HEAT IMPACT MITIGATION

PLAN
EA 2nd FLOOR OFFICE PROJECT, GOA

Contents
Sr. No. Action Points Page No.
1 Objective 2
2 Temperature prediction for the summer season (Apr-June 2025) in Goa 2
3 Common heat-related illnesses and it’s Signs and Symptoms 3
4 Identification and Evaluation of Heat Stress Conditions 3
5 Heat Impact Mitigation Control Standards 4
6 Employee Awareness and Training 4
7 First Aid Treatment for Heat-Related Illnesses 5
8 Emergency Communication flow chart for EA Project 6
9 Implementation done at site level to reduce heat impact 7
10 Dos and Don’ts during Heat Wave 8
11 Conclusion 8

1
Objective:
The primary objective of heat impact mitigation plan for EA Project, Goa is to protect workers
from heat-related illnesses and injuries by ensuring their core body temperature remains below
hazardous levels, ultimately promoting worker safety and productivity. Heat stress can lead to
various illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke, which can be
life-threatening. Mitigation strategies aim to prevent these conditions by keeping workers cool
and hydrated.
Temperature prediction for the summer season (Apr-June 2025) in Goa:
April -

May -

June -

2
Common heat-related illnesses and it’s Signs and Symptoms:

Heat Cramps:
Painful muscle spasms, often in the legs or abdomen, caused by
electrolyte imbalance due to heavy sweating.
Signs and Symptoms: Painful muscle spasms.

Heat Exhaustion:
A more serious condition than heat cramps, characterized by heavy
sweating, dizziness, nausea, and weakness, resulting from dehydration
and electrolyte loss.
Signs and Symptoms: Heavy sweating, pale skin, rapid pulse, and low
blood pressure.

Heat Stroke:
A medical emergency where the body's temperature rises dangerously
high (above 104°F or 40°C), leading to organ damage and potentially
death if left untreated.
Signs and Symptoms: High body temperature, hot and dry skin (or
profuse sweating), rapid and shallow breathing, and confusion or loss
of consciousness.

Heat Rash:
A skin condition characterized by small, itchy bumps caused by blocked
sweat glands, often seen in warm, humid conditions.

Identification and Evaluation of Heat Stress Conditions:

Prior to performing work, evaluate whether the potential for heat stress
exists. Consider the following risk factors in this evaluation:
• High temperature.
• Humidity.
• Sources of radiant heat, such as steam pipes, boilers, heated vessels.
• Use of protective clothing which can impair the body's ability to regulate heat.
• Work requiring moderate to heavy physical labour.
• Outdoor operations conducted in hot weather, such as construction, roof top activities,
or hazardous waste activities.
• Direct physical contact with hot objects.

If there are potential for heat stress exists, implement the recommended heat stress controls.
These controls may include both engineering and administrative controls as well as personal
protective equipment.

3
Heat Impact Mitigation Control Standards:

Engineering Controls:
• Shade and Ventilation: Provide shade structures, such as tents or canopies, and
ensure adequate ventilation through fans or air conditioning.
• Isolate Hot Processes: Isolate hot processes or equipment to minimize heat exposure.
• Reflective Clothing: Encourage the use of light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and
reflective clothing to reduce heat absorption.

Administrative Controls:
• Work Schedules: Adjust work schedules to avoid peak heat hours and allow for
frequent rest breaks.
• Buddy System: Implement a buddy system to monitor workers for signs of heat stress.
• Training and Education: Provide training and education on recognizing and preventing
heat stress, including signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
• Hydration: Ensure workers have access to plenty of cool water and encourage frequent
hydration.
• Rest Breaks: Provide frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Emergency Response Plan: Develop and implement an emergency response plan for
heat-related illnesses, including procedures for first aid and medical assistance.
• Monitor Weather Conditions: Monitor weather conditions and heat index to adjust
work schedules and safety protocols accordingly.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Light-Coloured, Loose-Fitting Clothing: Encourage the use of light-coloured, loose-
fitting clothing to reduce heat absorption.
• Sunscreen: Provide sunscreen with a high SPF to protect skin from sunburn.

