Working in Hot Environments Updated

Objectives

Scope

Summary

Introduction

Section I

Legal Responsibilities to Prevent Heat Stress

1. Responsibilities as set out in Health and Safety legislation
2. Ways of meeting Health and Safety responsibilities: being prepared

Section II

The Body’s Response to Hot Environments

1. The body’s heat balance
2. Heat exchange between the body and the environment
3. Effect of Clothing
4. Other contributing factors

Section III

Safety and Health Concerns

1. Safety concerns
2. Health Concerns
   • Heat Strain
   • Heat-related illnesses

Section IV

Measures of Heat Exposure

1. Measuring Heat Stress Exposure: The WGBT Index
2. Environmental measurements of heat exposure

Section V

Heat Exposure Standards and Guidelines

1. Occupational exposure limits
2. Thermal comfort guidelines for offices

Section VI

Control Measures

1. Engineering Controls
2. Administrative Controls
3. Personal Protective Equipment
4. Sample safe work practices

Section VII

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation

1. Canadian OH&S Legislation

Section VIII

Information Sources

1. General Health and Safety Questions
2. Canadian Government Departments Responsible for Occupational Health and Safety
3. Hot Environments Safety Resources

Section IX

Appendices

1. Appendix A - A summary of health hazards and preventive measures
2. Appendix B - Safety tips for different levels of the UV index
3. Appendix C - Glossary
4. Appendix D - Abbreviations
5. Appendix E - Sample heat stress policy and checklist
6. Appendix F - Case histories: fatalities from occupational heat exposure