Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout700-23D c y of 0 F?r Q 0 >>POLICY & PROCEDURE Subject: Index: SAFETY OUTDOOR HEAT EXPOSURE PREVENTION Number: 700-23 PROGRAM Effective Date: Supersedes: Page:Staff Contact:Approved B 9/12/2011 N/A 1 of 7 Nancy A. Carlson g`. ,W" v —- — 1.0 PURPOSE: This program was developed to protect employees from hazards posed by working in the outdoor environment. The City of Renton is committed to preventing heat related illnesses that can occur to employees working outdoors by identifying, evaluating and controlling potential exposure to extreme temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors; by providing drinking water; and by providing supervisor, lead and employee training. Between May 1st and September 30th of each calendar year, the Outdoor Heat Exposure rule applies annually, only when employees are exposed to outdoor heat at or above an applicable temperature listed in Table 1 below. 2.0 ORGANIZATIONS AFFECTED: All departments/divisions 3.0 REFERENCES: WAC 296-62-095 4.0 POLICY: This program applies when employees are exposed to outdoor heat at or above the following temperature and clothing action levels. Itw 'v , i ipol ' r l',IYi Si y 1'i ,,. il;,i 3[ 4iRi'i , y'w,'utda or iem erature'&`'Cl ntl'i_rigA on 1:'e'_veis . - ' Non-breathing clothes including vapor 52 F barrier clothing or personal protective equipment (PPE) such as chemical resistant suits Double-layer woven clothes including I 77 F coveralls,jackets and sweatshirts All other clothing 89' F Policy&Procedure No.700-23 Outdoar Heat Exposure Preventian p.2 Outdoor wark includes any employee assigned ta wark in the outdoar environment on a regular bas'rs. This pragram does not apply to incidental exposure, which exists when an employee is not required to perform a work activity outdoors for more than fifteen minutes in any 60-minute periad. Note: It is passible outdaor heat related illness might accur at temperatures below the action levels when employees have nat acclimatized to sudden and significant increases in temperature and humidity. Supervisors and employees should manitor for signs and symptoms of autdoor heat-related illness when there is a significant and sudden increase in temperature. Application of Table 1 with respect ta clothing or PPE types must be based an the temperature categary that best fits the garment in use. For exampie, light weight mesh high visibility safety vests and similar ciathing are nat substantive enaugh to use the double layer"temperature category; instead, use category 1 for regular clathing at 89 degrees. Cammanly used extra attire such as rain gear or sweatshirts are cansidered double layer"; however, da not apply the nan-breathable clathing category; instead use category 2 at 77 degrees. When considering whether ar not clothing is "dauble layer," do not caunt underwear as a layer. The term "action level" in the grid above refers ta when to apply the heat exposure rule and supply drinking water. When the clothing and temperature level fit in the grid abave,the outdoor heat exposure rule applies. For example: it is 52 degrees outside and staff are wearing non-breathing clothes, including vapar barrier cbthing or persona! protective equipment {PPE} such as chemical resistant suits.The City must apply the heat expos re rules and follow City poiicy. 5.0 DEFtNITIONS: Acctimatization means the body`s temporary adaptation to work in heat that accurs as a person is exposed to it over time. Daubie-layer waven ciothing means dothing worn in two layers, allowing air to reach the skin. For example, coveralls worn on top of regular work clothes. Drinking water means patable water that is suitable to drink. Drinking water packaged as a consumer product and electrolyte-replenishing beverages (i.e., sports drinks)that do not contain caffeine are acceptable. Engineering controls means the use of devices to reduce expasure and aid coolir g{i.e., air conditianing}. Policy& Procedure No.700-23 Outdoor Heat Exposure Prevention p.3 Environmental fadors for heat-related illness means working conditions that increase susceptibility for heat-related illness such as air temperature, relative humidity, radiant heat from the sun and other sources, conductive heat sources such as the ground, air movement, workload (i.e., heavy, medium, or low) and duration, and personal protective equipment worn by employees. Heat-related illness means a medical condition resulting from the body's inability to cope with a particular heat load, and includes, but is not limited to, heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, fainting, and heat stroke. Outdoor environment means an environment where work activities are conducted outside. Work environments such as inside vehicle cabs, sheds, and tents or other structures may be considered an outdoor environment if the environmental factors affecting temperature are not managed by engineering controls. Construction activity is considered to be work in an indoor environment when performed inside a structure after the outside walls and roof are erected. Vapor barrier clothing means clothing that significantly inhibits or completely prevents sweat produced by the body from evaporating into the outside air. Such clothing includes encapsulating suits, various forms of chemical resistant suits used for PPE, and other forms of non-breathing clothing. 6.0 PROCEDURES: City departments that have staff who perform work outdoors are responsible for implementing this program as part of the City Accident Prevention Program. Supervisors are responsible for encouraging employees to frequently consume water or other acceptable beverages to ensure hydration. Employees are responsible for monitoring their own personal factors for heat related illness including consumption of water or other acceptable beverages to ensure hydration. 6.1 Evaluatin and Controlling Outdoor Heat Stress Factors 6.1.1 In addition to outdoor temperature, supervisors should evaluate other potential heat stress factors. These factors include: 1. Radiant Heat (Example: Reflection of heat from asphalt, rocks, or composite roofing material, or work in direct sunlight) 2. Air Movement (Example: Wind blowing and temperature above 95' F) 3. Conductive Heat (Example: Operating orchard tractor for mowing) 4. Workload Activity and Duration (Examples: Hand sawing, digging with a shovel) Policy& Procedure No. 700-23 Outdoor Heat Exposure Prevention p.4 5. Personal Protective Equipment (Examples: Wearing a respirator, chemical resistant suit and gloves for pesticide application, or leathers and gloves for welding) 6.1.2 Supervisors should attempt to control outdoor heat stress factors when feasible. Controls to consider include: 1. Taking breaks in a shaded area (building, canopy and under trees) 2. Starting the work shift early (when daylight begins) and ending the shift early and/or not working outside during the hottest part of the day. 3. Removing personal protective equipment such as respirators, chemical resistant clothing and gloves, and welding leathers during breaks 4. Using cooling vests or headbands 6.1.3 Employees have an obligation to monitor their own personal factors and need to consume sufficient liquids to stay hydrated. Employees and supervisors must understand and be aware of this requirement. 6.2 Drinkin Water Keeping workers hydrated in a hot outdoor environment requires that more water be provided than at other times of the year. Sufficient quantity of drinking water will be provided and made accessible to employees. The City will supply at least one quart of drinking water per employee per hour. When employee exposure is at or above an applicable temperature listed in the table in Section 4.0, the City must ensure that a sufficient quantity of drinking water is readily accessible to employees at all times; and that all employees have the opportunity to drink at least one quart of drinking water per hour. The City may begin the shift with smaller quantities of drinking water if effective procedures are established for replenishment during the shift. Ready access to drinking water generally means that employees can drink when thirsty and without undue delay(within a few minutes). However, in certain circumstances e.g. performing work in restricted areas) an employee may not be able to stop working on particular tasks in order to drink. In these circumstances, the City will have provisions in place to ensure that employees are adequately hydrated. This may include providing the opportunity for employees to drink water prior to beginning the assignment and/or limiting work time. Employees may voluntarily bring their own drinking water or other appropriate beverages to work; however, the employer is still responsible for ensuring that a sufficient quantity of drinking water is available at the worksite so that each employee has the opportunity to drink at least one quart per hour. Policy&Procedure No.700-23 Outdoor Heat Exposure Prevention p.5 6.3 Procedures for Resqondin to a Heat-Related Illness Supervisors will respond to heat-related illness