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Project No.4-419-0381 August 29,2019 Page No. 10 Short Term Exposure Limit(STEL) is a concentration to which workers may be exposed for a 15 minute period up to four times per day provided that there is a one hour recovery period between exposures. The STEL is set at a low enough level to ensure that irritation,chronic or irreversible tissue damage,significant narcosis,the impairment of self-rescue, or reduction of work efficiency does not occur. NIOSH and MSHA approved regulations define Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) as conditions that pose immediate threat to life or health or conditions that pose an immediate threat of severe exposure to contaminants such as radioactive material are likely to have adverse cumulative or delayed effects on health.The purpose of establishing IDLH exposure concentrations is to ensure that a worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of respiratory equipment failure. 3.3.5 Climatic Stress During daily field activities, all field team personnel will be alert for the symptoms of climatic stress. Climatic stress consists of heat stress or cold stress depending on the air temperature, wind, humidity, radiant heat,body temperature,and clothing. Health problems as a result of climatic stress can range from short term fatigue to serious illness or death. Any field team member who exhibits any of the following symptoms will be immediately removed from field work and the appropriate first aid will be administered. 3.3.5.1 Heat Stress Heat stress is defined as the inability of the body to release excess heat.Heat stress may include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To prevent heat stress,wear cool,permeable clothing(if possible), drink plenty of water(NOT coffee,tea, or alcohol),take frequent work breaks in cool, shaded areas,and be alert for the symptoms of heat stress. Heat cramps Heat Cramps are caused by an excessive loss of electrolytes(salts)through sweating.The symptoms include heavy sweating, painful muscle spasms, normal pulse, and painful cramps in hands, feet, and abdomen. Heat cramps are most likely to occur near the end of a work day. First aid for heat cramps includes: • Rest in a cool, shaded area; • Massage affected areas; and • Drink electrolyte fluids. Heat exhaustion Heat Exhaustion occurs when the heart is unable to increase blood flow to help cool the body and the body is dehydrated from excessive loss of fluids. The symptoms include pale, cool, clammy skin, very heavy sweating, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, dizziness, extreme weakness, and normal to subnormal body temperature.Vomiting and unconsciousness may also occur. First aid for heat exhaustion includes: • Rest in a cool, shaded area; • Lay down and elevate feet 12 inches; • Loosen tight clothing; • Drink electrolyte fluids; and • If symptoms persist or return, seek immediate medical help. SALEM engineering group. inc.