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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Subject:

Heat Stress Prevention

Document No.:
Revision

JAX-EHS-2450
001

Supersedes:

New Procedure

Page No.:

1 of 9

Last Revision:

07/2015

Effective:

07/2015

1.0

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Heat Stress Prevention procedure is to provide employees with the information and
training necessary to protect them from heat related illnesses, to provide general strategies for working
safely at elevated temperatures, both indoors and outdoors, and to establish guidelines to assess and
minimize employee health risks associated with heat stress and working at high temperatures.

2.0

APPLICABILITY
This procedure applies to all Reichhold Jacksonville employees and to contractors performing work on
behalf of Reichhold during periods of extreme hot temperatures (typically during summer months) or
while working in areas of high temperatures.

3.0

DEFINITIONS
Acclimatization - The process in which an individual adjusts to a change in environment, such as a
change in temperature, humidity, or altitude.
Conduction The transfer of heat between materials that are in contact with each other. Heat passes from
the warmer material to the cooler material. For example a workers skin can transfer heat to a contacting
surface if that surface is cooler, and vice versa.
Convection The process of heat exchange between the body and the surrounding air as a result of air
moving over the skin. Air flowing past the body can cool the body if the air temperature is cool. On the
other hand, air that exceeds 95 F can increase the heat load on the body.
Core body temperature Refers to the temperature of the internal environment of the body. Core body
temperature is generally considered to be the temperature of the vital organs, such as the heart and liver,
as well as the blood.
Dehydration - The loss or deficiency of water in body tissues, which may be caused by perspiration,
vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms include excessive thirst, nausea and exhaustion.
Dry Bulb (DB) Temperature Temperature measured by a thermal sensor, such as an ordinary
thermometer, that is shielded from direct radiant energy sources.
Electrolytes Various ions, such as sodium, potassium, or chloride, required by cells to regulate the
electric charge and flow of water molecules across the cell membrane. Muscle contraction is dependent
upon the presence of calcium, sodium and potassium. Without sufficient levels of these key electrolytes,
muscle weakness or sever muscle contractions may occur.
Evaporative Cooling Takes place when perspiration evaporates from the skin. High humidity reduces
the rate of evaporation and thus reduces the effectiveness of the bodys primary cooling mechanism.
Heat Index (HI) An index that combines air temperature and relative humidity to determine the humanperceived equivalent temperature (how hot it feels); is calculated for a shady area.

Heat Stress - The sum of heat generated in the body (metabolic heat) plus the heat gained from the
environment minus the heat lost from the body to the environment. The risk of heat related disorders and
accidents increases substantially with increasing heat stress.
Heat Strain - The series of physiological responses to heat stress; these responses reflect the degree of heat
stress. When the strain is excessive for the exposed individual, a feeling of discomfort or distress may
result, and, finally, a heat disorder may ensue. The severity of strain will depend not only on the
magnitude of the prevailing stress, but also on the age, physical fitness, degree of acclimatization, and
dehydration of the worker.
Hydration (1) The act or process of combining or treating with water, as (a) the introduction of
additional fluid into the body (b) the quality or state of being hydrated; (2) The condition of having
adequate fluid in the body tissues.
Metabolism - The transformation in the body of chemical energy into energy that is used for performing
work. Metabolism results in heat production and varies with the level of activity. Metabolic heat is a byproduct of the bodys activity.
Radiation - The transfer of heat to or from surrounding objects that are not in direct contact with the body;
transfer of heat energy through space (air).
Humidity (Relative) - Relative humidity is the ratio of the water vapour content of air to the maximum
possible water vapour content of air at the same temperature and air pressure.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Index a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which takes
into account: temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation). This differs
from the heat index, which takes into consideration temperature and humidity and is calculated for shady
areas. Military agencies, OSHA and many nations use the WBGT as a guide to managing workload in
direct sunlight.
4.0

RESPONSIBILITY
4.1

The Plant Manager is responsible for implementation of the Heat Stress Prevention Program,
including overall guidance and resources for the program.

4.2

The EHS Manager is responsible for the development, implantation, and administration of the
Reichhold Jacksonvilles Heat Stress Prevention Program and procedures. These responsibilities
include:

4.3

4.2.1

Providing training, guidance and assistance to supervisors and employees on the

symptoms, treatment, cause and prevention of heat stress injuries and illnesses.

4.2.2

Evaluating environmental, job and employee heat stress risks.

4.2.3

Ensuring appropriate engineering and/or administrative controls are in place to

eliminate and/or minimize the effects of heat stress illnesses and injuries.

4.2.4

Reviewing, updating and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the Heat Stress
Prevention Program.

4.2.5

Ensuring the Heat Stress Prevention Program is in compliance with applicable

regulatory standards.

