Heat Stress Prevention Written Program Laredo ISD Safety/Risk/Emergency Management Department HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 1
1.0 Purpose This Heat Stress Prevention Program has been developed to provide workers with the training and equipment necessary to protect them from heat related exposures and illnesses. 2.0 Training All employees who are or may be exposed to potential heat related illnesses will receive training on the following: (See Attachments) 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 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 coworkers 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 Use of appropriate PPE such as caps and light colored clothing 3.0 Supervisor Responsibilities All supervisors will be provided a copy of this program and training documents prior to assignment of employees working in environments where heat exposures may occur Supervisors will be provided the procedures to follow to implement the applicable provisions of this program HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 2
Supervisors will be provided the procedures to follow when an employee exhibits symptoms consistent with possible heat illness, including emergency response procedures 4.0 Provision of Water Employees shall have access to potable 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. 5.0 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, 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. 6.0 Heat Stress Types of Heat-Related Illnesses: 6.1 Heat Stroke- Most Severe Danger: Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 3
Symptoms Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Hallucinations Chills Throbbing headache High body temperature Confusion/dizziness Slurred speech First Aid Call 911 and notify their supervisor Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area Cool the worker using methods such as: o Soaking their clothes with water o Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water o Fanning their body 6.2 Heat Exhaustion Caution: Can lead to Heat Stroke: Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Workers most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment. Symptoms Heavy sweating Extreme weakness or fatigue Dizziness, confusion Nausea Clammy, moist skin Pale or flushed complexion Muscle cramps Slightly elevated body temperature Fast and shallow breathing HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 4
First Aid Have person rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area Have person drink plenty of water or other cool sports drink Have person take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath 6.3 Heat Syncope Heat Syncope is a fainting (syncope) 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. Symptoms Light-headedness Dizziness Fainting First Aid Sit or lie down in a cool place when person begins to feel symptoms Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage 6.4 Heat Cramps Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Symptoms Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. First Aid Stop all activity and sit person in a cool place Drink clear juice or a sports beverage Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps subside Seek medical attention if any of the following apply: o The worker has heart problems o The cramps do not subside within one hour HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 5
6.5 Heat Rash Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot and/or humid weather. Symptoms Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases First Aid Try to work in a cooler and less humid environment when possible Keep the affected area dry Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort DO NOT: Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious victim 7.0 Safe Work Procedures 7.1 Supervisor s 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 HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 6
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 Uniforms (garments) should be light in color and fit loosely 7.2 Workers Workers are responsible for performing the following: 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 colored garments that absorb less heat from the sun Wear a hat Drink small amounts of water approximately 1 cup every 15 minutes Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine such as tea or coffee Avoid eating hot, heavy meals Do not take salt tablets unless prescribed by a physician Review Attachment 1 for additional information 8.0 Program Review The Safety Director will periodically review this program for compliance with all applicable regulatory standards. Updates will be provided to all employees. Monitor and remind workers to: Drink water and electrolyte replacement drinks before, during and after work Be alert for heat disorders in themselves and others Report heat stress signs/symptoms immediately Follow the instructions provided in training Use appropriate PPE Inform supervisors of potential work limitations Active participation in buddy system HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 7
Heat Illness Prevention Guidance for Workers Awareness of heat illness symptoms can save your life or the life of a co-worker. The following provides valuable information concerning heat-related illnesses and preventative measures. If you are coming back to work from an illness or an extended break or you are just starting a job working in the heat, it is important to be aware that you are more vulnerable to heat stress until your body has time to adjust. Let your employer know you are not used to the heat. It takes about 5-7 days for your body to adjust Drinking plenty of water frequently is vital for workers exposed to the heat. An individual may produce as much as 2 to 3 gallons of sweat per day. In order to replenish that fluid, you should drink 3 to 4 cups of water every hour starting at the beginning of your shift Taking your breaks in a cool shaded area and allowing time for recovery from the heat during the day are effective ways to avoid a heat-related illness Avoid or limit the use of alcohol and caffeine during periods of extreme heat. Both dehydrate the body If you or a co-worker start to feel symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, weakness or unusual fatigue, let your supervisor know and rest in a cool shaded area. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention Whenever possible, wear clothing that provides protection from the sun but allows airflow to the body. Protect your head and shade your eyes if working outdoors When working in the heat, pay extra attention to your co-workers and be sure you know how to call for medical attention Call 911 for medical emergency if needed HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 8
Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 9
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The Risk of Heat Stress Your risk of Heat Stress depends on many factors: Your physical condition The weather (temperature, humidity) How much clothing is worn How fast you are moving/working How much weight you are carrying If you are near a breeze If you are in the sun Warning signs of Heat Stroke vary but may include: An extremely high body temperature (above 103 F) Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating) Rapid and strong pulse Throbbing headache Dizziness and nausea Disorientated and confused Unconscious If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a LIFE THREATENING emergency! CALL 911 HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 11
Heat Stroke Emergency Procedures Move person into a cool place and out of direct sunlight Remove unnecessary clothing and place person on side Cool entire body by sponging or spraying cold water Fan body to help lower temperature Apply ice packs over much of body Do not give any medications If person is awake and alert, give person drinks of water to hydrate HEAT STRESSS PROGRAM 2016 LJP/ 12