ARCHIVED REPORTS_XR0004177 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Precautions to prevent heat stress will include work/rest cycles so that rest periods are taken before excessive fatigue occurs, and regular intake of water to replace that lost from sweating. Work/rest cycles will be based on monitoring the heart rate (pulse) of each individual worker. Rest breaks will be long enough to reduce the heart rate (HR) below levels calculated according to the following method. 1 The worker will initially determine their resting HR prior to starting work activities 2. At the start of the first rest period, the worker will determine their HR. This initial HR should not exceed the individual's age-adjusted maximum HR, which equals [(0 7)(220 - age in years)] At I minute into the rest period, the recovery HR will be determined The recovery HR should not exceed 110 beats per minute 3 If the initial HR exceeds the age-adjusted maximum HR, or the 1-minute recovery HR is greater than 110 beats per minute, then the next work period will be decreased by 10 minutes An initial work/rest cycle of I hour work and 15 minutes rest is recommended for protection of staff when the heat stress hazard is high The recommended cycle will be adjusted up or down based upon worker monitoring, environmental conditions, and the judgement of the SSO. At any time, field team members recognize the signs or symptoms of heat stress prior to a scheduled rest • period, they will notify the SSO immediately in order that a rest period can be called. Heat stress due to water loss can be prevented To prevent dehydration, water intake must approximate sweat loss Water intake guidelines are as follows 1. The sense of thirst is not an adequate regulator of water replacement needs during heat exposure Therefore, water must be replaced at prescribed intervals. a Before work begins, drink two 8-ounce glasses of water b During each rest period, drunk at least two 8-ounce glasses of water 2 Plain water, served cool, is excellent. An adequate supply of potable water and drinking cups will be readily available, such as in a support vehicle, to provide water during rest periods 3 Adding salt to water is not recommended. However, other fluids, in addition to water, could include dilute fruit,juices and electrolyte replacement dunks diluted 3.1 with water. Do not use salt tablets Heat stress, if not prevented, results in heat stress illnesses Two critical illnesses, if not recognized and treated immediately, can become life-threatening. These are heat exhaustion and heat stroke Heat exhaustion will result if the prevention measures described above are not implemented. Ignoring the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion will lead to the development of heat stroke 17)13194SWOiTM!SLWORTHARCO QMS pS419