JUNE 2013
Heat Stress Attachment A
The employer should:
■ Assess the demands of all jobs and have monitoring and control strategies in place for hot days
and hot workplaces.
■ Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks.
■ Schedule loading to cooler times of the day if possible.
■ Provide cool drinking water near workers and remind them to drink a cup every 20 minutes, or
more frequently, to stay hydrated.
■ Assign additional workers or slow down the pace of work.
■ Train workers to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress and start a "buddy system" since
people are not likely to notice their own symptoms.
■ Investigate any heat-related incidents.
The employees should:
■ Discuss with their physicians about working in the heat, especially pregnant workers and workers
with a medical condition or those taking certain medications.
■ Wear light summer clothing to allow free air movement and sweat evaporation.
■ Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks.
■ Drink a cup of cool drinking water about every 20 minutes, or more frequently, to stay hydrated.
■ Monitor your co-workers and report any signs of heat stress to your supervisor.
Problems and Symptoms Caused by Hot Temperatures
Temperature Range (°C) Effects
20 - 27°C Comfort Zone Maximum effi ciency
as temperature Discomfort: Mental Problems
increases...
■ Increased irritability
■ Loss of concentration
■ Loss of effi ciency in mental tasks
Increase of errors: Pyscho-physiological problems
■ Loss of effi ciency in skilled tasks
■ More incidents
Loss of performance of heavy work: Physiological problems
■ Disturbed water and electrolyte balance
■ Heavy load on heart and circulation
■ Fatigue and threat of exhaustion
35 - 40°C Limit of high temperature tolerance
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/heat_health.html
60
