PROJECT NAME

CLIENT

HEAT STRESS EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

CONSULTANT

CONTRACTOR

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HEAT STRESS EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

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INTRODUCTION:

During summer temperatures increases up to 50 0 c and average relative humidity of 75 %. This climate
creates a potentially dangerous situation for those exposed to the heat; and causing discomfort and
increasing risk of accident.
Work in dry or moist heat poses a number of hazards. As long as workers are protected the risk is
minimal, however in outdoor activities there exists a number of potential hazards.
The hierarchy of control from heat stress are:
Shaded area
Cooling facility
Reduce time of exposure
Automation
Work rotation
Adequate potable and cold drinking water
Frequent rest break

2.0

SCOPE:

This standard is applicable to all personnel (Contractor, Sub-contractor/Supplier/Visitors) who are working
on our premises to prevent heat related illness, by providing guidance , in the recognition , evaluation and
control of potential heat stress conditions. Those guidelines may be implemented in conjunction with the
clients program.

3.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Personnel / Staff

Duties and Responsibilities

Project Manager

Review heat stress precautions for performing work in hot

locations
On hot and humid days consider scheduling of any Hot Work or
heavy work in cooler part of the day during nights, or using of
other methods to reduce the heat stress.
When scheduling plan fir additional breaks, as needed and
demand of the work or activity.
Request safety department to evaluate routine and non routine
jobs or other jobs where there may be heat stress concern
including remedial measures.
Assures that these guidelines are implemented and
administered to entire job locationrescue equipments are in

place and concerned workers are aware of it.

That all concerned staff is aware of hazard and risk of
the said operation.

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Safety Engineer

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1. Ensure that gas test was conducted and level of gases is

within the threshold limit.
2. Permit to Work (PTW) & Trench/ Pit - Man Entry Permit are
signed and valid.
3. Ensure that crews are trained (have valid training certificate
from third party approved training provider), competent to
work in confined space and aware about hazard and
precautions.
4. Ensure that Toolbox Talks were conducted prior to
execute the job.
5. Make sure that necessary PPEs are available and workers
are competent, trained and have third party valid training
certificate to use the said PPEs.
6. Conduct regular inspection to ensure that safe access &
egress, safe equipment & accessories are in place
comply with procedure and regulations.
7. Inspects portable power tools and equipments and to
ensure that
they are intrinsically safe and meets the requirements prior to
use.

HEATH EFFECT:

There are two major factors affecting the bodys temperature when working in hot environment.
Metabolite factors:

The heat generated by the body functions increases with the work load and
excess body heat shall be dissipated.
Environmental factors:
Air temperature radiant temperature (heat radiating from the sun) , air speed
and humidity.
The body core temperature shall be kept near 370 c in order to function properly. Body
heat is transferred in four ways.

Conduction (K).
Convection (C).
Evaporation (E); and
Radiation (R).

HEAT STRESS EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Conduction(K):
Convection (C):
Evaporation (E):

Radiation (R):

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Conduction is the transfer of heat through a solid. The rate at which heat is
transferred by conduction depends on the temperature difference between the body
and the surrounding medium.
Normally, the surface temperature of a person is higher than that of the surrounding
air so that heated air close to the body will move upwards by natural convection as
colder air takes its place.
Evaporative cooling is a physical phenomenon in which evaporation of a liquid,
typically into surrounding air, cools an object or a liquid in contact with the air. The
simplest example would be perspiration, or sweat, which the body secretes in order
to cool itself. The amount of heat transfer depends on the evaporation rate, which in
turn depends on the humidity of the air and its temperature, which is why humans
sweat more on hot, humid days.
Radiation can pass through a vacuum. Solar heat is derived totally from radiation.
Radiation energy is transferred as wave energy. It is similar to light and has similar
properties.

