KSP HS Gen Oth Pro HSP 001 00
KSP HS Gen Oth Pro HSP 001 00
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Content
1. PURPOSE..............................................................................................................................2
2. DEFINITIONS.........................................................................................................................2
3. ROLES/ RESPONSIBILITIES.....................................................................................................2
4.1. Project Manager....................................................................................................................2
4.2. Site HSE Personnel/Representative...................................................................................2
4.3. First-Line Supervisors.........................................................................................................2
4.4. Employees.............................................................................................................................3
5. EMPLOYEE PREVENTION INFORMATION AND TRAINING.......................................3
6. WORKPLACE AND TASK EVALUATION......................................................................3
7. CONTROL OF HEAT STRESS.........................................................................................5
7.1. Engineering Controls...........................................................................................................5
7.2. Administrative and Work Practice Controls.....................................................................6
7.3. Personal Protective Equipment..........................................................................................8
8. HEAT STRESS PHYSIOLOGY.......................................................................................10
9.1. Normal Response to Excess Heat....................................................................................10
9.2. Causes of Heat Illnesses...................................................................................................10
9.3. Factors Affecting Heat Tolerance.....................................................................................12
9.4. Effective Proactive Measures............................................................................................14
9.5. Guide to Safe and Healthy Fasting During Ramadan....................................................15
10. KEY POINTS POSTER................................................................................................15
11. EMERGENCY RESPONSE.........................................................................................17
12. Appendices:....................................................................................................................18
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1. PURPOSE
To prevent heat-related illnesses by providing guidance in the recognition, evaluation, and control
of potential heat stress conditions during the project.
2. DEFINITIONS
3. ROLES/ RESPONSIBILITIES
The overall responsibility for the prevention of heat-related illnesses rests with project managers
and site safety personnel. However, the daily monitoring of employees for signs and symptoms of
heat-related disorders rests with the employees and their first-line supervisors.
Provides employee training, program evaluation and guidance to operations personnel and
continuously monitors the site condition in order to raise safety alerts related to the heat stress.
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b) Often as a day-to-day role model for other workers, they must be aware that their actions
and behavior may influence their subordinates. This is particularly true for employees just arriving
at the project site. These employees may not be fully heat acclimated.
c) Should plan their daily activities according with the above mentioned points and allow their
workforce to take reasonable periodic rests whenever needed.
4.4. Employees
Every person tolerates heat differently. Since no empirical measure can determine when an
individual begins to sense heat stress, the primary responsibility for heat stress monitoring should
be the appropriately trained employee's determination of his/her condition.
Employees should report to their first line supervisor if they suspect any heat stress related
symptoms, illnesses or lack in welfares and resources.
Heat stress awareness training should be provided at least once a year (preferably during the
spring) to all project personnel. This training should include:
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A thorough evaluation of the workplace may be necessary to identify tasks and conditions that
present a potential heat stress hazard. This evaluation should include observations, discussions
with workers and supervisors, and the review of any reported heat-related disorders.
Toolbox Talk is the first step for evaluating and communicating heat stress conditions on a task-
specific basic. Information that can help to determine heat stress potential and appropriate control
measures includes the following:
Job Location
Analyze the specific locations of each task, including proximity to heat producing equipment.
Work Duration and Schedule
What is the frequency at which the task must be performed and how much time is required to
perform the work? How much time is required for preparation, setup, actual task performance, and
any normal breaks? Excessive overtime work, piece work, and machine-paced work are additional
factors to consider. Each can cause fatigue and increase heat stress potential.
Clothing
What workers wear can make a big difference in how much heat they build up. The use of semi-
impermeable or impermeable protective clothing and respiratory protection will increase heat load
and metabolic rate. However, clothing can shield a person from radiant heat. Cotton clothing
generally retains less body heat. Next is polypropylene, then polyethylene. Workers should avoid
excessive layering of clothing when heat stress is a potential hazard.
Metabolism
Working muscles produce metabolic heat. Heavy work can create excess body heat that is a major
element in heat stress because it can increase body core temperature and affect the brain's
thermoregulatory control (thermostat).