Supervisors have the primary responsibility for implementing the Heat Stress Prevention
Program and policies in their work area(s). This includes:
4.3.1

Monitoring workplace conditions to determine when hot conditions/extreme heat

conditions arise.

4.3.2

Conducting employee heat stress assessments, as needed.

4.3.3

Ensuring that employees take cool-down breaks during periods of extreme heat and are
provided ample access to drinking water.

4.3.4

Adjust work practices (See Section 5.4.3, Work Practices), as necessary and/or when
workers complain of heat stress.

4.4

5.0

4.3.5

Scheduling hot jobs for the cooler part of the day; schedule routine/ strenuous jobs in hot
areas for cooler times of the day.

4.3.6

Provide extra allowances/cool breaks for employees who must wear personal protective
clothing, such as chemical protective suits and/or respirators.

4.3.7

Ensure new employees and employees who have been off the job for a period of time are
properly acclimatized to the hot environment.

4.3.8

Notifying Reichhold Management and the EHS Manager when/if employees experience
heat related stress and or illness.

4.3.9

Ensuring employees are trained on the signs, symptoms, treatment, cause and
prevention of heat stress injuries and illnesses.

4.3.10

Determine whether employees are drinking enough water to remain hydrated; remind
and encourage employees to increase consumption of water during periods of extreme
heat and/or after periods of exertion.

The employee is responsible for following the recommended guidelines of the Heat Stress
Prevention Program. These include:
4.4.1

Participating in heat stress assessments, as requested.

4.4.2

Attending, participating and following instructions and training for

controlling/minimizing heat stress.

4.4.3

Remaining alert to symptoms of heat stress in yourself and coworkers.

4.4.4

Evaluating personal risk factors, including determining if any medications you are
required to take can increase heat stress.

4.4.5

Immediately informing the supervisor if you experience signs or symptoms of heat stress
or identify these signs/symptoms in a coworker.

4.4.6

Drinking enough water to remain hydrated, especially during periods of extreme heat or
after periods of exertion.

4.4.7

Avoid alcohol consumption and beverages such as coffee or tea during periods of
extreme heat, as these can lead to dehydration.

4.4.8

Avoid eating hot/heavy meals during periods of extreme heat (reduce metabolic heat).

4.4.9

Do not take salt tablets, unless prescribed by a physician.

REQUIREMENTS
Working in the heat stresses the body and can lead to illness or even death in severe cases. Exposure to
heat can also increase the risk of other injuries because of sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses,
dizziness, and burns from hot surfaces. Every year thousands of workers become sick from heat exposure
and a number of workers die. Most heat-related health problems can be prevented, or the risk of
developing them can be reduced.
5.1

Risk Factors
5.1.1

Risk of heat stress is directly related to temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind speed.
High temperature, high humidity, direct sunlight and low wind speed combined are the
worst combination and provide the greatest risk to heat stress.

5.1.2

Working indoors in areas where heat is generated and/or is not easily dissipated is also a
risk factor.

5.1.3

The risk of heat stress increases with physical demands, i.e. level of exertion.

5.1.4

Employee/Personal Risk Factors; factors increasing an employees susceptibility to heat

stress include:
5.1.4.1 Being dehydrated

5.1.4.2 Having recently consumed alcohol

5.1.4.3 Having diarrhea or taking antidiarrheal medications
5.1.4.4 Being exposed to high temperatures at night
5.1.4.5 Fatigue
5.1.4.6 Improper work procedures
5.1.4.7 Lack of acclimatization
5.1.4.8 Loss of sleep
5.1.4.9 Being obese
5.1.4.10 Being over the age of 40
5.1.4.11 Taking medications that inhibit sweating, such as antihistamines, cold
medicines, diuretics and some tranquilizers
5.1.4.12 Previous occurrence of heat stroke
5.1.4.13 Poor physical conditioning
5.1.4.14 Recent immunizations (these can cause a fever)
5.1.4.15 Skin trauma, such as heat rash or sunburn
5.1.4.16 Use of respirators
5.1.4.17 Wearing impermeable equipment, such as chemical protective gloves, boots or
suits.
5.2

5.3

Job/Employee Heat Stress Assessment

5.2.1

Supervisors are responsible for assessing their employees ability to perform jobs which
might involve heat stress.

5.2.2

Age, weight, degree of physical fitness, degree of acclimatization, metabolism,

dehydration, use of alcohol and a variety of medical conditions, such as hypertension, all
affect a persons sensitivity to heat.

5.2.3

Clothing and required PPE must be considered when assessing heat stress.

5.2.4

Prior heat injury predisposes an individual to additional injury.

5.2.5

Environmental factors other than just ambient air temperature must be considered.
These include radiant heat, air movement, conduction, and relative humidity.

5.2.6

The potential for an employee who works in a hot environment to be affected by heat
stress depends on heat combined with physical labor (exertion), loss of fluids and
fatigue, in addition to the factors listed above in Section 5.1.4, Employee/Personal Risk
Factors.