There are several stages of ill health effect as a result of the body is not being able to cool itself to
maintain the internal body temperature. These conditions can range from heat cramp to heat exhaustion
and finally heat stroke.
Follow the TWL chart as per Cop 11 technical guidelines V.2.1 -2013

3.1

HEAT CRAMP:

Heat cramps are painful, uncontrolled muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot
environments. Inadequate fluid intake often contributes to heat cramps. Heavy sweating cause loss of salt
from the body which reduces salt level causes painful leg, arms, and abdomen back, and muscle cramp.
Signs and symptoms:

Rapid pulse
Sweaty skin

Muscle pain

Treatment: To relieve the pain, lie down the person in a cool place and gently massage the affected
muscle.

3.2

HEAT EXHAUSTIAN:

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Heat exhaustion is one of the heat-related syndromes, which range in severity from mild heat cramps to
heat exhaustion to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is caused by dehydration (lose
of amount of water).
Signs and symptoms:

Feeling faint.
Nausea.

Heavy sweating.

Rapid week heart beat..

Cool moist skin.

Low grade fever.

Headache ,Dizziness

Treatment: Contact the emergency services for medical assistance .Move the patient to a cooler
environment and start cooling by fanning, and sponging with wet cloth.

3.3

HEAT STROKE:

Heat stroke is similar to heat cramps and heat exhaustion. It's one of the heat-related problems
that often result from heavy work in hot environments, usually accompanied by inadequate fluid
intake. Older adults, people who are obese and people born with an impaired ability to sweat are at
high risk of heatstroke. What makes heatstroke much more severe and potentially life-threatening
is that the body's normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and
temperature control, are lost. The main sign of heatstroke is a markedly elevated body temperature
generally greater than 104 F with changes in mental status, and can cause shock, organ
failure or death.

Signs and symptoms:

Rapid heart beat

Rapid and shallow breathing

Elevate or lower blood pressure.

Ending of sweating

Bad temper, confusion

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Unconsciousness.

Treatment: Seek medical attention immediate. Lay the person down loose clothing, remove shoes and
apply rapid cooling. Assess the patient condition carefully. Check Air ways, Breathing, and Circulation
(ABC of first-aid). If the patient is breathing place him/her in Rescue position. If the patient is not breathing
apply CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) , till the medical help arrived. Do not give any oral dose.

4.0

GUIDENCE:

4.1

Heat exposure:

A thorough evaluation of workplace is necessary to identify tasks and conditions that present a potential
hear stress hazard. This evaluation should include observations, discussion with workers and supervisors,
and the review of any report heat related disorders. Information that can help to determine heat stress
potential and appropriate control measures. There shall be shaded area with proper ventilation. Adequate
cold potable drinking water shall be available at required locations and workers shall be encouraged
drinking water frequently. There shall be continuous measurement of thermal work limit TWL and TWL
system to be communicated with the workforce.
Manual handling to be reduced and equipment and hand tools shall be kept under shade.

4.2

WORKPLACE PROCEDURES:

4.2.1 Work scheduling:

In order to reduce the possibility of heat stress and to improve work activity efficiently any Hot work or
heavy work shall be scheduled during cooler part of the day.
Plan any hot work with additional rest breaks, and consider use of appropriate PPE .Consider the hot
surface and heat producing equipment during work activity.

4.2.2 Metabolism:
Excess work can create excess body heat which may cause to increase body core temperature and affect
the brains thermoregulatory control. Where possible manual handling activities to be reduced and
automation to be introduced to reduce the metabolic

4.2.3 Environmental conditions:

Air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direct sunlight all affect the heat stress potential. WBGT (WET
BULB GLOBE TEMPERATURE INDEX) may be referred to follow suitable work/rest regime.

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4.2.4 Existing control:

Existing controls shall be in place prior to work in hot environment.

4.2.5 Work Rest Intervals:

On hot and humid days frequent rest breaks shall be planned especially if heavy work is involved. Rest
area shall be adequate and cool. Cold Drinking water and energy drink or ORS (oral rehydration salt) to
be provided. Drinks containing caffeine shall be avoided.

4.2.6 Employee rotation:

Worker shall be divided in two group, one for working and another for resting specially for any Hot work or
heavy work.

