0 Heat Stress Monitoring ................................................................................................. 20
14.1 Monitoring Personal Heat Stress .................................................................................. 20
15.0 Plan Administration ...................................................................................................... 21
16. 0 Hazard Assessment ...................................................................................................... 22
17.0 Personal Monitoring Table ........................................................................................... 23
18 .0 Monitoring Hot Conditions .......................................................................................... 24
19.0 Heat Stress Prevention Program ................................................................................... 24
20.0 Program Implementation Criteria ................................................................................. 24
21.0 Heat Stress Prevention Work Practices......................................................................... 25
22.0 Interventions for the management of work in each zone .............................................. 26
23.0 High Heat Procedures ................................................................................................... 26
24. 0 Emergency Contact Details.......................................................................................... 27
25.0 Training ......................................................................................................................... 28
26.0 Record keeping ............................................................................................................. 29
27.0 Attachment .................................................................................................................... 30
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Date: 13/05/2024
1.0 Purpose:
The purpose of this plan is to demonstrate how Freiburg contracting plans to protect her
employees from the hazards of working in hot environments.
2.0 Scope:
This plan is to implement efficient and safe work practices that will prevent both indoor and
outdoor heat-related illnesses among Freiburg employees and subcontractors working at the
KEZAD Gate project It will be used for training our employees already at the project and new
employees joining the project. It will be used for refresher training of employees. All employees
potentially exposed to hot working environments are subject to his plan.
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.
The human body, being warm blooded, maintains a fairly constant internal temperature, even
though it is being exposed to varying environmental temperatures. To keep internal body
temperatures within safe limits, the body must get rid of its excess heat, primarily through
varying the rate and amount of blood circulation through the skin and the release of fluid onto
the skin by the sweat glands. These automatic responses usually occur when the temperature of
the blood exceeds 36° C and are kept in balance and controlled by the brain.
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In this process of lowering internal body temperature, the heart begins to pump more blood,
blood vessels expand to accommodate the increased flow, and the microscopic blood vessels
(capillaries) which thread through the upper layers of the skin begin to fill with blood. The blood
circulates closer to the surface of the skin, and the excess heat is lost to the cooler environment. If
heat loss from increased blood circulation through the skin is not adequate, the brain continues
to sense overheating and signals the sweat glands in the skin to shed large quantities of sweat
onto the skin surface. Evaporation of sweat cools the skin, eliminating large quantities of heat
from the body.
As environmental temperatures approach normal skin temperature, cooling of the body becomes
more difficult. If air temperature is as warm as or warmer than the skin, blood brought to the
body surface cannot lose its heat. Under these conditions, the heart continues to pump blood to
the body surface, the sweat glands pour liquids containing electrolytes onto the surface of the
skin and the evaporation of the sweat becomes the principal effective means of maintaining a
constant body temperature. Sweating does not cool the body unless the moisture is removed from
the skin by evaporation.
Under conditions of high humidity, the evaporation of sweat from the skin is decreased and the
body's efforts to maintain an acceptable body temperature may be significantly impaired. These
conditions adversely affect an individual's ability to work in the hot environment. With so much
blood going to the external surface of the body, relatively less goes to the active muscles, the
brain, and other internal organs; strength declines; and fatigue occurs sooner than it would
otherwise. Alertness and mental capacity also may be affected. Workers who must perform
delicate or detailed work may find their accuracy suffering, and others may find their
comprehension and retention of information lowered
4. 0 Factors to be considered
Heat stress is caused by a number of environmental and personal factors. The section below
highlights each of the most important environmental factors in heat stress:
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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° C) 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.
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.
4.1.3 Humidity and Evaporation (or Wet Bulb measured in degrees °C)
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
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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.
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
nonexistent 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.
5 . Job Factors
Heat stress can be caused by wearing PPE such as fire or chemical-retardant clothing. Coated and
nonwoven materials used in protective garments block the evaporation of sweat and can lead to
substantial heat stress. The more clothing worn or the heavier the clothing, the longer it takes
evaporation to cool the skin. In addition, darker coloured clothing absorbs more radiant heat than
lighter-colored clothing. Free movement of cool, dry air over the skin maximizes heat removal.
