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Weather Extremes and Heat Illness Training. Weather Extremes.
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Weather Extremes Employees must not work under dangerous weather conditions. However, if proper precautions are taken, and with your supervisor’s approval, you may work in weather that is part of the study design or is made safe with precautions and specialized equipment. The following slides list precautions, equipment and the law related to heat illness and other weather dangers.
Weather Extremes: Clothing • Disposable clothing, rubber boots, and gloves retain heat and moisture and can contribute to heat-related illnesses. Make sure that the DPR rules and the law is followed for heat illness prevention. • Conversely, the same clothing can provide protection from cold weather. • When wearing disposable coveralls, the general rule of thumb is to have at least one layer of clothing on to provide some protection if your coveralls tear or need to be changed in the field.
Heat Illness (HI) Types Heat Stroke-The most serious health problem for workers in hot environments is caused by the failure of the body's ability to regulate its core temperature. Heat Exhaustion-Results from loss of fluid through sweating when a worker has failed to drink enough fluids , salt or both. Heat Rash- or prickly heat may happen when sweat is not easily removed from skin by evaporation. Heat Cramps- painful Spasms of muscles. Fainting or Heat syncope- may be caused by a worker who is not acclimated to a hot environment.
Heat Exhaustion Signs and Action Warning signs of Heat Exhaustion • Heavy sweating • Paleness • Muscle cramps, Weakness • Dizziness and or Headache • Nausea or vomiting • Fainting What to do • Cool victim as for heat stroke, to avoid progression to heat stroke.
Heat Stroke Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher, within 10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.
Heat Stroke Signs Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include: • Extremely high body temp (above 103°F orally) • Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating) • Rapid, strong pulse • Throbbing headache • Dizziness • Nausea • Confusion • Unconsciousness
Heat Stroke Action What to do If you see the signs of heat stroke, you are dealing with a life threatening emergency. Call for assistance and begin to cool the victim: • Get the person in the shade • Cool the person rapidly using what ever methods you can (wrap wet towel, use sample ice etc.) • Monitor body temperature • Drink fluid, non-alcohol, non-caffeine • Get medical help ASAP, call 911
Note: Not an official DPR recommended way to cool off (probably works though).
Heat Illness and the Law According to the Heat Illness Prevention Standard in Title 8, CCR Section 3395: • Employers must provide HI training. • Provide enough fresh water, at least 1 quart per hour per employee and employers must encourage consumption of fluids. • Employers must provide access to shade for at least 5 minutes of rest if employee needs a recovery period. • Employer must develop and implement written procedures for HI prevention and training.
Responsibility • All staff are responsible for their own heat stress safety, and to plan accordingly. • All staff must be alert for coworkers who may be suffering from heat stress and to take preventive action. • DPR is responsible to train employees and implement a written program. During hot weather DPR needs to provide water and shade.
Study Types • Labor intensive studies include activities such as digging, brisk walking, heavy lifting or require exertion. • Non-labor intensive studies include activities like well sampling, and some air and surface water sampling that generally allows a person to work only a short period away from an air conditioned vehicle.
Water for labor intensive studies in hot weather • Bring large water container like the Igloos, electrolyte mix is optional. • Need to have 1 quart per hour/employee. Bring at least 2 quarts per employee at start of shift. • When drinking water levels in container drop below 50%, the water should be replenished. Water level should not fall below the amount needed for the rest of the workday. • Disposable/single use cups are best when many workers are involved.
Water for labor intensive studies in hot weather • Water containers should be as close as possible to workers. • Employees should report lack of water or dirty water. • Sups/project leaders are to encourage fluid consumption and to conduct a tailgate meeting to remind workers of the importance of drinking fluids. • Schedule summer field activities early to avoid the hottest part of the day
What is Shade? • According to the standard it is the blockage of sunlight! • Shade is sufficient when objects do not cast a shadow in the shaded area. • And of course it should be cooler than in the sun or it is not effective. Sometimes reflective heat (from cars etc.) can make the shade just as hot.
Shade for labor intensive studies in hot weather • The supervisor or Project Lead will set up an adequate number of umbrellas, canopies or other portable shade devices if it is hot and there is no office building nearby. • Sup/lead person needs to ensure that employees have access to a recovery period to prevent HI. • Sup/lead should conduct a tailgate meeting to discuss importance of breaks, shade and other cooling measures. • Employees should take responsibility to wear cooling vests, hats and other cooling clothing.
Water and Shade for non-labor- intensive studies in hot weather • Employees should bring their own water or drinks. • Employees should take breaks or road stops as necessary. • Employees should watch for danger signs in themselves and others, and take HI prevention action if necessary. • Choose to work in shade if possible, sit in air conditioned vehicle, bring cooling vests, hats etc. • Schedule sampling early in the day to avoid the hottest part of the day.
A few more prevention measures • Pace yourself -before you get uncomfortable from the heat. • Acclimate yourself by working less hours in the heat the first few days of an outdoor study. • Wear light-weight, airy clothing that breathes well.
Training • Training will be conducted yearly in April or early May, or for new employees that begin work in April through September. • Tailgate training will be conducted prior to the start of labor intensive work in hot conditions, and then daily as necessary. • Supervisors will make sure that the training is conducted.
Written Procedures • Written procedures will be updated as necessary by any change in the law or new information is learned. • All field employees will read the written procedure and sign that he or she understands it, yearly.
