Heat Stress

Agenda Definitions Regulation Responsibilities Hazard identification Risk Assessment

Agenda Controls Heat Stress Illnesses First Aid

Training Objectives By the end of the session you will: Know what heat stress is Understand the WorkSafeBC Regulations Understand the risks Know how to control the risk Be able to identify symptoms Know first aid response

Definitions Heat Stress Net heat gain Rise in body temperature Heat cramps Heat exhaustion Heat Stroke

Definitions Acclimatization Modification of body functions Copes more effectively and efficiently with heat

Definitions Unacclimatized Worker Not accustomed to working in hot environment

Definitions WBGT Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

Definitions Engineering Controls Physical arrangements of work Alterations to the workplace Use of equipment, materials

Definitions Administrative Controls Changing the way work is done

Regulation Section 7.27 to 7.32 Measure and assess Establish controls Provide education and training Provide responses to exposure Special provisions for firefighters

Responsibilities Employer Conduct heat stress assessment Provide controls Maintain records Ensure first aid available

Responsibilities Managers / Supervisors Post signage Ensure workers are trained

Responsibilities Supervisors Ensure workers are aware of the risks Be aware of workers’ acclimatization status Address over-exposure Provide PPE if required

Responsibilities Workers Follow control measures and safe work procedures Leave hot environments if symptoms appear

Responsibilities Joint Health & Safety Committee Advise the employer Help evaluate workplace conditions Address worker complaints Help with investigations as required Conduct inspections as required

Responsibilities Fire Department Requirements for exemption from program Instruction and training Work procedures Specialized PPE

Hazard Identification Hazard Identification considers: The environment Tasks being done Clothing and equipment used

Hazard Identification Identification of hazards includes review of: Incident investigations and reports Type of work being done Environmental temperature conditions Clothing and equipment used Expressed worker concerns

Hazard Identification Review of Records and Statistics Previously identified at risk work areas Expressed concerns Incident investigations Incidents from other similar employers

Hazard Identification Workload Refer to handout Table 1 in the Heat Stress Program

Hazard Identification Environmental factors Temperatures greater than 23°C Indoor or outdoor job Radiant heat – sunlight Heat for entire shift? Humidity levels

Hazard Identification Clothing Affect evaporation of sweat Affects body’s ability to remove heat Are they permeable to air or water? Multiple layers

Hazard Identification Personal Risk Factors Lack of acclimatization Poor physical fitness Obesity Increased age Pre-existing medical conditions

Hazard identification Personal Risk Factors – continued Short term disorders and minor illness Chronic skin disorders Use of medication Alcohol and drugs Previous heat stroke

Risk Assessment Heat stress risk assessment Assessment factors Interpretation Supplementary measurements

Risk Assessment Assessment factors Workload (Metabolic rating) Environmental temperatures Clothing and equipment Acclimatization

Risk Assessment Assessment Wet Bulb Globe Temperature or WBGT Interpretation of results

Controlling the Risk Engineering Controls Reduce worker activity Cover or insulate hot surfaces Shield workers from radiant heat Provide air conditioning Provide fans Reduce humidity

Controlling the Risk Administrative Controls Acclimatize workers Supervision of workers Schedule work to minimize heat exposure Drink Dress appropriately

Controlling the risk Acclimatize workers

Controlling the Risk Supervise Workers Work in pairs or groups Ensure first aid is available Establish emergency procedures

Controlling the Risk Work Scheduling Work-Rest Cycles Schedule to minimize heat exposure

Controlling the Risk Re-Hydrate Must replenish fluid lost by sweat Drink continuously throughout day Employer must provide cool drinking water

Controlling the Risk Clothing Suitable for the conditions Loose fitting Breathability

Heat Stress Illnesses Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

Heat Stress Illnesses Heat Cramps – Symptoms Excessive sweating Painful muscle cramps

Heat Stress Illnesses Heat Cramps – Causes Dehydration Loss of salt (electrolytes)

Heat Stress Illnesses Heat Cramps – Treatment Move to cool area Loosen clothing Drink cool, salted water

Heat Stress Illnesses Heat Exhaustion – Symptoms Shallow respiration Increased respiratory rate Weak, rapid pulse Cool, pale, clammy skin Weakness, fatigue dizziness Headache / nausea / fainting / cramps

Heat Stress Illnesses Heat Exhaustion – Causes Insufficient water intake Insufficient salt intake Break down in body’s cooling system

Heat Stress Illnesses Heat Exhaustion – Treatment Move to cooler area Provide cool water to drink

Heat Stress Illnesses Heat Stroke – Symptoms Hot, dry, flushed skin Absence of sweating Agitation, confusion Decreased level of consciousness Headache Nausea and vomiting Seizures, shock, cardiac arrest

Heat Stress Illnesses Heat Stroke – Causes Body overheats Above 41C body sweating stops Body temperature continues to rise Cannot dissipate heat

Heat Stress Illnesses Heat Stroke – Treatment Maintain airway, breathing, circulation Move to coolest place available Lay worker down Remove outer clothing Apply cold water to worker Provide fluids if conscious Transport to medical aid

Heat Stress Illnesses Prevention - for all heat stress illnesses Reduce activity levels in hot weather Ensure you are getting enough salt Drink fluids throughout the workday Ensure you are acclimatized Watch out for each other

Heat Stress Illnesses Fluid replacement Thirst is not an indicator Once dehydrated hard to catch up Drink 150 ml every 15 minutes Use electrolyte replacement Do not use salt tablets

Summary We have discussed: Definitions WorkSafeBC regulatory requirements Responsibilities

Summary We have discussed – continued Identification of hazards Assessment of risks Risk Control Symptoms, causes and treatment of heat stress illnesses

Questions