Other Measures:
• Awareness Campaigns: Use posters, flyers, and toolbox talks to raise awareness about
heat stress prevention.
• Monitor Worker Health: Regularly check on workers who are more vulnerable to heat
stress.
• Salt and Water Balance: Workers in hot environments lose both water and salt through
sweat, so it's important to balance this loss by consuming adequate amounts of water
and salt.
• First Aid: Ensure that first aid supplies are readily available and that workers are trained
in basic first aid for heat-related illnesses.

Employee Awareness and Training:

Ensure that employees who are working in or supervising work in hot environments are trained
in heat stress recognition, prevention, and control. Training should address:
• Identification of heat stress hazards and potential health effects.

4
 • Predisposing factors and relevant signs and symptoms of heat injury and illness.
• Information on water intake replacement.
• Heat strain control Standards such as work practices and engineering controls, proper
acclimatization, and proper use of heat strain personal protective equipment.
• Potential for therapeutic drugs, over-the-counter medications, or social drugs (including
alcohol) to increase the risk of heat injury or illness by reducing heat tolerance.
• Conduct and document this training in a training course, safety meeting, pre-job
briefing, or other appropriate forum.
• Include worksite-specific heat strain prevention information in regular pre-job briefings.
Communicate temperature readings, environmental data, and any heat stress
information to affected employees.
• If signs and symptoms of heat strain develop, inform supervisors and take appropriate
action, such as immediately exiting the work area.
• Be aware of means to avoid heat strain such as adequate water consumption.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat strain.

First Aid Treatment for Heat-Related Illnesses:

1. Move to a Cooler Environment:

Immediately relocate the person to a shaded area or a place with air conditioning.
2. Positioning:
Help the person lie down and slightly elevate their legs to improve blood flow to the brain.
3. Hydration:
Offer cool beverages like water or sports drinks to help rehydrate the body. Avoid alcoholic
beverages.
4. Cool the Body:
Apply cool, wet clothes or sponges to the skin, particularly on the forehead, neck, and
armpits. Use a fan to circulate the air and help cool down the skin.
5. Monitor:
Closely observe the person's condition and check for any worsening symptoms like difficulty
breathing, vomiting, or loss of consciousness. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate
medical attention.

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Emergency Communication flow chart for EA Project

6
Implementation done at site level to reduce heat impact:

Drinking Water and Energy drink provided to workers to stay hydrated

Daily TBT First Aid training to communicate about Heat related illness and its prevention

Cool Down Area Sun protective goggles Display of Emergency Contact details

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Dos and Don’ts during Heat Wave:

Do's:
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Seek Shade: Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak heat hours (12:00 PM to 3:00
PM).
• Wear Light Clothing: Opt for light-coloured, loose, and breathable cotton clothing.
• Take Cool Showers or Baths: Regularly take cool showers or baths to help lower your
body temperature.
• Use Cooling Devices: Utilize fans, air conditioners, or coolers to maintain a
comfortable indoor temperature.
• Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous activities or work outdoors during the hottest
part of the day.
• Eat Light Meals: Avoid high-protein, salty, spicy, and oily foods, and don't eat stale
food.
• Use protective gear: Use protective goggles, an umbrella/hat, shoes or chappals while
going out in sun.
• Use ORS, homemade drinks: Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, lemon water,
buttermilk, etc. which help to rehydrate the body.
Don'ts:
• Don't Overexert Yourself: Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours.
• Don't Drink Dehydrating Beverages: Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks,
as they can lead to dehydration.
• Don't Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles: Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly
and become dangerous for children and pets.
• Don't Ignore Symptoms of Heat Illness: Seek medical attention immediately if you or
someone else experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Conclusion:

This Heat Impact Mitigation Plan for EA Project Goa is prepared to ensure that all employees
are protected from the extreme impacts of heat waves in 2025. By focusing on prevention, early
detection, and rapid intervention, the plan aims to minimize health risks associated with high
temperatures and ensure a safe working environment for all employees, especially the most
vulnerable.