Dark safety glasses shall be considered.
The body generates more heat during heavy physical work. For example, construction workers
shoveling sand in hot weather generate a tremendous amount of heat and are at risk of
developing heat stress without proper precautions.
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Weight: Workers who are overweight are less efficient at losing heat.
Poor physical condition - Being physically fit aids worker’s ability to cope with the increased
demands that heat places on his body.
Previous heat illnesses - Workers are more sensitive to heat if they have experienced a previous
heat-related illness.
Age - As the body ages, its sweat glands become less efficient. Workers over the age of 40 may
therefore have trouble with hot environments. Acclimatization to the heat and physical fitness
can offset some age- related problems.
Heart disease or high blood pressure - In order to pump blood to the skin and cool the body, the
heart rate increases. This can cause stress on the heart.
Recent illness - Workers with recent illnesses involving diarrhea, vomiting, or fever have an
increased risk of dehydration and heat stress because their bodies have lost salt and water.
Alcohol consumption - Alcohol consumption during the previous 24 hours leads to dehydration
and increased risk of heat stress.
Medication - Certain drugs can cause heat intolerance by reducing sweating or increasing
urination. People who work in a hot environment should consult their physician before taking
medications.
Lack of acclimatization - When exposed to heat for a few days, the body will adapt and become
more efficient in dealing with raised environmental temperatures; the process is called as
acclimatization.
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position at the workplace. The schedule must be in Arabic, in order for work inspectors to read
it. It must also be in a language that the employees understand;
• Details of the appropriate protection in place by CONTRACTOR to ensure workers safety and
general health conditions
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7.4 HSE Engineer: HSE Engineer is directly responsible for implementing and monitoring
the Freiburg Heat Stress Plan and its updating, preparing and review Risk Assessment according
to the method of statement and site condition, initiate Induction to the new workers,
The HSE Engineer shall endeavour thorough investigation to any Incident that might occur in the
Project Site with the help of investigation team. Report shall be submitted to the Project Manager
and with consent from Project Manager report shall be distributed according to the Client and
OSHAD requirements. HSE Engineer has the authority to stop any activity found to be dangerous
for the safety of people, can damage to property and only after mitigating its effect he shall allow
the execution crew to proceed further and If anybody violates Safety Rules and Regulations, he
can stop the person from working at client’s premises.
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Consider scheduling the hottest work for the coolest part of day, assigning extra workers to high
demand tasks, and using a wide variety of work-aiding devices such as power tools, hoists,
cranes, or lifting aids to reduce the body’s work load.
• Provide adequate sheltered rest areas.
• 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).
Keep in contact with the Site HSE Manager and his staffs in order to interrupt the work in case of
extreme weather conditions are communicated.
7.7 Sub-Contractors:
Sub-contractors play a substantial role, often working within a facility and alongside our own
workforce. Hence, they shall follow the requirements of the Principal Contractor Project Heat
Stress Plan.
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the area dry and not to use ointments and creams that make the skin warm or moist, which can
make the rash worse.
• Heat exhaustion can best be prevented by being aware of one’s physical limits in hazardous
environment on hot, humid days. The most important factor is to drink enough clear fluids
(especially water and electrolyte water to replace those lost to perspiration. Signs and
symptoms of heat exhaustion typically include:
• Profuse sweating
• Weakness and fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps (associated with dehydration)
• Headache
• Light-headedness or fainting; fainting or loss of consciousness is potentially serious and
should be treated as a medical emergency. We will train our employees to recognize heat
exhaustion symptoms and take necessary action by stopping the activity and moving to a
cooler environment. Cooling off and rehydrating with water (or electrolyte.
If there is no intervention and the body’s temperature regulation fail, heat exhaustion can rapidly
progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition!