Environmental Heat Stress Assessment

5.3.1

Ambient temperature, humidity levels, radiant heat sources and air movement are all
factors to consider when assessing the potential for heat stress hazards. The two most
common methods for this assessment are the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
Index and the National Weather Service Heat Index.
5.3.1.1 Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
5.3.1.1.1

WBGT is a composite temperature used to estimate the effect of

temperature, humidity, wind speed (wind chill), and visible and
infrared radiation (usually sunlight) on humans.

5.3.1.1.2

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

(ACGIH) has established Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for hot
environments, expressed in WBGT.

5.3.1.2 National Weather Service Heat Index (HI)

5.3.2
5.4

5.3.1.2.1

HI is an index that combines air temperature and relative

humidity in an attempt to determine the human-perceived
equivalent temperature, i.e. how hot it feels.

5.3.1.2.2

This index can be used to determine a danger level based on

temperature and humidity and is available 24/7 from the National
Weather Service.

Additional information for determining WBGT and HI are provided in JAX-EHS2450F1, Assessing Environmental Heat Stress Risks.

Heat Related Illnesses, Signs and Symptoms

A compiled list of signs, symptoms and recommended treatment options are provided in JAXEHS-2450F2, Heat Related Illnesses; Symptoms and First Aid.
5.4.1

Heat Fatigue
5.4.1.1 Discomfort and stress from the heat; less than what would result in other heat
illnesses; causes a decline in performance, particularly in skilled physical work,
mental tasks and those requiring concentration.
5.4.1.2 Remove the heat stress before a more serious heat-related condition develops.
5.4.1.3 Acclimatization and proper training/hydration can prevent heat fatigue.

5.4.2

Heat Rash
5.4.2.1 Skin irritation marked by small clusters of pimples or blisters caused by
excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.
5.4.2.2 Talcum powder can be used to help relieve discomfort.

5.4.3

Heat Cramps
5.4.3.1 Excessive sweating results in loss of normal levels of body moisture and salts.
This can cause cramps to occur in the abdomen, arms, and/or legs and may be
an early symptom of a more serious heat illness, such as heat exhaustion or heat
stroke.
5.4.3.2 Stop strenuous activity, get to a cooler environment and drink lots of fluids
(preferably an electrolyte replenishing drink).
5.4.3.3 Do not resume strenuous activity for several hours after the cramps subside.
5.4.3.4 Seek medical attention if you have an underlying health condition.

5.4.4

Heat Fainting/Heat Syncope

5.4.4.1 A fainting episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or
sudden rising from a sitting or lying position.
5.4.4.2 Dehydration and lack of acclimatization may contribute to heat syncope.
5.4.4.3 If you feel dizzy, seek a cool spot to rest and drink fluids. Slowly acclimate to
the work and stop if the symptoms recur.
5.4.4.4 Seek medical attention if you have an underlying health condition.

5.4.5

Heat Exhaustion
5.4.5.1 Heat exhaustion is often identified with the following symptoms:

5.4.5.1.1

Heavy sweating

5.4.5.1.2

Extreme weakness

5.4.5.1.3

Dizziness

5.4.5.1.4

Confusion

5.4.5.1.5

Nausea

5.4.5.1.6

Clammy skin

5.4.5.1.7

Muscle cramps

5.4.5.1.8

Elevated body temperature

5.4.5.1.9

Fast and/or shallow breathing

5.4.5.2 Left untreated heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke.
5.4.5.3 If you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion seek a cool spot to rest and
drink fluids. A cool shower or bath can help reduce the body temperature.
5.4.5.4 Seek medical attention if you have an underlying health condition.
5.4.6

Heat Stroke
5.4.6.1 Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature rises above 104F. The bodys
natural ability to cool itself has been compromised and internal body organs
may be damaged.
5.4.6.2 Symptoms of heat stroke may include:
5.4.6.2.1

Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

5.4.6.2.2

Rapid pulse

5.4.6.2.3

Throbbing headache

5.4.6.2.4

Dizziness

5.4.6.2.5

Hallucinations

5.4.6.2.6

Slurred speech

5.4.6.2.7

Nausea

5.4.6.2.8

Confusion

5.4.6.2.9

Loss of consciousness

5.4.6.2.10

Seizures

5.4.6.3 If heat stroke is suspected, call 9-911 immediately and begin first aid.
5.4.6.4 First aid includes moving the individual to a cool location, removing excess
clothing, wetting the body with cool water and fanning the individual.
5.5