4.2.7 Acclimatization:
If a person has not been working in hot weather, so same level of performance may not be expected as
compare to those who used to work in hot environment. It takes some time for a new worker to be used to
of the hot environment.
4.2.8 Clothing: Suitable clothing protects the worker from radiant heat. Cotton clothing generally retains
less body heat. Excessive layering of clothing of clothing shall be avoided when heat stress is potential
hazard.

4.3

Engineering control:

Shielding:
Shade will reduce radiant solar heat and is widely recognized control measure. Shading the work area,
rest area, equipments or enclosures can significantly decrease the effect of heat.

Air Treatment/Air cooling:

The cool air flow streams need to be directed towards the workers and discharge ducts should be as close
as practice to the work area , if it is possible.
This control measures differ from ventilation because it cools the air by removing heat and sometime
humidity. Air conditioning and air treatment devices may be expensive to install and operate. Mechanical
refrigeration as cool room ( used as recovery area near hot works).Portable blowers with a built in air
chiller are effective for cooling asbestos abetment ( and similar) enclosures. The main advantage of
blower is portability and minimal set-up time.

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Ventilation:
Reducing heat stress by increasing airflow through a work area such as with fans and air conditioners will
help increase the evaporation arte and cooling of the people. This will not be effective if the temperature of
air blowing across the worker is over 40 0 c (110 0 F). As it may than actually result in increased heat
stress, because this method douse not cool the air but increasing the air flow.

4.3.1 Administrative and work practice control:

Scheduling: If possible perform possibly hot jobs when heat stress conditions are at their minimum. Allow
latent heat in equipment to dissipate before work begins. Schedule work in cooler part of the day, and
routine maintenance and repair work in hot area for the cooler season of the year.

Fluid Replacement:
One of the most important means of reducing the risk of heat stress is to drink plenty of fluid (water), when
doing hard work in hot climate. Dehydration may occur due to heavy sweating before person even feels
thirsty. It is recommended that at least one half liter of fluid is consumed every 20 minutes to prevent
dehydration and reduce the risk of illness.
Place adequate supply of water near the work area. Preferred drinks re low-sodium, non-carbonated, nonalcoholic, and non-caffeinated.
Cool water or generally accepted fluid replacement such as isolator or Gatorade should be readily
available in hot environment near the work area. The normal thirst mechanism does not ensure sufficient
fluid intake, encourage workers to drink small amount on a frequent basis. A well balanced diet will replace
all necessary salts and electrolytes.

Work/Rest cycles:
Prescribed periods of work and rest are based on specific heat indices and workload estimates. These
prescribed levels are based on the assumption that on repetitive controlled and continuous work over an
eight hour shift, and the rest area environment similar to that in which exposure occurs.

Recovery Times:
Recovery may be required for any heat stress exposure. Recovery is complete when the persons
physiological stare has returned to its pro-exposure condition. This means that excess (stored) body heat
is dissipated, lost fluid has been replaced and electrolytes are balanced. To permit disruption of stored
body heat the recommended recovery area shall be subjectively cool.

Buddy System:
When working on high temperature jobs , consideration should be given to work in pairs with each person
watching out for early warning signs of excessive heat stress in the other person.
Working in pairs or small teams allows appropriately trained workers to observed each other for sign of
heat related disorders. Employee will also share work activities to reduce metabolic heat production.

Self-Determination:

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Appropriately trained workers can help monitor their own heat conditions. Training should emphasize that
heat stress can affect an individuals ability to reason clearly. This may cause then to fall to recognize
signs and symptoms of heat stress. For reasons self-determinations must be increased by the heat
awareness program, workers raining program, and check time and buddy system controls described in
this guidelines.

Other Administrative Controls:

Reduce the physical demand of work ( such as excessive lifting), by using powered equipment increase
the number of workers assigned to a task , use relief workers, and limit workers occupancy in confined
area.

4.4

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The overall responsibility for the prevention of heat related illness rest with Project Manager, Super visor
and site safety personnel, however daily monitoring of employees for signs and symptoms of heat related
disorders rests with the employees and their firat line supervisors.

