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Heat Stress
Many people suffer from heat stress during the hours they spend at their workplaces. Several factors are responsible for making heat hazardous in a workplace. These consist of, air temperature, air movement, humidity and radiant heat. Others that should be taken into account are the bodily condition of workers, worker's adaptation to heat and work load and pace.
The most perfect dimension of heat hazards can be achieved by means of a Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer, which gives due consideration to humidity and radiant heat together with the air temperature.
A survey of the workplace taking into account the following factors can assist in ascertaining in advance whether heat can possibly be hazardous.
One should see if the ventilation systems are sufficient enough to cater to the needs of the workplace.
It is vital to note whether hot work processes are separated, insulated and ventilated or not.
One should also take into account whether the management conducts a heat stress training program. It should also to be noted whether the management has a heat wave emergency strategy. Also of equal importance is the fact whether the management has a readily accessible heat emergency first aid procedure.
One should examine whether there are steam leaks or other supplies of water vapor in the air. It should also be ascertained whether the work is difficult under normal temperature conditions and what will be the nature of it in temperatures that are high.
Consequences
- Problems related to heat often account for work slowdowns, walkouts and comparable job actions.
- Short terms solutions can at times help in solving heat related problems but permanent measures though time consuming and difficult are considered ideal in tackling problems pertaining to heat in the workplace.
- Planning in advance and creating a system plan concerning the issue of heat related problem sin the work place can definitely help.
Heat related problems can be tackled effectively with the help of improved ventilation. This will help in drawing heat and steam away from work areas. Cooling fans are helpful in augmenting air speed and enhancing sweat evaporation. However fans do not function properly in temperatures above 95 degrees.
Training programs for the management as well as workers that emphasize on the acknowledgement of heat hazards, symptoms, first aid, engineering controls, use of protective gear and other methods are also considered useful in minimizing threats from heat hazards.
It is imperative to change the work schedule during heat breaks in order to minimize the risks associated with heat hazards. Increasing the duration breaks and diminishing exposure are vital in overcoming heat hazards. Heavier work should be allotted during cooler times to minimize the problems that a worker may face while dealing with heavy loads in conditions that are hot.
Separation or insulation of hot equipment is of vital importance in reducing heart related problems.