This document provides guidance on safety plans and procedures for working in summer heat. It outlines objectives to minimize health risks from heat and defines relevant terms like heat stress and heat stroke. It describes clinical signs of extreme heat like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It also provides guidance on maintaining hydration, including required fluid intake levels based on workloads and conditions. Drink choices are outlined to replace fluid and salt lost through sweat. Working hours may be restricted during peak summer heat and lone working is discouraged in remote locations.
This document provides guidance on safety plans and procedures for working in summer heat. It outlines objectives to minimize health risks from heat and defines relevant terms like heat stress and heat stroke. It describes clinical signs of extreme heat like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It also provides guidance on maintaining hydration, including required fluid intake levels based on workloads and conditions. Drink choices are outlined to replace fluid and salt lost through sweat. Working hours may be restricted during peak summer heat and lone working is discouraged in remote locations.
Original Description:
it will help to prepare a good summer working plan, for your organization.
This document provides guidance on safety plans and procedures for working in summer heat. It outlines objectives to minimize health risks from heat and defines relevant terms like heat stress and heat stroke. It describes clinical signs of extreme heat like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It also provides guidance on maintaining hydration, including required fluid intake levels based on workloads and conditions. Drink choices are outlined to replace fluid and salt lost through sweat. Working hours may be restricted during peak summer heat and lone working is discouraged in remote locations.
This document provides guidance on safety plans and procedures for working in summer heat. It outlines objectives to minimize health risks from heat and defines relevant terms like heat stress and heat stroke. It describes clinical signs of extreme heat like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It also provides guidance on maintaining hydration, including required fluid intake levels based on workloads and conditions. Drink choices are outlined to replace fluid and salt lost through sweat. Working hours may be restricted during peak summer heat and lone working is discouraged in remote locations.
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Revision
No.
Issue Date Document ID
SUMMER WORK PLAN/SAFETY IN HEAT
SUMMER WORK PLAN/SAFETY
IN HEAT
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Contractor: Prepared By
Approved By
Date of Issue
Revision No.
S/N DESCRIPTION Page No.
Introduction 3 1.0
2.0 Objectives 3
Definition of Terms 4 3.0
4.0 Clinical Signs of Extreme Heat 4
Hydration Maintenance 5 5.0
6.0 Lone work and /or in remote locations 10
ABC Safety in Heat and Working during Ramadan Campaign 10
7.0
8.0 References and Referred Websites 11
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1.0 Introduction
Heat is internally generated by the body's own functioning and increases as workload increases. Environmental heat can add to the body's burden of heat removal and includes air temperature, air velocity, humidity, and radiant heat. Working in a hot environment can pose special hazards to the health and safety of employees, including heat-related illness and fatigue. Heat increases the potential for accidents due to fogged glasses, sweat in the eyes, slippery hands, physical discomfort, irritability, reduced judgment, or slower physical and mental reaction times.
The summer months in the UAE can bring extreme temperatures and humidity, which can lead to any heat related cases or even death if not properly manage.
During the month of summer, June to September the works not allowed to commence between 1200hrs to 1500hrs, therefore additional working hours can be recommended by ABC management team based on the site conditions and client requirements.
2.0 Objectives To minimize the negative impact of Summer Heat on the health and safety of workers of the Project, employees in particular.
3.0 Definition of Terms:
3.1 Heat stress
Sense of discomfort and physiological stress associated with exposure to a hot environment, especially while performing physical labour.
3.2 Heat stroke
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Heatstroke is the progression of two worsening heat-related conditions. When your body overheats, you first may develop heat cramps. If you don't cool down, you may progress to symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, nausea, lightheadedness and feeling faint. Heatstroke occurs if your body temperature continues to rise. At this point, emergency treatment is needed. In a period of hours, untreated heatstroke can cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. These injuries get worse the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death
3.3 Heat Exhaustion
Moderately severe condition caused by loss of water or salts, due to very hot surroundings or strenuous physical activity. The signs and symptoms include intense thirst, asthenia (loss of energy), discomfort, anxiety, dizziness, weakness and cephalalgia (severe headache); the core temperature may be normal, lower than normal or slightly higher (>37 but < 40ºC).
3.4 Hyperthermia.
Increase in body temperature above the level for hypothalamic regulation when heat-disposal mechanisms are altered (due to drugs or illness) or overcome by external (from outside temperatures or induced) or internal (metabolic) heat.
3.5 Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndromes.
Changes produced in more than one organ after traumatic lesions, septicemia or due to heat stroke.
4.0 Clinical Signs of Extreme Heat.
Even though the signs can vary greatly (tiredness, fainting, burns, swelling, etc.), there are two main conditions related to extreme heat: heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
4.1 Heat Exhaustion
Is evident when the person feels very tired, dizzy and is sweating profusely, The skin is cool and moist, the pulse is rapid and breathing is light and rapid. In this case, they should drink cool water, shower, and stay in air-conditioned areas. If the symptoms do not go away and the person does not recover in thirty minutes, if there is an alteration in the level of consciousness or if the person already has a medical condition, urgent medical attention is recommended.