Project Manager:

Review heat stress precautions for performing work in hot locations

On hot and humid days consider scheduling of any Hot Work or heavy work in cooler part of the
day during nights, or using of other methods to reduce the heat stress.
When scheduling plan fir additional breaks, as needed and demand of the work or activity.
Request safety department to evaluate routine and non routine jobs or other jobs where there may
be heat stress concern including remedial measures.
Assures that these guidelines are implemented and administered to entire job locations.

Site Safety and Health Personnel/Representative:

Provide training, make evaluation and guidance to Construction team.

Review heat stress precautions with hot or heavy work activity.
Inform or report to management.
Advise the management for work scheduling , plan for additional breaks, as needed.
Mention the heat stress issues or requirements in HSE meeting.

Foreman/Supervisor:

Responsible for well-being of subordinate workers.

Ensure/Advise worker for frequent drinking of water.

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Monitor subordinate exposures to heat and modify work schedule accordingly.

Administrative control for the conduct of heavy work is the most effective for protecting
employees from heat stress. The most physical activities should be scheduled f in the cooler part
of the day.
Provide cold water and encourage workers to drink water frequently and include the topic of heat
stress awareness during toolbox talk meetings.
Monitor employees for any sign of heat disorders.
Do not allow worker to work in hot environment alone.
Ensure that employees are trained for the symptoms treatment of heat related health problems.

Employees:

4.5

EMPLOYEE PREVENTION INFORMATION AND TRAINING:

4.6

To be familiar with early signs of heat stress in thyself and co-workers to take immediate action
when they are noted.
Conduct periodic self-evaluation in hot or warm weather for early warning signs of heat stress.
Drink plenty of water, even not thirsty.
Inform your supervisor of any heat related concern if it does not appear that the job can be done
sagely.

Heat stress awareness training shall be provided at least once a year (probably during the
summer)
The hazard of heat stress.
Recognition of predisposing factors, warning signs and symptoms.
First-aid procedures for the potential health effect of heat srtoke and other heat disorders.
Employees responsibilities in avoiding heat stress.
Dangers of use of drugs , including prescription and over the counter medicine and alcohol in hot
environment.
Proper use of Engineering and Administrative (work practice) control.
Proper use of PPE (personal protective equipment)
What to do during heat related condition

FACTORS AFFECTING HEAT TOLERENCE:

Physiological characteristic (listed in no particular order):

General physical fitness:

For any work level, the upper limit of heat tolerance are reduced for the physically unfit.

Obesity:
Fat is an excellent insulator, obeys individuals generally has a lower heat tolerance than lean individuals.

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Hypertension: Some studies indicate even moderate hypertensive exhibit reduced heat tolerance.
Organic Heart (heart structure) and or vascular disease: This problem may interface with an individuals
ability to shed excess body heat.
Respiratory disease: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may limit heat tolerance as a function of the
seriousness of the disease.
Precious Thermal/Chemical injury: Individual who have suffered thermal or chemical burns often have skin
conditions that interface with the bodies cooling process and adaption to heat, thus increasing suitability to
heat stress.
Skin Disease: Some skin diseases interface with the sweating process and heat transfer.
Infection: The bodys response to infection can include fever and fatigue.
Dehydration: Since many heat related conditions are due to dehydration, a pre-existing state of hydration
will obviously increase susceptibility to heat stress.
Diarrhea: The condition can lead to dehydration, and may itself be a symptom of an underlying medical
problem.
Age: Heat tolerance may begin to decline in persons over 50 years of age due to slow sweat gland
response.
Nutrition: Individuals who are not maintaining a balance diet may have a reduced capacity for performing
work, and exhibit reduced heat tolerance. Poor nutrition may be the result of illness, stress, dieting to
achieve weight loss , etc.
Lack of sleep: Fatigue can reduce the bodys ability to respond to heat stress.
In-adequate Mental capacity: be sure that all individuals are capable of understanding heat related
hazards and preventive measures.
Inadequate ability to communicate: Be sure that all employees are able to describe the symptoms of heat
related illness to their co-workers or supervisors.
Working immediately after eating: Having food in the stomach diverts some blood from the periphery to
the body core.

