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Site Health and Safety Plan Page 28 <br />7. Thermal Stress <br />During the course of construction activity proposed at the site, operations involving extremes <br />and outdoor temperature may occur. Outdoor operations conducted in hot weather and <br />direct sun, such as construction work, increase the risk of thermal injury and exposed <br />workers. Such climatic conditions may not necessarily be avoided, and work schedules may <br />need to be adjusted accordingly by the SSHO. Any modification work schedule shall be <br />approved by the Project Manager. <br />7.1 Heat Stress <br />During periods of warm weather, workers may have a reduced capacity to naturally cool the <br />body. Workers exposed to high heat environments are at risk of heat related illnesses, <br />especially those doing heavy work tasks. Some workers are at greater risk than others due <br />to certain health conditions, degree of acclimatization to heat and humidity conditions, level <br />of hydration, and personal lifestyle choices, such as excessive alcohol consumption and <br />tobacco use. <br />Personnel who wear PPE are at risk of developing a heat related illness. For work in a hot <br />environment where heat levels are a concern to result in a heat related illness, an <br />acclimatization program shall be implemented that will allow for workers to adjust to <br />excessive heat by working progressively longer periods. For example, workers who have had <br />previous experience in jobs, the work regimen will be 50% exposure on day one, 60% on day <br />2, 70% on day 3, 80% on day 4, and 90% on day 5. For new workers who will be similarly <br />exposed; the day one exposure shall start at 30%, day two up to 40%, day three 60%, day <br />four 80%, and so on. <br />Acclimatization, frequent rest breaks in shaded areas, frequent water breaks, and <br />recognition of signs and symptoms are ways to mitigate the potential of heat related injury. <br />7.1.1 Symptoms and First Aid of Heat Stress <br />The following sections provide a brief description of heat related illness and appropriate first <br />aid response. A brief summary description is provided in Table 2. <br />7.1.1.1 Heat Cramps <br />Heat cramps are characterized by painful muscle spasms primarily in the arms, legs and <br />abdomen combined with excessive sweating. This may be due to excessive loss of salt and <br />water through heavy sweating plus several hours of sustained physical activity in high heat <br />conditions. <br />Basic first aid for heat cramps includes removing the worker to a cool, shaded area and <br />given plenty of cool water or sports drinks in small amounts so as not to induce vomiting. <br />Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. If heat cramps are present, the worker should not <br />return to physical activity for at least 4 hours. If cramps did not subside, the worker should <br />seek medical attention. <br />7.1.1.2 Heat Exhaustion <br />Heat exhaustion is a potentially serious medical condition. Symptoms of heat exhaustion <br />may include cool, moist skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, <br />lightheadedness, weakness, thirst, irritability, rapid heartbeat, and blurry vision.