Heat Stress Mitigation Strategies

5.5.1

Engineering Controls
5.5.1.1 General ventilation dilutes hot air with cooler air, i.e. bringing cooler outside
air into hotter indoor conditions through the use of exhaust systems.
5.5.1.2 Air treatment reduces the temperature of the air by removing the heat, and
sometimes humidity, from the air. Air conditioning is an example of air
treatment.
5.5.1.3 Increasing air flow (convection) through the use of fans in the work area.
Changes in air speed can help workers stay cooler by increasing the convective

heat exchange (the exchange between the skin surface and the surrounding air)
and the rate of evaporation. The moving air must directly impact the worker to
be effective. Convective cooling through the use of fans is only effective as long
as the air temperature is less than the workers skin temperature.
5.5.1.4 Heat conduction blocking methods, such as insulating the hot surfaces that
generates the heat can be used to reduce radiant heat.
5.5.2

Administrative Controls
The two most important methods of preventing heat illnesses are hydration and
acclimatization because they increase the ability of the body to tolerate heat stress.
5.5.2.1 Hydration
5.5.2.1.1

The most important factor in preventing heat illnesses is adequate

water intake.

5.5.2.1.2

Water must be available to employees who are working under heat

stress conditions.

5.5.2.1.3

Workers should drink at least five to seven ounces of cool water

every 15 to 20 minutes.

5.5.2.1.4

Under conditions of profuse sweating, a commercial electrolyte

replacement drink may be appropriate.

5.5.2.2 Acclimatization

5.5.3

5.5.2.2.1

A physiological adaptation will occur with repeated exposure to

hot environments. The heart rate will decrease, sweating will
increase, sweat will become more dilute and body temperature will
be lower.

5.5.2.2.2

The ability to acclimatize varies among workers. Generally,

individuals in good physical condition acclimatize more rapidly
than those in poor physical condition.

5.5.2.2.3

Approximately one week of gradually increasing the workload and

time spent in the hot environment will usually lead to full
acclimatization. For example, on the first day the individual
performs 50 percent of the normal workload and spends 50
percent of the time in the hot environment. Each day an
additional 10 percent of the normal workload and time is added,
so that by day six, the worker is performing the full workload for
an entire day. Exposure time should be at least two hours a day
for acclimatization to occur.

5.5.2.2.4

Acclimatization is lost when exposure to hot environments does

not occur for several days. After a one week absence, a worker
needs to reacclimatize by following a schedule similar to that for
initial acclimatization. Acclimatization will occur more rapidly,
so increases in workload and time can increase by approximately
20 percent each day after the first day, reaching normal work
conditions by day four.

Work Practices
5.5.3.1 Use the buddy system; co-workers must watch one another for signs of heat
stress.
5.5.3.2 When possible, rotate difficult work tasks (job rotation) in hot conditions
between two or more employees.

5.5.3.3 Avoid overexertion and work at a steady pace. Heed the bodys signals. Take
plenty of breaks in shaded or cooler areas (i.e. air-conditioned break room).
5.5.3.4 Recovery areas, such as air-conditioned break rooms are provided to employees
for intermittent rest periods with water breaks.
5.5.3.5 Reschedule hot/strenuous jobs for the cooler part of the day.
5.5.3.6 Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress, such as those wearing
respirators and/or those performing strenuous tasks, when the temperature
exceeds 70F. Personal monitoring can be done by checking the heart rate,
recovery heart rate, oral temperature, or extent of body water loss.
5.5.4

Education and Training

5.5.4.1 Heat stress can manifest as a number of conditions, all to be taken seriously and
some requiring medical assistance to avoid permanent aftereffects. Workers
should recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress and the proper actions
to take, whether experienced personally or observed in co-workers.
5.5.4.2 Heat Stress Training must include at least the following components:

6.0

5.5.4.2.1

Knowledge of the hazards of heat stress;

5.5.4.2.2

Recognition of predisposing factors, danger signs, and symptoms;

5.5.4.2.3

Awareness of first-aid procedures for, and the potential health

effects of, heat stroke;

5.5.4.2.4

Employee responsibilities in avoiding heat stress;

5.5.4.2.5

Dangers of using drugs, including therapeutic ones, and alcohol in

hot work environments;

5.5.4.2.6

Use of protective clothing and equipment; and

5.5.4.2.7

Purpose and coverage of environmental and medical surveillance

programs and the advantages of worker participation in such
programs.

REFERENCES
EPA-750-b-92-001, A Guide to Heat Stress in Agriculture
OSHA, Heat-related Illness and First Aid
1992-1993 ACGIH publication, Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and
Biological Exposure Indices
Korey Stringer Institute, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Monitoring; http://ksi.uconn.edu/prevention/wetbulb-globe-temperature-monitoring/

7.0

RECORDS
None

8.0

APPROVALS
APPROVALS
Approval Page

Team Member
L. Passini

Revision
Date

Effective Date
07/15

Reason for Revisions & Comment

Original Issue

Required SOP
Review
07/18

Date Last
Reviewed