4.7

EXTERNAL AGENTS AFFECTING HEAT TOLERENCE:

Alcohol: The ingestion of Alcohol before or during work causes peripheral vasodilatation and increases
heart rate , thereby reducing heat tolerance.

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Illegal drugs: Many of these substances alter behavioral function, having serious effect on the central
nervous and cardiovascular system, and affect good judgment, and all of this could increase the risk of a
heat related disorders to occur.
Prescription and over-the counter drugs: These are numerous legal drugs that may limit heat tolerance
Before taking any medication employees should consult with their physician regarding any
potential effect on heat tolerance. Many of drugs may affect the heat tolerance e.g. vasodilators,
central nerve system inhibitor, beta blocking agents, antihistamines, muscle relaxants,
amphetamines, atropine, and tranquillizers etc.

4.8

EFFECTIVE PROACTIVE MEASURES:

Anticipate high heat days through weather forecast and prepare for them for proactive measures.
Following are a few recommendations to aid in the prevention of heat related problems.
A. Begin drinking fluid early in the day. Waiting until hottest portion of the day replenish fluids is too
late. A void caffeine and alcohol the night before and during the day.
B. Dress for conditions , light weight loose clothing is best. Avoid layering of clothing underneath
overall.
C. A well balanced diet will help. Avoid taking heavy and fatty foods, and Add fruit and vegetables
with your food.
D. Electrolyte solution helps to maintain energy levels and to be taken only in required quantity as
electrolytes are medicament.
E. Use sun cream and cover your face and neck from the sun.
F. Provide shades for mini-breaks and water hut.
G. Make sure that drinking huts are accessible to employees.
H. Provide adequate welfare facilities for employees to go and take rest frequently.
I. Monitor work area for ambient temperatures and related personnel problems.
J. Avoid following work demand /productivity during hot and humid environment.

4.9

KEY POINTS POSTER:

A. The emphasis of this plan is on the prevention of heat stress.
B. Prevention requires the full co-operation of workers , supervisors and management.
C. Appropriate periodic training /awareness programs for all site workers shall be provided at least
once in a month.
D. Ensure relevant safety awareness posters are pasted in different languages.
E. Work plactices shall include:
Re-arrange the work schedule according to the climate conditions and consider the
personal factors.
Trained workers practicing self assessment of their own condition.
Workers are using the buddy system.
Declaring a heat awareness condition when extremely hot weather radiates (list of daily
reports)

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F. Engineering control can include :

Ventilation
Air cooling and air conditioning
Cooling rooms and sheds.
G. PPE (Especially coveralls) shall be:
Light colored
Loose clothing
Avoid layering of cloth underneath coveralls
H. Factors that can affect an individuals heat stress include:
General physical fitness
Medical history
Hypertension
Heart and vascular disease
Respiratory disease
Dehydrations
Diarrhea
Age
Nutrition
Alcohol intake
Legal and illegal drug use
Lack of sleep
Gender
Mental capability
Ability to communicate
Working after eating

4.10

WHEN A HEAT AWARENESS CONDITION IS DECLARED:

A. Re arrange the work schedule in cooler part of the day. Provide rest and shaded area with
dehydration powder according to the local legislation requirement and mid day break between
12:30 to 03:00 PM (from mid June to mid September)
B. Drink water frequently. Do not use drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
C. Re-emphasize the hazards and controls of heat stress and ensure the control measures are
enough and adequate.
D. Use heat stress inspections at regular intervals to determine weather each worker is experiencing
symptom of heat stress or diminished capacity.
E. Ensure the necessary fir said facilities and arrangements on site. Conduct frequent awareness
training on site.
F. Provide shed over work areas and rest area with adequate welfare facilities.
G. Allow sufficient time for recovery from any heat stress.