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0 0 <br /> OPERATING PROCEDURES NO. HS-102 <br /> • HEAT STRESS <br /> 102.1 PURPOSE <br /> The purpose of HS-102 is to provide general information on heat stress and the methods <br /> that can be utilized to prevent or minimize the occurrence of heat stress. <br /> Adverse climatic conditions are important considerations in planning and conducting site <br /> operations. Ambient temperature effects can include physical discomfort, reduced <br /> efficiency, personal injury, and increased accident probability. Heat stress is of particular <br /> concern while wearing impermeable protective garments, since these garments inhibit <br /> evaporative body cooling. <br /> 102.2 REQUIREMENTS <br /> The NIOSH criteria document for heat stress recommends that environmental monitoring <br /> and other preventive measures be adopted in hot work environments. However, the <br /> provisions are not directly applicable to employees who are required to wear impermeable <br /> protective clothing. The reason for this exception is that impermeable clothing prevents the <br /> evaporation of sweat, which is one of the most important cooling mechanisms of the body. <br /> • There is no recognized health standard protection for workers wearing impermeable <br /> protective clothing and respirators in hot environments. <br /> The ACGIH has adopted a TLV for heat stress. These guides relate to work/rest regimes. <br /> 102.3 ADDITIONAL HAZARD <br /> The use of Personal Protective Equipment of the types commonly used for hazardous <br /> waste work can place stress on the body. One common problem with the use of personal <br /> protective equipment, especially in hot environments, is heat stress. Protective clothing <br /> can cause excessive sweating and can prevent the body from properly regulating body <br /> temperature. <br /> 102.4 TYPES OF HEAT STRESS <br /> Heat stress is the aggregate of environmental and physical work factors that constitute the <br /> total heat load imposed on the body. The environmental factors of heat stress are the air <br /> temperature, radiant heat exchange, air movement, and water vapor pressure. Physical <br /> work contributes to the total heat stress of the job by producing metabolic heat in the body <br /> in proportion to the intensity of the work. The amount and type of clothing also affect the <br /> heat stress. <br /> iHeat strain is the series of physiological responses to heat stress. When the strain is <br /> excessive for the exposed individual, a feeling of discomfort or distress may result, and, <br /> 1 <br />