Heat stroke requires an immediate emergency medical response. The person may stop sweating,
become confused or lethargic, and may even have a seizure! The internal body temperature may
exceed 106 degrees F. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke typically include:
• Absence of sweating
• Dry skin
• Agitation or strange behaviour
• Dizziness, disorientation, or lethargy
• Seizures or signs that mimic those of a heart attack
Freiburg will ensure that emergency responders are summoned immediately if heat stroke is
suspected. While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, the following measures will be
taken to cool the employee by moving the employee to an air-conditioned environment or a cool,
shady area; and help the employee remove any unnecessary clothing.
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Freiburg will not leave any employee unattended as heat stroke requires immediate medical
attention to prevent permanent damage to the brain and other vital organs that can result in
death.
9. 0 Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat syncope is a condition where the brain does not receive enough oxygen because blood pools
in the extremities, resulting in a loss of consciousness. This reaction is similar to that of heat
exhaustion and does not affect the body’s heat balance. However, the onset of heat syncope is
rapid and unpredictable. Heat syncope is a fainting episode or dizziness that usually occurs with
prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute
to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization.
Heat cramps are usually caused by performing hard physical labor in a hot environment. These
cramps have been attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating. Cramps can be
caused by both too much and too little salt. Cramps appear to be caused by the lack of water
replenishment. Because sweat is a hypotonic solution (±0.3% sodium chloride), excess salt can
build up in the body if the water lost through sweating is not replaced. Thirst cannot be relied on
as a guide to the need for water; instead, water must be taken every 15 to 20 minutes in hot
environments. Under extreme conditions, such as working for 6 to 8 hours in heavy protective
gear, a loss of sodium may occur. Recent studies have shown that drinking commercially
available carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement liquids is effective in minimizing physiological
disturbances during recovery.
Heat exhaustion is a condition with symptoms of headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst,
and giddiness. Fainting associated with heat exhaustion can be dangerous because the victim
may be operating machinery or controlling an operation that should not be left unattended;
moreover, the victim may be injured when he or she faints. Also, the signs and symptoms seen
in heat exhaustion are similar to those of heat stroke, a medical emergency.
Heat fatigue is a temporary state of discomfort and mental or psychological strain arising from
prolonged heat exposure. It is generally caused by fluid loss. Workers unaccustomed to the heat
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are particularly susceptible and can suffer, to varying degrees, a decline in task performance,
coordination, alertness, and vigilance. There is no treatment for heat fatigue except to remove the
heat stress before a more serious heat-related condition develops. The severity of transient heat
fatigue will be lessened by a period of gradual adjustment to the hot environment (heat
acclimatization).
Heat rash is “prickly” heat manifested as red papules (i.e., small, inflammatory, irritated spots
on skin) and usually appears in areas where the clothing is restrictive. As sweating increases,
these papules give rise to a prickling sensation. Prickly heat occurs on skin that is persistently
wetted by unevaporated sweat, and heat rash papules may become infected if they are not
treated. In most cases, heat rashes will disappear when the affected individual returns to a cool
environment.
Heat stroke occurs when the body’s system of temperature regulation fails, and body temperature
rises to critical levels. This condition is caused by a combination of highly variable factors, and its
occurrence is difficult to predict. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. The primary signs and
symptoms of heat stroke are confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, convulsions, a
lack of sweating (usually), hot and dry skin, and an extremely high body temperature. If body
temperature is too high, it causes death. The elevated metabolic temperatures caused by a
combination of work load and environmental heat load, both of which contribute to heat stroke,
are also highly variable and difficult to predict.
Rhabdomyolysis is a medical condition sometimes caused by heat stress and prolonged physical
exertion in which muscle fibers break down, die, and release electrolytes and proteins into the
bloodstream. Left untreated, it can lead to kidney damage, irregular heart rhythms, and death.
Symptoms include muscle cramps, muscle pain, dark urine, weakness, inability or decreased
ability to perform physical exercise at the normally expected level or duration, and joint pain or
stiffness.
