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Posted By Katie Barwood
I am trying to find information on employees working in extreme heat conditions, whether there are different time limits for temperature thresholds, etc. Also the effects extreme temperatures have on employee work performance.
I was wondering if anyone could help?
Thank You
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Posted By J Knight
Extreme heat does reduce performance, on a graduated scale ranging from difficulty in concentrating and performing fine motor functions through dizziness, irritability and headaches to convulsions and death. The point at which adverse effects start will vary slightly from person to person, but are inevitable; nobody is immune from the efects of over-heating.
Managing this is fairly straightforward, given the will and the resources. Breaks are important, as is shade. Cold drinks or ice-creams are good, and of course there's always air-con. Information is needed, and an understanding on the part of workser and managers that anybody showing signs of heat stress needs to stop work and cool off for a bit,
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Posted By Katie Barwood
Thank You,
Most of the information I have been finding is from the OSHA but I need information applicable to the UK.
Thought the HSE would have had more information available.
Thanks for you help.
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Posted By Bill Hambelton
You are thinking of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index which has work/rest regimes for different temperatures. A google search will show up plenty of info.
Bill
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Posted By MichaelM
Katie
There was a previous thread "Temperatures in the Workplace" which may be of interest to you. It last had a posting on 4/7/05
Michael
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Posted By NIGEL REE
Katie,
there is an information sheet on the HSE web site called Heat Stress in the workplace, that is a good starting point. it is GEIS1. I have a similar problem i.e men working on aluminium roofing and I am trying to get dispensation for them to take there helmets off.
Regards
Nigel
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Posted By Darby Allan
Katie
There are a whole host of things to consider further than just temperature.
Humidity is the main factor - high humidy is a real problem as it restricts our natural cooling mechanism ie sweating.
Clothing to be worn - PPE etc
Type of work being undertaken - usually heavy; moderate or light will all effect stay times.
Acclimatisation - it takes a few days to "get used to" high temperatures
Physical fitness of workers - heart conditions are but under extra stress and being significantly overweight will not help.
Whether it is radiant or direct heat.
The US and Australian guidance is excellent and can be used safely here as they are far more used to dealing with it. But basically you will need the WBGT readings compare against charts to calculate stay times.
Simple precautions such as ample drinking water; shelter from sun; adeqaute ventilation for comfort; regular rest breaks (bear in mind that the effect of heat is cumulative and you will need to allow sufficient time for the core temperature to come down again)
Beware of salt tablets - metabolite drinks are much better. I recall being seriously ill following a well meaning medics over reliance on these.
It goes without saying but be guided by the workers doing the work.
Hope this helps
Darby
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Posted By Paul Oliver
WHO recommends a temp of no more than 24C for sedentary workers.
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Posted By Katie Barwood
Thanks everyone, that has been a great help.
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Posted By Brian Kane
Katie, being a steel worker and a shift safety rep who works in hot conditions throughout the year. I may be of some help here. During the summer months, the work place temperature soars and people become agitated. We try to minimize heat exposure by taking frequent rest breaks in air conditioned rest rooms and taking on board regular fluids. When the men cannot take their breaks but are still exposed to high temps we introduce local cooling by means of MAN fans ( which have associated risks, noise etc). In short, we do what we can to keep the men cool, as you said, the HSE are quite vague on high workplace temps but the onus is on the employer to do what they can (SFIRP).
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