Environmental Conditions
Air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direct sunlight all affect heat stress potential. If
available, compare WBGT values to the ACGIH exposure times guidelines that are based on the
level of work activity. This may help to determine appropriate control measures
Existing Controls
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What existing heat stress controls are being used? Considerable work can be accomplished in
very hot environments if appropriate control measures are taken. On the other hand, simply
standing in direct sunlight, for example, can cause heat stress if no controls are in place.
Reduce heat stress by increasing the air flow and velocity with fans and other movers in the work
area (as long as the air temperature is less than the person's skin temperature). If the air
temperature is higher than about 37 to 40C, skin warming may offset any advantage gained by
evaporative cooling. Because this method does not cool the air, the increased air flow must
contact the worker directly to be effective. This control will have little, if any, positive effect on
workers wearing vapor-barrier clothing.
This control measure differs from ventilation because it cools the air by removing heat (and
sometimes humidity). Air conditioning and air treatment devices may be expensive to install and
operate. Nonetheless, mechanical refrigeration can be effective in specific areas such as "cool
rooms" (used as recovery areas near hot jobs). Portable blowers with a built-in air chiller are
effective for cooling asbestos abatement (and similar) enclosures. The main advantages of
blowers are portability and minimal set-up time.
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Reflective heat shields and insulation will reduce radiant heat. With sources of radiation such as
heating pipes, it is possible to use both insulation and surface modifications to achieve a
substantial reduction in radiant heat. If shields are used, it is important to minimize their influence
on the cooling effects of air flow.
d) Shelter /Shade
Shade is one of the most primary heat stress controls for hot climate. Radiation heat load can be
reduced to a minimum 10 C, when working in shades than under direct sunlight.
Also, shaded break area shall be kept cooler than the normal work area to facilitate quicker
recovery from the effects of heat. 10-15 C difference in temperature needs to be maintained
between the work area and the break area.
Shade will reduce radiant solar heat and is a widely recognized control measure. Shading the work
area, rest areas, or equipment or enclosures can significantly decrease the heat load.
If possible, perform potentially hot jobs when heat stress conditions are at their minimum. Allow
latent heat in equipment to dissipate before work begins. Schedule work for the cooler part of the
day, and schedule routine maintenance and repair work in hot areas for the cooler seasons of the
year. And make sure that the break will be observed from June 15th to September 15th, from
12:30pm until 3pm every day (for routine tasks).
b) Fluid Replacement
Place ample supplies of liquids close to the work areas in particular the outdoor activities.
Preferred drinks are low-sodium, non-carbonated, non-alcoholic, and non-caffeinated. They should
be provided at 10- 15C. Because the normal thirst mechanism does not ensure sufficient fluid
intake, encourage workers to drink small amounts on a frequent basis, e.g., one 4-ounce to 6-
ounce cup every 20 minutes. The taste of commercially available balanced electrolyte
replacement drinks may also encourage fluid intake. (These products are perfectly acceptable
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when diluted 50% in water.) Although some commercial electrolyte replacement drinks contain
salt, this is not necessary for acclimated individuals who generally add enough salt in their diets.
c) Acclimation
Most people get used to heat exposure up to a point. This is called acclimation and it results in
less cardiovascular demand for a given activity. The worker will sweat more efficiently (increasing
evaporative cooling) and may lose less salt, thus will more easily maintain normal body
temperature. Acclimation decreases the risk of heat-related illnesses and associated unsafe acts.
Deliberate acclimation involves exposing employees to work in a hot environment for progressively
longer periods. For workers with recent experience (within two weeks) in jobs where heat levels
may produce heat stress, it is recommended to comply with regimen: 50% of normal exposure on
day one, 60% on day two, 80% on day three, and 100% percent on day four. For new workers who
will be similarly exposed, the regimen should be 20% on day one, with a 20% increase in exposure
each additional day.
d) Work/Rest Cycles
Prescribed periods of work and rest are based on specific heat indices and workload estimates
(e.g., ACGIH-TLVs). These prescribed levels are based on the assumption that the work is
repetitive, controlled, and continuous over an eight-hour shift, and that the rest area is in an
environment similar to that in which the exposure occurs.
e) Recovery Times
Recovery may be required for any heat stress exposure. Recovery is complete when the person's
physiological state has returned to its pre-exposure condition. This means that excess (stored)
body heat has been dissipated, lost fluid has been replaced, and electrolytes are in balance. To
permit dissipation of stored body heat, the recommended recovery area should be subjectively
cool.
f) Buddy System
Working in pairs or small teams allows appropriately trained workers to observe each other for
signs of heat-related disorders. Employees may also share work activities to reduce metabolic
heat production.
