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<br />23 <br /> <br />To acclimate, workers should gradually increase their exposure time in hot environmental <br />conditions over a 7 -14-day period. New workers will need more time to acclimate than workers <br />who have already had some exposure. For new workers, the schedule should be a 20% exposure <br />on day 1 and an increase of 20% on each additional day. For workers with previous experience <br />with the job, the acclimatization regime should be no more than a 50% exposure on day 1, 60% <br />on day 2, 80% on day 3, and 100% on day 4. In addition, each worker's acclimatization is relative <br />to the initial level of physical fitness and the total heat stress experienced by the individual. It <br />appears to be better maintained by those who are physically fit. Workers can maintain their <br />acclimatization even if they are away for a few days, such as when they go home for the weekend. <br />However, suppose they are absent for a week or more. In that case, there may be a significant <br />loss in the beneficial adaptations, leading to an increased likelihood of heat-related illness and a <br />need to reacclimate to the hot environment gradually. Acclimatization can often be regained in <br />2 to 3 days upon returning to a hot job. <br /> <br />Suggested Frequency of Physiological Monitoring for Fit and Acclimatized Workers <br />Adjusted Temperature (see <br />notes below) <br />For workers with normal <br />work clothes, conduct <br />monitoring… <br />For workers wearing <br />impermeable protective <br />clothing, conduct <br />monitoring… <br />90°F or above After each 45 minutes of <br />work <br />After 15 minutes of work <br />87.5°-90°F After each 60 minutes of <br />work <br />After 30 minutes of work <br />82.5°-87.5°F After each 90 minutes of <br />work <br />After each 60 minutes of <br />work <br />77.5°-82.5°F After each 120 minutes of <br />work <br />After each 90 minutes of <br />work <br />72.5°-77.5°F After each 150 minutes of <br />work <br />After each 120 minutes of <br />work <br /> <br />Adapted from: NIOSH/OSHA/USCG/EPA Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for <br />Hazardous Waste Site Activities, Chapter 8 (1985).