in a quick and safe manner. The table below outlines the potential types of heat-related illnesses, signs and symptoms and specific first aid and emergency procedures. The information should be present at all work sites where outdoor work activities are conducted. Employees experiencing signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness are to cease work and report their condition to their supervisor. Employees showing signs or demonstrating symptoms of heat-related illness are to be relieved from duty and provided sufficient means to reduce body temperature. Employees experiencing sunburn, heat rash or heat cramps will be monitored to determine whether medical attention is necessary. Emergency medical services will be called (911) when employees experience signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. w e t Reiatetl l ln ess irs#"1 i.ar d Emergency esponse''Procedures =- a I'ir"s _,_Gw . Heat-Related Signs and Symptoms: First Aid and Emergency Response Illness: Procedures: Sunburn Red, hot skin; possibly blisters 1. Move to shade, loosen clothes 2. Apply cool compress or water to burn 3. Get medical evaluation if severe Heat Rash 1. Red, itchy skin 1. Apply cool water or cool compress to 2. Bumpy skin rash to cool it down 3. Skin infection 2. Keep affected area dry after it is cooled down Heat Cramps 1. Muscle cramps or spasms 1. Drink water to hydrate body 2. Grasping the affected area 2. Rest in a cool, shaded area 3. Abnormal body posture 3. Massage affected muscles 4. Get medical attention if cramps persist Heat 1. High pulse rate 1. CALL 911* Exhaustion 2. Extreme sweating 2. Provide EMS with directions to worksite 3. Pale face 3. Move to shade and loosen clothing 4. Insecure gait 4. Start rapid cooling with fan, water mister 5. Headache or ice packs 6. Clammy and moist skin 5. Lay flat and elevate feet 7. Weakness 6. Drink small amounts of water to hydrate 8. Fatigue and cool body 9. Dizziness Policy&Procedure No.700-23 Outdoor Heat Exposure Prevention p.6 Heat Stroke 1. Any of the above, but more 1. CALL 911* severe 2. Provide EMS with directions to worksite 2. Hot, dry skin (25-50%of 3. Immediately remove from work area cases)Start rapid cooling with fan, water mister 3. Altered mental status with or ice packs confusion and agitation 4. Lay flat and elevate feet 4. Can progress to loss of 5. If conscious give sips of water consciousness and seizures 6. Monitor airway and breathing, administer CPR if needed In remote areas specific procedures might be required to move or transport employees to a place where they can be reached by emergency medical services. 6.4 Trainin 6.4.1 Supervisor Training Prior to supervising employees working in outdoor environments with heat exposure at or above the action levels, supervisors will receive training in the following topics: 1. The content and procedures contained in this program. 2. Procedures (listed in this program)the supervisor will follow if an employee shows signs and symptoms consistent with possible heat-related illness. 3. Specific procedures, if necessary, describing how to move or transport employees to a place where they can be reached by emergency medical services. 4. Information provided to employees. 6.4.2 Employee Training Employees who may be exposed to outdoor heat at or above the action levels are to be trained on the following topics: 1. Environmental factors that might contribute to the risk of heat-related illness temperature, humidity, radiant heat, air movement, conductive heat sources, workload activity and duration, and personal protective equipment) 2. Personal factors that may increase susceptibility to heat-related illness (age, degree acclimatization, medical conditions, drinking water, consuming alcohol, caffeine use, nicotine use and use of inedications that affect the body's response to heat). 3. The importance of removing heat retaining personal protective equipment, such as non-breathable chemical resistant clothing, during breaks. Policy&Procedure No.700-23 Outdoor Heat Exposure Prevention p. 7 4. The importance of frequent drinking of small quantities of water. 5. The importance of acclimatization. 6. The different types and common signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. 7. The procedure for immediately reporting signs and symptoms of heat-related illness in themselves or co-workers to their supervisor or person in charge. 6.4.3 Refresher Training Supervisors and employees covered by this program are to receive annual refresher training prior to May 1st every year.