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g) Self-Determination
Appropriately trained workers can help monitor their own heat condition. Training should
emphasize that heat stress can affect an individual's ability to reason clearly. This may cause them
to fail to recognize signs and symptoms of heat stress. For this reason, self-determination must be
augmented by the heat awareness program, worker training program, and check time and buddy
system controls described in these guidelines.
h) Check Times
A prescribed check time (CT) schedule can augment self-determination. Check times are intervals
at which a heat stress-trained supervisor or observer (including a co-worker or "buddy") must seek
explicit confirmation from individual heat stress-trained workers that each can continue work. That
is, the observer determines if there are obvious symptoms of heat disorders, or if there is any
sense of diminished capacity. If so, the exposure is terminated and rest is required. Using CTs
requires each worker, at regular intervals, to explicitly assess his/her physiological state and ability
to continue work, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Reduce the physical demands of work (such as excessive lifting or digging) by using powered
equipment, increase the number of workers assigned to a task, use relief workers, and limit worker
occupancy in confined areas.
j) Flag system: As per the flag flow chart showed in the appendix III below.
Commercially available ice vests, though heavy, may accommodate as many as 72 ice packets.
Carbon dioxide (dry ice) can also be used as a coolant. The cooling offered by ice packets lasts
only two to four hours at moderate to heavy heat loads, making frequent replacement necessary
b) Reflective Clothing
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Reflective clothing lowers the radiant heat load on a person. Clothing can vary from aprons and
jackets to suits that completely enclose the worker from neck to feet. However, since most
reflective clothing does not allow air exchange through the garment, the reduction of radiant heat
exposure must more than offset the corresponding increase of heat due to interference with
evaporative cooling. For this reason, reflective clothing should be worn as loosely as possible. In
extreme situations where radiant heat is high, auxiliary cooling systems can be used under the
reflective clothing.
c) Wetted Clothing
This is a simple, inexpensive personal cooling technique that is effective when reflective or other
impermeable protective clothing is worn. Wetted terry cloth coveralls or wetted two-piece,
whole-body cotton suits may be used.
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Heat index Risk Level Control Approach
a) Heat Fatigue:
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Heat rash is the most common heat-related problem in the work environment. Inadequate personal
hygiene is often an underlying cause. Continuous sweating may irritate skin, and sweat glands
may become obstructed and inflamed. The condition often occurs in areas where the clothing is
restrictive.
c) Heat Cramps:
Heat cramps commonly result from performing hard physical work in a hot environment. These
cramps are attributable to the loss of body fluids and salt that occurs with profuse sweating.
However, inadequate fluid and salt intake can also cause heat cramps in the absence of sweating
or hard work.
This condition is caused by prolonged standing, particularly in one spot, while under heat stress.
Inactivity can result in excessive pooling of the blood in the extremities, thereby depriving the brain
of sufficient oxygen. Consequently, the exposed individual loses consciousness (faints). For
prevention, workers should become heat acclimated and avoid prolonged standing in hot weather.
e) Heat Exhaustion:
This is caused primarily by a loss of body fluid, with some loss of body salts due to increased
sweating. (Diarrhea and vomiting both also contribute to dehydration.) Heat exhaustion is similar
to heat syncope in that strenuous exercise causes peripheral vasodilatation that reduces blood flow
to the brain.
Do not dismiss heat exhaustion lightly. It is possible to confuse the symptoms of heat exhaustion
with heat stroke-that is a bona fide medical emergency. In addition, fainting can be dangerous if
the individual is operating machinery or controlling an operation that should not be left unattended.