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Freiburg and its sub contractor Management shall put in place work practice cycles for reducing
the exposition to heat for extended periods of time during the course of a job. Workers should,
wherever possible, be permitted to distribute the workload evenly over the day and incorporate
work-rest cycles.
The following Work Practice Controls practices shall be can help to reduce heat stress:
• Minimize the number of workers necessary to perform an activity in any area where
heat is a problem.
• Adjust work schedules to avoid outside work (under hot sun) from 12:30 am-3:00 pm
during summer period
• Pre-plan jobs so workers have the right tools and have to enter the hot environment
once, minimizing exposure to the heat and enabling the job to be completed quickly
and efficiently.
• Postponement of non-essential tasks and strenuous jobs to cooler times of the day
• Ensuring an adequate supply of personnel (Staffing) during the heat.
• Rotate jobs, or have more workers to do a job in a hot environment than would do a
similar job in al normal environment. This means the activity level is lowered and
workers can get into a cycle of one working while the other rests. It also means that
workers can observe each other for early signs of heat strain.
• Increasing the frequency and length of rest breaks
• Slowing down the work place. Where feasible, allow workers to pace the speed of a
task.
• Permit only those workers acclimatized to heat to perform the more strenuous tasks
• Increasing workers heat tolerance by heat acclimatization, and by encouraging them
to increase their physical fitness.
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• Reduce the amount of physical work a person has to do in a hot situation, e.g. using a
power / mechanical tool instead of a hand tool will reduce the amount of heat
produced from within the body. Mechanizing some or all tasks when possible
Freiburg and its sub- contractors shall impose and be sure that its workers will respect the three
hour work restriction at open yard 15th of June to 15th September during which 2.5 hour work
restriction (12.30 pm to 3 pm) shall be observed by all workers.
Freiburg shall provide sheltered cool rest areas in open yard. There is no conclusive information
available on the ideal temperature for a rest area.
The rest area should be as close to the workplace as possible in proximity of water dispenser.
Individual work periods should not be lengthened in favor of prolonged rest periods. Shorter but
frequent work-rest cycles are the greatest benefit to the worker.
People who are not sufficiently acclimatized to the heat may experience transient heat fatigue
resulting in a decline in performance, coordination or alertness. They also become irritable or
depressed. This can be prevented through gradual adjustment to the hot environment. The body
shall be allowed to adjust to the hot environment. On the first day in a hot environment, a person
should perform about 50% of the normal workload. The workload in the hot environment should
be increased by 10% each day on each succeeding day. Full acclimatization shall be considered as
one week. A recommended acclimatization schedule for both acclimatized and non-acclimatized
workers is provided below.
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Day 4 - 100% exposure Day 4 - 80% exposure
Day 5 - 100% exposure
It shall be the Supervisor’s responsibility to extend rest periods according to individual
requirements to allow a re-acclimatization period after an absence from work of a week or more
or returning to work from an illness. Instead of reducing the exposure times to the hot job, you
can become acclimatized by reducing the physical demands of the job for a week or two.
Dehydration is a major factor in most heat disorders. The fluid intake required to maintain
hydration is determined by the sweat rate which in turn is determined by the work rate and the
conditions. Sweat rates vary considerably and increase with acclimatization. The average body
loses approximately 2½ quarts of sweat a day. When performing strenuous work, the body can
lose up to 1½ quarts of sweat per hour. It is essential to drink more than is needed to satisfy thirst.
It is necessary to drink a glass of water every 20-30 minutes for heavy sweating. HADD general
guide is 2 litres every 2-3 hours. The following recommendations are for the average acclimatized
worker.
The table below shows the fluid intake required to replace sweat at different workloads and
conditions.
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*At high workloads and/or high thermal stress, sweat rates exceed 1.2L/hr. Increasing fluid
intake much above this level is not practical due to gastric discomfort as the upper limit for gastric
emptying and fluid absorption is ~ 1.5 L/hr.
In these situations the workload exceeds TWL and even with adequate fluid replacement heat
storage will limit work time as other factors prevent achievement of heat balance. Testing the
urine color is a good indicator of dehydration. This table will be dispelled in all toilet facilities.
