1. Heat Stress

2. Agenda Definitions Regulation Responsibilities Hazard identification Risk Assessment

3. Agenda Controls Heat Stress Illnesses First Aid

4. 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

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

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

7. Definitions Unacclimatized Worker Not accustomed to working in hot environment

8. Definitions WBGT Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

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

10. Definitions Administrative Controls Changing the way work is done

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

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

13. Responsibilities Managers / Supervisors Post signage Ensure workers are trained

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

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

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

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

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

19. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26. Risk Assessment Heat stress risk assessment Assessment factors Interpretation Supplementary measurements

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

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

29. 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

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

31. Controlling the risk Acclimatize workers

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

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

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

35. Controlling the Risk Clothing Suitable for the conditions Loose fitting Breathability

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

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

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

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

40. 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

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

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

43. 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

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

45. 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

46. 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

47. 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

48. Summary We have discussed: Definitions WorkSafeBC regulatory requirements Responsibilities

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

50. Questions