Moreover, fainting may injure the victim.
Heat stroke occurs when the body's system of temperature regulation fails suddenly and the core
temperature rises to critical levels. It is caused by a combination of highly variable factors that
result in intolerable heat stress, and is often difficult to predict. Drug and/or alcohol abuse may
increase the risk of heat stroke.
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Individuals who recover from true heat stroke may suffer from permanent physical damage
including reduced heat tolerance. These individuals should be carefully evaluated by a competent
physician before returning to a job with potential heat stress. Special accommodations to control
heat stress may be required for these individuals in order for them to work safely.
Acclimation State - Is the worker currently acclimated? Heat acclimation may be reduced when an
individual is removed from heat exposure for even a few days.
General Physical Fitness - For any work level, the upper limits of heat tolerance are reduced for the
physically unfit.
Medical History - A history of heat intolerance, non-acclimatability, or incidence of heat stroke may
help predict susceptibility to future heat stress conditions.
Obesity - Fat is an excellent insulator. Obese individuals generally have a lower heat tolerance
than lean individuals.
Hypertension - Some studies indicate even moderate hypertensive exhibit reduced heat tolerance.
Organic Heart (heart structure) and/or Vascular Disease - These problems may interfere with an
individual's ability to shed excess body heat.
Respiratory Disease - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may limit heat tolerance as a function
of the seriousness of the disease.
Previous Thermal / Chemical Injury - Individuals who have suffered thermal or chemical burns often
have skin conditions that interfere with the body's cooling process and adaptation to heat, thus
increasing susceptibility to heat stress.
Skin Disease - Some skin diseases interfere with the sweating process and heat transfer.
Infection - The body's response to infection can include fever and fatigue.
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Dehydration - Since many heat-related conditions are due to dehydration, a pre-existing state of
dehydration will obviously increase susceptibility to heat stress.
Diarrhea - This condition can lead to dehydration, and may itself be a symptom of an underlying
medical problem.
Age - Heat tolerance may begin to decline in persons over 50 years of age, due to a sluggish sweat
gland response.
Nutrition - Individuals who are not maintaining a balanced diet may have a reduced capacity for
performing work, and exhibit reduced heat tolerance. Poor nutrition may be the result of illness,
stress, dieting to achieve weight loss, etc.
Lack of Sleep - Fatigue can reduce the body's ability to respond to heat stress.
Sex - The only difference appears to be the generally lower aerobic capacity of women and small
men compared to average size men.
Inadequate Mental Capacity - Be sure that all individuals are capable of understanding heat-related
hazards and preventive measures.
Inadequate Ability to Communicate - Be sure that all individuals are capable of describing the
symptoms of heat-related illnesses to a co-worker or supervisor.
Working Immediately After Eating - Having food in the stomach diverts some blood from the
periphery to the body core.
Alcohol - The ingestion of alcohol before or during work causes peripheral vasodilatation and
increases heart rate, thereby reducing heat tolerance.
Illegal Drugs - Many of these substances alter behavioral functions, have serious effects on the
central nervous and cardiovascular systems, and affect good judgment, all of which could increase
the risk for a heat-related disorder to occur.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs - There are numerous legal drugs that may limit heat
tolerance. Before taking any medicines, employees should consult with their physician regarding
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any potential effect on heat tolerance. Many of the following drugs can affect heat tolerance:
diuretics, vasodilators, central nervous system inhibitors, beta blocking agents, antihistamines,
muscle relaxants, amphetamines, atropine, and tranquilizers. Other drugs not mentioned here may
also affect certain individuals.