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4.2 Heat Stroke
Is a serious clinical condition, because the mechanism that enables sweating begins to fail and the body can no longer cool itself down. This is evident in very high hyperthermia, normally above 40ºC, alteration in consciousness (which can vary from an alteration in character to coma) and absence of sweating. The skin is red, hot and dry. Urgent medical attention is required, since the death of the patient can result if immediate medical treatment is not applied.
5.0 Hydration Maintenance
The fluid intake required to maintain hydration is determined by the sweat rate which in turn is determined by the work rate and the conditions. Sweat rates vary considerably and increase with acclimatization. The following recommendations are for the average acclimatized worker . 5.1 REQUIRED FLUID INTAKE TO MAINTAIN HYDRATION DURING WORK
The table below shows the fluid intake required to replace sweat at different workloads and conditions. As a general guide, work in hot weather requires an intake of 2 liters every 2-3 hours .
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Key Extreme thermal stress. Essential maintenance and rescue work only.
Workload exceeds TWL. Work-rest cycling must be applied.
High thermal stress. No worker to work alone.
Moderate thermal stress. No non acclimatized worker to work alone.
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Low thermal stress. Unrestricted self-paced work.
* At high workloads and/or high thermal stress, sweat rates exceed 1.2L/hr. Increasing fluid intake much above this level is not practical due to gastric discomfort as the upper limit for gastric emptying and fluid absorption is ~ 1.5 L/hr. In these situations the workload exceeds TWL and even with adequate fluid replacement heat storage will limit work time as other factors prevent achievement of heat balance. 5.2 CHOICE OF FLUID REPLACEMENT DRINKS Replacement of the fluid lost in sweat requires intake of adequate quantities of water and salt. Drinking at mealtimes replaces both and is essential. Remember to encourage workers to: ⮚ Add a little extra salt to their meals during hot weather, salt tablets are not recommended ⮚ Drink water with meals ⮚ Limit consumption of soft drinks as the sugar content is high ⮚ Limit consumption of caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, cola) and ‘energy drinks’, as the caffeine may reduce fluid retention ⮚ If workers are sweating heavily between meals, an electrolyte replacement drink is recommended. Replacing salt as it is lost helps the body absorb and retain the water consumed: ⮚ Sports drinks are high in sugar and often quite acidic which can damage teeth. They are not designed for prolonged consumption at work. ⮚ For prolonged consumption, a fluid with 4% or less sugar is recommended . ⮚ Appropriate products designed for industrial use are available commercially ⮚ The suggested schedule is to drink the electrolyte replacement fluid at every second drink (i.e. one for one with water). ⮚ For diabetics or those on sugar-restricted diets, medical advice is required on the preferred fluids for rehydration.
5.3 Control of Heat Stress for Employers (PREVENTING HEAT RELATED ILLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE)
Heat Exposure and Heat Stroke can be fatal if proper controls are not implemented. Employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health of their workers as stipulated by the UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980). For workers working in hot environments this includes protecting the worker from heat related illness and to control heat-related risks. Employers are expected to take appropriate necessary actions, e.g. establishing occupational health and safety procedures for work in hot environments, instructing and training workers and supervisors to prevent, recognize and deal with heat related illness and provide
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controls, including appropriate amounts of drinking water and electrolyte replacement drinks, appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment where applicable or necessary . 5.3.1 RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Establish and enforce management of work-in-heat protocols and occupational health procedures. 2. Inform and train workers and supervisors to recognize heat stress symptoms and to control heat exposure. Training should be conducted in a language understood by the worker and should include: How the body overheats, symptoms of heat illness, acclimatization, work pacing and the importance of rest breaks and effects of clothing First-aid measures for heat-related disorders Preventive measures such as encouraging hydration (drinking 2 liters of water every 2-3 hours) 3. Provide workers with adequate amounts of drinking water close to the workplace and if possible electrolyte replacement drinks. Programmed drinking every hour can be implemented to encourage adequate fluid intake. 4. Provide workers with appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment where applicable including a large personal water container (of at least 1-2 liters in size). 5. Allow workers to self-pace where applicable and take rests when they can to cool down. 6. Allow non-acclimatized workers (new arrivals or workers returning from vacation) time to acclimatize for 5-7 days before starting hard work in a hot environment in summer. Before working in hot conditions, pre-placement training (safety induction) should be given. 7. Provide medical clearance for work in heat for any person with a chronic medical condition (e.g. high blood pressure, obesity) or requiring the use of certain prescription drugs (consult a doctor). 8. Implement Engineering Controls where applicable such as: 9. Insulation of ceilings to minimize solar heat transfer 10. Providing shaded work areas ⮚ Respecting and enforcing the midday break rule set by the Ministry of Labour in summer ⮚ Providing cooled and air-conditioned rest areas with water or electrolyte drinks available ⮚ Using exhaust ventilation such as extraction hoods above heat-generating processes like a furnace or oven to remove heat ⮚ Using forced air-ventilation such as fans to increase airflow across the skin and increase evaporation and cooling
5.4 Treatment
5.4.1 RECOMMENDED/REQUIRED MEDICAL ACTION IN CASE OF HEAT-RELATED
DISORDERS AND DISEASES All workers and supervisors should be familiar with common symptoms of heat illness and the required action to be taken.
