COMPLIANCE INFO_1997-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Sunburn. Working outdoors on sunny days for extended periods of time can cause sunburn too the skin. Excessive exposure to sunlight is associated with the development of skin cancer. Field staff should take precautions to prevent sunburn by using sun -screen lotion and/or wearing hats and long-sleeved garment. Heat Stress. The potential for heat stress is a concern when field activities are performed on warm, sunny days, and is accentuated when chemical protective clothing is worn. Heat stress prevention measures and monitoring will be implemented if site temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (F). 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 methods. 1. The worker will initially determine their resting HR prior 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 1 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. - Heat stress due to water loss can be prevented. To prevent dehydration, water 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, drink 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 drinks diluted 3:1 with water. Do = use salt tablets!