(See Attachment 1)
Replacement of the fluid lost in sweat requires intake of adequate quantities of water and salt.
Drinking at mealtimes replaces both and is essential. Remember to encourage workers to:
• Add a little extra salt to their meals during hot weather, salt tablets are not permitted.
• Drink water with meals
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• Limit consumption of soft drinks as the sugar content is high or consume low calorie
soft drink which contain reduced or no sugar.
• Limit consumption of caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, cola) and ‘energy drinks’, as the
caffeine may reduce fluid retention or consume decaffeinated or green tea that
contains low caffeine.
• “Sports drinks” are high in sugar and often quite acidic which can damage teeth. They
are not designed for prolonged consumption at work
• For prolonged consumption, a fluid with 4% or less sugar is recommended
• Appropriate products designed for industrial use are available commercially
• The suggested schedule is to drink the electrolyte replacement fluid at every second
drink (i.e. one for one with water)
• For diabetics or those on sugar restricted diets, medical advice is required on the
preferred fluids for rehydration
The consumption of Tea and Coffee should be reduced during the Heat Stress months due to the
fact that they contain caffeine which can lead to dehydration.
Freiburg and its SUBCONTRACTORS shall ensure that sufficient supply of cool drinking water
is provided in all the Project Ares (construction site, lay-down area).
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Job tasks/activities will not be initiated unless adequate supplies of cool drinking water are in
close proximity of the work area. Job activities will cease if adequate cool water is not available
to workers in close proximity to the work area until water is made available. The Area Supervisor
and Field Safety Officers are responsible for assuring that adequate cool drinking water is
available in all their work areas.
• Controlling the heat at its source through the use of insulating and reflective barriers.
• Exhausting hot air and steam produced by operations.
• Reducing the temperature and humidity through air cooling.
• Providing air-conditioned rest areas.
• Providing cool work areas.
• Increasing air movement, if temperature is less than 35°C (fans). If the air temperature
is above 35°C, using fans will not be effective in lowering air temperature and should
not be used.
• Reduce physical demands of task through mechanical aid (hoists, lift, etc.).
• Other variety of engineering controls can be introduced to minimize exposure to heat.
For instance, improving the ventilation or air blowing while hot work is being carried out in to a
confined area. In general, the simplest and least expensive methods of reducing heat and
humidity can be accomplished by:
3) Using other methods of creating airflow such as exhaust ventilation or air blower
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Recommended protective clothing are loose fitting clothes made of light cotton allow sweat to
evaporate and transfer heat better than tight fitting synthetic fibers. Light summer clothing shall
be worn to allow free air movement and sweat evaporation.
Personal heat stress monitoring techniques include physiological tests such as:
● Heart rate
● Recovery heart rate
● Oral temperature
● Extent of body water loss
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Policy: Freiburg is committed to protecting employees from the hazards of hot conditions and to
preventing heat-related illnesses at the workplace. We will identify, evaluate, and control
potential exposure of our employees to extreme temperature, humidity, and other heat-related
factors.
The Administrator may designate and authorize other personnel to implement specific
components of the Plan.
Supervisors. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring weather conditions at the jobsite and
adjusting work schedules as necessary, encouraging employees to frequently consume water and
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take periodic rest breaks when working in hot conditions, monitoring employees for signs of heat
stress, providing appropriate first aid, and contacting emergency services if necessary.
Employees. Employees are responsible for monitoring their own personal risk factors for heat-
related illness and taking appropriate steps to prevent heat stress, including frequent
consumption of water and other acceptable fluids and periodic rest breaks. In addition,
employees may be paired with a “buddy” to monitor for signs and symptoms of heat stress.
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Physical signs and symptoms of heat stress will be discussed with employees every and reviewed
as necessary. Employees will be trained and directed to monitor each other’s actions, speech, and
appearance for signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
Heart rate. To check the heart rate, count the radial pulse for 30 seconds at the beginning of the
rest period. If the heart rate exceeds 110 beats per minute, shorten the next work period by one
third and maintain the same rest period.