Symptoms Recommended Action
● Go to medical center/clinic when convenient Heat rash
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● Move the victim to a cool area
Fatigue ● Drink fluids (Electrolyte drink or water) Dizziness ● Report to medical center if symptoms don’t improve within one hour Headache ● In case of cramps rest and cool down, practice gentle, range-of-motion stretching Cramps and gentle massage of the affected muscle group and drink electrolyte drink or Nausea/Vomiting juices. Seek medical attention if the cramps don't go away in one hour
Exhaustion ● Immediate Action / First Aid:
Inability to concentrate, ● If fever greater than 39°C, fainting, confusion or seizures occur (heat exhaustion) or Lack of coordination, signs and symptoms of heat stroke present call for medical emergency assistance Disorientation, ● If possible move/remove person to a cool, shady or air-conditioned area Confusion, ● Sit or lie person down, elevate legs slightly if they have fainted Fast heart rate or breathing ● Loosen the person's clothing. Feeling of “burning up” ● Give sips of cool (not ice cold) water or electrolyte drink when conscious to be drunk Fainting or collapse slowly ● Cool the person down by spraying or sponging cool water on them, place a cold towel on the head, or direct air to them with a fan or newspaper (if air temperature is <35 °C). Do not throw ice or ice cold (chilled) water on them. ● If there is no quick recovery, place them in the “recovery” position and use the ABC procedure (Airway, Breathing & Circulation) ● Monitor the person carefully and wait with them for assistance to arrive
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5.4.2 DEHYDRATION AND HEAT ILLNESS PROTOCOL
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ABC will use the Training Guide and other Leaflets (Posters) provided by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi - OSHAD that is available in their website.
The Emergency Response Team (ERT), composed of representatives from the Employer (Musanada), Consultant (OTAK) and the Contractor (ABC) will be always on alert.
6.0 Lone work and /or in remote locations
Lone working is not permitted, should be team working with the following recommendations
⮚ Wearing clothes that allow sweat to evaporate.
⮚ Pacing work. It has been found that frequent, short breaks give more benefit than occasional, long breaks from manual effort. ⮚ Job rotation. In addition to pacing work, if the more arduous tasks can be shared, no one member of the team is put at additional risk. ⮚ Regular drinking to maintain an adequate hydration level. A potential sweat loss of one liter per hour has to be replaced, and it is recommended that regular, small drinks are taken rather than fewer, large drinks, which can cause cramps. An intake of 250 ml every 15 minutes is recommended. Salt should NOT be added to the water, as this is likely to interfere with the kidneys’ normal physiological control mechanisms. Water can be made more palatable by the addition of fruit flavorings. ⮚ Avoiding drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, colas and some ‘during the shift. Caffeine is a diuretic and encourages fluid loss. Similarly, energy drinks should be taken in moderation, as excessive consumption can result in a salt, particularly potassium, imbalance. ⮚ Monitoring hydration levels. This can be simply accomplished by observing the color of the urine stream: the darker the color, the less hydrated the individual. If this is noted, then immediate remedial action in the form of taking on extra fluids can be initiated. Urine color charts for objective comparison are available and their use is encouraged. ⮚ Regular food intake. Like water intake, small meals should be taken at regular intervals throughout the shift, rather than waiting until mid-shift to start eating. Bread, bananas, yoghurts, beans and fruitcake are all recommended. Meat, cheese or other protein rich foods are not recommended, as these do not encourage fluid absorption. All food should ideally be kept at or below 10 oC to avoid deterioration. ⮚ On shift surveillance. This should be three tier, i.e. self, team, supervisor. Compliance with recommended behaviors should be checked and verified. The team must also check that the supervisor is complying, for example by taking sufficient fluids, and must monitor the supervisor for signs and symptoms of heat illness.
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7.0: ABC SAFETY IN HEAT AND WORKING DURING RAMADAN CAMPAIGN
7.1 Communication:
A Letter will be issued to the employer/ consultant regarding safety in heat and working during Ramadan campaign detailing the programs or Activities to be run during campaign and also the participation of all parties involved in order to achieve objectives of the campaign program and make it successful. The campaign lasted for 1 week starting from May 2018 to June 2018.
7.2 Campaign Programs and activities:
The campaign was based on the following activities, where each activity/training program took 20-30 minutes daily.
8.0 References:
1. UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980).
2. AD OSHAD-SF CoP. 11.0 Safety in Heat Version 3.0 July 2016 3. HAAD – Safety in the Heat Program: http://haad.ae/safety-in-heat