Anticipate high heat days through weather forecasts and prepare for them with proactive
measures. The following are a few recommendations to aid in the prevention of heat related
problems.
a) Begin drinking fluid early in the day. Waiting until the hottest portion of the day to replenish
fluids is too late. Avoid caffeine and alcohol the night before and during the day.
b) Dress for conditions. Lightweight, loose clothing is best. Avoid layering clothing
underneath coveralls.
c) A well balanced diet will help. Heavy, fatty foods do not support he body well in high heat
conditions. Fruits, vegetables, proteins, and starches work best.
d) Electrolyte solutions help to maintain energy levels. Do not drink more electrolyte solution
than water. Avoid taking salt tablets unless directed to do so by your physician.
e) Use sunscreen and cover your face and neck from the sun.
f) Provide shaded areas for mini-breaks and water stations.
g) Make sure drinking water stations are accessible so employees may take frequent breaks.
h) Strongly encourage SHORT (1-2 minute) water breaks every 20-30 minutes during high
heat conditions.
i) Provide specially marked water barrels containing ice and water for soaking neck towels,
arms, sleeves, bandannas, and similar items.
j) Provide specific areas for employees to go to on a schedule basis and cool off when
working in full sun areas. This would be considered mandatory breaks (in addition to the short
water breaks). This should be done every 1 to 1-½ hours. Fans and siting areas should be
provided so that employees can sit and cool down. This break should be 10-20 minutes in length.
k) Using a Thermo-Scan type instrument, monitor personnel in their work areas to assure that
there are not any consistently high core body temperature problems. Core body temperature
should never exceed 38.5° C. Pay particular attention to areas that have restricted air flow such as
foundations, excavations, and vessels.
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l) Monitor work areas for ambient temperatures. Use the heat index chart to determine the
apparent temperature. Areas with apparent temperatures over 35° C should be monitored for
personnel problems. Begin providing extra measures for the workers.
m) MOST IMPORTANTLY, do not let schedule or productivity influence awareness or caution
in high heat weather. Pressure from foreman or self-induced pressure is the most dangerous
hazard.
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Workers using the buddy system.
Declaring a "Heat Awareness Condition" when extremely hot weather is predicted (listen to
daily weather reports). Extremely hot weather:
- Ambient temperature equal to or greater than 35° C
- Heat Index (HI) or Apparent Temperature (AT) in excess of 32° C
f) Engineering controls can include:
Ventilation
Air cooling and air conditioning
Heat shields and shade
g) PPE can include:
Circulating air systems
Circulating liquid systems
Ice cooling garments
Reflective clothing
Wetted clothing
h) Factors that can affect an individual's heat stress include:
Acclimation state
General physical fitness
Medical history
Obesity
Hypertension
Heart and vascular diseases
Respiratory diseases
Previous skin injury
Infection
Pregnancy
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Age
Nutrition
Alcohol intake
Legal and illegal drug use
Lack of sleep
Gender
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Mental capacity
Ability to communicate
Working after eating
Cool environment.
Cool shower.
Thorough drying.
Heat rashes typically disappear in a few days after exposure. If the skin is not cleaned
frequently enough the rash may become infected.
b) Heat Cramps
c) Heat Exhaustion
Loosening clothing.
It takes 30 minutes to cool the body down once a worker becomes overheated and suffers
heat exhaustion.
d) Heat Stroke:
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Place in cool shower; or
þ Schedule hot jobs for cooler times of the day or cooler seasons of the year.
þ Drink 1 or 2 eight-ounce glasses of fluids before beginning work. Drink 1-2 cups of cool
fluids (10° - 15°C) every 20-30 minutes afterwards, even if this is more than you are thirsty for.
Water, electrolyte solutions, or a mixture of the two are acceptable. DO NOT drink caffeinated or
alcoholic beverages.
þ Use Check Times at regular intervals to determine whether each worker is experiencing
symptoms of heat stress or diminished capacity.
þ Allow sufficient time for recovery from any heat stress symptoms.
12. Appendices:
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APPENDIX I: Heat Stress Checklist
Shade/ Are there shade /welfare facilities available for breaks and if
Welfare workers need to recover?
Facilities
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Emergencies Does everyone know who to notify if there is an
Emergency?
Can workers explain their location if they need to call an
ambulance?
Does everyone know who will provide first aid?
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APPENDIX II: Urine Chart
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APPENDIX IV: Wind-Temperature- Humidity Check Record
Indoor/
Wind
Outdoo Temperatur Humidit Checked
Date Time Speed Comments Comments Comments
r e (Deg C) y (%) by
(Km/hr)
Activity
Remarks:
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