Heat Stress Prevention

Overview

Heat Stress Prevention should be managed through a planned system of work: identify the task-specific hazards, eliminate exposure where practical, use engineered or collective controls before relying on PPE, verify critical safeguards before starting, and stop the task when controls are missing or conditions change. This guide applies those principles specifically to planning work, hydration, acclimatization and response during high-heat conditions.

Main Hazards

• • Heat exhaustion, heat stroke and impaired decision-making
• • Heavy PPE, direct sun or workload increasing metabolic heat
• • Inhalation, skin, eye or ingestion exposure
• • Incompatible materials or uncontrolled release
• • Incorrect PPE selection, fit or condition

Essential Controls

1. 1Plan work/rest cycles, shade, hydration and acclimatization for the actual heat load.
2. 2Use buddy monitoring and stop work immediately for confusion, collapse or suspected heat stroke.
3. 3Identify the exposure route and eliminate or substitute the hazard where practical.
4. 4Use engineering controls, containment and ventilation before relying on PPE alone.
5. 5Maintain clear labeling, information, training and emergency arrangements.
6. 6Select, inspect and maintain PPE for the actual hazard and exposure level.

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