Recovery heart rate. The recovery heart rate can be checked by comparing the pulse rate (i.e.,
number of beats in 30 seconds x 2) taken at the beginning of the rest period (P1) with the pulse
rate taken 3 minutes (P3) after the beginning of the rest period. The two pulse rates can be
interpreted using the Heart Rate Recovery Table in this section.
Oral temperature. Oral temperature can be checked with a clinical thermometer after work but
before the employee drinks water. If the oral temperature taken under the tongue exceeds 37.6°C
(100°F), shorten the next work cycle by one-third.
Body water loss. Body water loss can be measured by weighing the worker on a scale at the
beginning and end of each work day. The worker’s weight loss should not exceed 1.5% of total
body weight in a work day. If a weight loss exceeding this amount is observed, fluid intake should
be increased.
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For indoor work environments, the following monitoring methods will be used to assess the risk
of heat stress:
● Portable heat stress meters. These instruments will calculate both the indoor and outdoor
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index according to established American
Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) equations.
The WBGT for continuous all-day or several hour exposures will be averaged over a 60-
minute period. Intermittent exposures are averaged over a 120-minute period. With this
information and information on the type of work being performed, heat stress meters can
determine how long a person can safely work or remain in a particular hot environment.
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determines that employees are at an elevated risk of heat illness due to any combination of
temperature, worksite conditions, physical exertion, PPE, and other relevant factors.
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The corresponding flag will be displayed in prime locations of work area depending upon the
respective TWL readings.
TWL reading will be monitored by calibrated TWL meter
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symptoms of heat illness in any employee, the supervisor or designated person will take
immediate action commensurate with the severity of the illness.
● Employees will be reminded constantly throughout the work shift to drink plenty of water
and take preventative cool-down rest breaks as needed.
● One or more employees will be designated on each worksite to call for emergency medical
services if necessary.
● Per shift meetings will review the high heat procedures, encourage employees to drink
water, and remind them of the availability of shaded areas for cool-down rest breaks.35.0
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25.0 Training
All employees who are exposed or potentially exposed to heat stress will receive training
regarding heat stress-related injuries and illnesses and prevention measures at the time of
assignment to work activities that involve hot conditions.
Training on the following topics will be provided to all employees with the potential for exposure
to heat stress hazards:
● Knowledge of the hazards of heat stress, including environmental factors that might
contribute to the risk of heat-related illness (temperature, humidity, radiant heat, air
movement, conductive heat sources, workload activity and duration, and personal protective
equipment).
● Recognition of predisposing factors, danger signs, and symptoms (e.g., age, degree
acclimatization, medical conditions, consuming alcohol, caffeine use, nicotine use, and use of
medications that affect the body’s response to heat).
● The importance of frequent drinking of small quantities of water.
● The importance of and procedures for taking frequent rest breaks in shaded areas during hot
conditions.
● The different types of heat illness and the signs and symptoms of each.
● Awareness of first-aid procedures for heat stroke and other heat stress-related illnesses.
● The procedure for reporting signs and symptoms of heat-related illness in themselves and co-
workers.
● Employee responsibilities in avoiding heat stress.
● The concept, importance, and methods of acclimatization.
● Dangers of using drugs, including therapeutic ones, and alcohol in hot work environments.
● Use of protective clothing and equipment, including the importance of removing heat-
retaining PPE, such as nonbreathable chemical resistant clothing, during breaks.
● First aid and other emergency response procedures
In addition to the above, supervisors will receive additional training on the following topics:
● The procedures supervisors are expected to follow to carry out their duties under this
Plan.
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● The procedures to follow when an employee demonstrates signs or reports symptoms of
possible heat illness, including emergency response procedures.
● How to monitor weather reports and respond to hot weather advisories.
Refresher Training
Personnel covered by this Plan will receive refresher heat stress training at least once per year,
and whenever there is a change in work assignment or hot conditions, or when a new heat source
is introduced to a work area.
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27.0 Attachment
[Link] Signages
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