Working safely in hot conditions Part 2

There is a recommended order of control measures that eliminate or reduce the risks of injury or harm. Often a combination of controls will be necessary. Examples of these follow.

Engineering

Engineering controls are an effective way of reducing heat stress and preventing or minimising occurrence of heat illness. Examples include:

• increasing air movement using fans;
• installing shade cloth to reduce radiant heat from the sun;
• installing shields or barriers to reduce radiant heat from sources such as furnaces or hot vessels;
• removing heated air or steam from hot processes using local exhaust ventilation;
• installing air conditioners or coolers to reduce air temperature;
• locating hot processes away from people; and
• insulating/enclosing hot processes or plant.

Organisation of work

Heat stress can be reduced by attention to the way work is organised. Examples include:

• rescheduling work so the hot tasks are performed during the cooler part of the day or in cooler times of the year;
• reducing the time an individual spends doing the hot tasks eg, by job or task rotation;
• arranging for more workers to do the job;
• providing additional rest breaks in cool, shaded areas; and
• using mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion.

Providing training and information

Training and information will enable workers to:

• identify hazards associated with heat stress;
• recognise symptoms of heat stress and heat illness;
• identify appropriate first aid procedures;
• understand how to avoid heat illness;
• recognise the potential dangers associated with the use of alcohol and/or drugs; and
• use appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

Toolbox meetings and pre-start meetings present opportunities to reinforce the actions needed to avoid heat illness.

Providing personal protective clothing

Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as reflective aprons and face shields can reduce exposure to radiant heat. Ice vests and liquid and air circulating systems can be worn under PPE where appropriate. Outdoor workers should be provided with protection against ultraviolet exposure, such as a wide-brim hat, loose-fitting, long-sleeved collared shirt and long pants, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Preventing heat illness

Keeping well hydrated: The Western Australian Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 require that a supply of clean, cool drinking water is provided and is readily accessible to workers. Keeping well hydrated is a critical factor in avoiding heat illness. Information on keeping well hydrated should be provided as part of workplace inductions.

Workers should be encouraged to start their shift fully hydrated. An easy way to establish hydration status is by checking the colour and volume of urine. If urine is plentiful and a light straw colour, this is an indicator of good hydration.

During hot work conditions, workers should be encouraged to drink 250 mL of water (about a cup) every 15 to 20 minutes. Although water is generally adequate for fluid replacement, low-joule cordials and electrolyte replacement solutions may be provided to encourage fluid intake. High-sugar cordials and sports drinks are not recommended. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol should be avoided since these are diuretics that cause increased rate of urination.

Allowing for acclimatisation

Workers, in particular those with fly-in fly-out contracts, may experience significant differences in climatic conditions between the workplace and their off-work location, especially after an extended absence.

Suitable acclimatisation procedures should be considered for workers who are subject to hot work conditions. Such procedures should be developed in consultation with workers and consider the particular shift roster schedules used.

Other preventative measures

Other preventative measures include providing adequate supervision of workers; and first aid facilities, instruction and training and access to medical help.

If symptoms occur, workers need to rest in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area and drink cool fluids. If symptoms do not reduce quickly, seek medical help.

Employers should plan ahead and ensure all the necessary measures for preventing heat illness can be implemented when hot weather is predicted.