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Richard Whitehead  
#1 Posted : 10 September 2013 11:33:39(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Richard Whitehead

We have a process that involves an operative working in a temperature controlled room (constant 30 deg. C) for up to 3 hours at a time. It can be quite uncomfortable in there and we are reviewing our risk assessment to cover this but having a bit of trouble identifying a suitable control measure. We have considered:
1. Regular 5 minute breaks, say every 20 mins
2. Operative's condition being checked regularly by supervision
3. Drinking water available

Thoughts please?
Barrie(Badger)Etter  
#2 Posted : 10 September 2013 12:34:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Barrie(Badger)Etter

Richard,
Some assmts have to be centred around the individual.
Is it just one person working in the hot area or is there rotation of others, if so could the time rotation be knocked back to 2 hours instead?
If just one person do they regularly take holidays abroad in hot countries, if yes then they may be more acclimatised than a UK only person.
As I say centre your assmts around the individual.

Badger
stevedm  
#3 Posted : 10 September 2013 13:00:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stevedm

Richard
You may also if you haven't already measure the relative humidity in the room as this has an effect on the way the body deals with heat..which will have a feature in your assessment of rotation and acclimatisation..
KieranD  
#4 Posted : 10 September 2013 13:07:49(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
KieranD

Building on Barrie's recommendations, have baseline measurements of the person's levels of blood pressure and circulation and monitor them quarterly.
chris.packham  
#5 Posted : 10 September 2013 16:43:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

Firstly, will your employee have to wear any form of protective clothing. If not then light clothing will obviously help.

How much actual physical effort is required. Again this could influence the potential for issues due to the hot conditions.

Stevedm is right. Humidity is in some ways more important than the actual temperature. Having worked for several years in the Libyan desert I have experienced this at first hand. For much of the year we had temperatures in excess of 30 deg C. My base was on the coast, where we had high humidity. This could be very uncomfortable. Going out to the production centre some 200 km into the desert, the temperature there could be several degrees higher, but with the low humidity it was far more comfortable.

Chris
JohnW  
#6 Posted : 10 September 2013 22:33:45(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

Richard,

There's a new HSE INDG that offers guidance on Heat Stress in the Workplace,

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg451.pdf

JohnW
Clairel  
#7 Posted : 11 September 2013 08:41:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Clairel

You all seem to be very adverse to working in hot environments. Have none of you heard of foundries?

Adequate ventilation, breaks, water etc.

Can't advise beyond that without knowing the circumstances ie what type of work it is they are doing. All very well someone saying light clothing but if you're working with molten metal that's not very practical!!!

As to Barrie saying that someone who holidays in hot countries may be better suited, well sorry Badger but that is just nonsense. It is well known that acclimatisation takes longer than that and is limited in duration.

However, some people and some ethnic minorities are better suited to working in hot conditions. Ask any foundry!

More info please.
paul-ps  
#8 Posted : 11 September 2013 15:02:14(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
paul-ps

I have personal experience of this, where for several years i worked next to a heated cabinet that pre-warmed wire harnesses prior to fitting. You do become acclimatised to the working environment, but you suffer in winter, as you feel the cold to a greater extent than those around you.

If its a concern, i would allow job rotation and limit exposure.
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