Heat Stress & Illness Prevention
Overview Employees who work in outdoor places of employment or who work in other locations where environmental risk factors for heat illness are present are at risk for developing heat related illnesses if they do not protect themselves appropriately. The objective of this program is to reduce the potential for heat illnesses by making employees aware of heat illnesses, ways to prevent illness, and actions to take if symptoms occur.
Policy It is the policy of Amerit Fleet Solutions to provide a safe, healthy and secure workplace for all employees by implementing an effective safety program. This Heat Illness Prevention Program applies to the control of risk of occurrence of heat illness and applies to all outdoor places of employment and other locations when the environmental risk factors for heat illness are present. Any employee participating in job tasks when environmental risk factors for heat illness are present will comply with the procedures in this document.
Definitions Acclimatization" means temporary adaptation of the body to work in the heat that occurs gradually when a person is exposed to it. Acclimatization peaks in most people within four to fourteen days of regular work for at least two hours per day in the heat. "Shade" means blockage of direct sunlight. One indicator that blockage is sufficient is when objects do not cast a shadow in the area of blocked sunlight. Shade is not adequate when heat in the area of shade defeats the purpose of shade, which is to allow the body to cool. For example, a car sitting in the sun does not provide acceptable shade to a person inside it, unless the car is running with air conditioning. Shade may be provided by any natural or artificial means that does not expose employees to unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Temperature means the dry bulb temperature in degrees Fahrenheit obtainable by using a thermometer to measure the outdoor temperature in an area where there is no shade. While the temperature measurement must be taken in an area with full sunlight, the bulb or sensor of the thermometer should be shielded while taking the measurement, e.g. with the hand or some other object, from direct contact by sunlight. Potable water is water that is fit for consumption by humans and other animals. It is also called drinking water.
Risk Factors for Heat Illness Heat Index The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. To find the Heat Index temperature, look at the Heat Index chart below. As an example, if the air temperature is 96 F and the relative humidity is 65%, the heat index--how hot it feels--is 121 F. IMPORTANT: Since heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 F. Also, strong winds, particularly with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous.
Risk Factors for Heat Illness Heat Index
Risk Factors for Heat Illness Environmental & Personal Factors Weather conditions Temperature Humidity Air movement Radiant heat Conductive heat Higher intensity and/or duration of physical activity PPE/Clothing Poor physical condition* Age Degree of acclimatization Water consumption Some medications* Alcohol/ drugs Low liquid intake Recent heat illness No work experience in hot environment * Recommend checking w/ personal physician about heat illness risk
Common Symptoms of Heat Illness Elevated Body Temperature Heat Rash Lack of Sweating Hot, Dry Skin Neurologic Symptoms
How the Body Handles Heat Heat stress is a buildup of body heat generated either internally by muscle use or externally by the environment. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke result when the body is overwhelmed by heat. As the heat increases, body temperature and the heart rate rises painlessly. An increase in body temperature of two degrees Fahrenheit can affect mental functioning. A five degree Fahrenheit increase can result in serious illness or death. Under normal conditions, the body cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn t enough. Heat illness may be an underlying cause of other types of injuries, such as heart attacks, falls and equipment accidents.
Heat Exhaustion Cause: Excessive loss of water and salt through sweat Signs & Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting Extreme weakness and moist skin Muscle cramps Mood changes such as irritability or confusion Nausea or vomiting
Heat Exhaustion Treatment Move victim to a cool place Loosen clothing and place a cool, wet compression of the skin Have victim drink water or electrolyte beverage slowly Elevate the feet 8-12 Call 9-1-1 if condition worsens or does not improve in a few minutes Contact your Fleet Manager
Heat Stroke Cause: Total breakdown of the body s cooling system Signs & Symptoms: Sweating stops-- skin is hot, red, and dry Mental confusion, losing consciousness Fainting Seizures or convulsions Treat as a medical emergency! This is life threatening.
Heat Stroke Treatment Call 9-1-1 immediately Move victim to a cool place Cool the victim as much as possible Soak the clothes with water and fan his/her body Contact your Fleet Manager Treat as a medical emergency! This is life threatening.
Prevention of Heat Illness Access to Water Consume at least four cups or more per hour for the entire shift. Access to Shade As needed, take frequent cool-down breaks in the provided shade for not less than 5 minutes. Shaded rest area shall be provided as close as practicable to the work area.
Acclimatization People adapt to outdoor temperature increases within 4-14 days. To minimize the risk of heat illness: Adjust work schedules and intensities during a two-week period New employees or those returning from extended leaves, more than a week: May not be adapted to local weather or work intensity Be extra vigilant with these employees Acclimatization is especially important to minimize heat illness
High Heat Precautions When the outdoor temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit Ensure effective communication by voice, observation, buddy system or electronic means to maintain contact with Fleet Manager. Observe co-workers for alertness and signs or symptoms of heat illness. Fleet Manager will conduct pre-shift meetings to review high heat procedures and remind employees to drink plenty of water during their shift and their right to take a cool-down rests.