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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"
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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.
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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.