HEAT STRESS PLAN

HEAT STRESS PLAN

Project Name: Gantry Crane Project, CC3 Stage 1

Client: SEC RPP/ TSD
Contractor: Marine Services Co. Ltd

Rev Date Doc # Prepared Reviewed Approved

By By By
00 31/08/22 MSCL- Safety Project Project
QHSE- Officer Manager Manager
HSP-01 Mohammad Engr. Engr.
Aamir Syed Syed
Yousaf Ahmed Ahmed
Saeed Saeed

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HEAT STRESS PLAN

Table of Contents
1. PURPOSE……………………………………………………………………………………….3

2. SCOPE…………………………………………………………………………………………...3

3. ABBREVIATIONS & DEFINITIONS…………………………………………………….3

4. HEAT STRESS & HEAT INDEX….……………………………………………………….4

5. HEAT STRESS CONTROL………………...……………………………………………….6

6. TRAINING…………………………………......................................................9

7. ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES………………………………………………………….…10

8. IMPLEMENTING AND AUDITING………………………………………….………...11

9. APPENDICES………………………………………………....................................11

1. PURPOSE

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Saudi Arabia's summer climate is very hot and humid with summer temperatures and humidity. This
climate creates a potentially dangerous situation for those exposed to the heat. Jobs involving
operations in hot environment where high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, or
strenuous physical activities have a high potential to induce heat related illness and injuries to
employees engaged in such operations.
The aim of this program is to provide guidance to protect the health of the worker from heat related
illness and injuries resulting from exposure to heat.
This is based on the normal risk-based approach.

 The hazard must be identified (Recognition).

 It must be measured (Evaluation).
 The hazard must be reduced or mitigated (Control).

The supervisor or foreman is critical in controlling heat stress among the workers who are potentially
exposed to conditions that can promote heat related illness. The supervisor can implement controls
when heat stress conditions are identified which will protect the workers, if properly assigned and
carried out.
The workers must be trained to recognize the heat stress signs, symptoms and environmental
conditions to be ready to protect themselves and those around them. These guidelines identify
fundamental practices and methods of identification of factors that could lead to heat stress and the
associated illnesses and provides work practices and other controls that can mitigate or reduce the
hazards.

2. Scope

This Heat Stress Prevention guideline addresses heat stress identification, evaluation and controls to be
implemented to reduce effects of heat related illness & injures such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion,
heat cramp, heat rashes, heat fatigue and dehydration among the workers throughout MSCL.
This guideline is applicable to all personnel within the MSCL footprint including and not limited to Sub-
Contractors, Suppliers that require individuals to work outdoors in a hot climate.

3. Abbreviations & Definitions

Term Description
MSCL Marine Services Company Limited

HSE Dept Health Safety & Environment Department

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

HI Heat Index

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Acclimatization This is a gradual physiological adjustment process that the body makes to
improve an individual's ability to tolerate heat. Acclimatization usually takes
several days with gradual build up to expected heat loads, workloads, and
duration of the job.
Buddy system Pairing of co-workers or team members for the purpose of health protection
and looking out for one another.
Heat Index An index that combines air temperature and relative humidity in an attempt
to determine the human-perceived equivalent temperature
Heat Related Any of the following terms: Heat Stress, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke,
Illness brought on by excessive exposure to heat without adequate water, shelter
and proper acclimatization.
Dry Bulb The dry bulb or air thermometer measures the ambient air temperature.
Temp. or Air This measurement is used in the heat index calculation. A series of white
Temp. (DB) plates surround the sensor to shield it from radiant heat.
Globe The globe thermometer gives an indication of the radiant heat exposure on
Temperature an individual due to either direct light or hot objects in the environment.
This is accomplished by placing a temperature sensor inside a blackened
copper sphere and measuring the temperature rise.
Natural Wet The natural wet bulb thermometer gives an indication of the effects of
Bulb humidity on an individual. Relative humidity and wind speed are considered
Temperature by measuring the amount of evaporative cooling taking place by a
thermometer covered with a moistened wick. A cotton wick immersed into a
reservoir containing distilled water is usually used to take natural wet bulb
measurements. This measurement is used in calculating the heat index.
Relative Relative humidity is the ratio of the quantity of water vapor present in the
Humidity (RH) air to the quantity that would saturate it at any specific temperature.

4. Heat Stress & Heat Index

Heat stress occurs when heat is absorbed from the environment faster than the body can get rid of it.
The resulting strain on the body comes from the combined contributions of the job (e.g. work activity),
environmental factors (e.g. air temperature, humidity, air movement, radiant heat), and worker factors
(e.g. Extent of acclimatization and hydration).
The "Heat Index" has been selected to define general overall heat stress conditions for the workforce.
The heat index, also known as "effective temperature", is useful as a first order indicator of the effect
of humidity on how hot a particular exposure feels to an individual. It includes no evaluation of the
effect of either convective or radiative heat exchange and does not consider the rates of heat gained
by physical activity. The heat index does not consider air velocity which is a major factor in removing
heat and water vapor by convection from the skin and clothing surfaces. The heat index combines
relative humidity and air temperature. It is predictive of heat stress in circumstances in which the
relationship has been established for a particular environment.

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Instrumentation to determine the heat index must be utilized to measure the air temperature in full
shade conditions and measure or calculate the relative humidity. The heat index will be determined
using properly calibrated instruments and in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

4.1 Heat Disorder & Heat Effect

4.1.1 Heat Fatigue

A factor that predisposes an individual to heat fatigue is lack of acclimatization. The signs and symptoms of
heat fatigue include impaired performance of skilled mental, or vigilance jobs. There is no treatment for
heat fatigue except to remove the heat stress before a more serious heat-related condition develops.

4.1.2 Heat Rashes

The most common problem in hot work environment, prickly heat is manifested as red papules and usually
appears in areas where the clothing is restrictive. As sweating increases, these papules give rise to a
prickling sensation. Prickly heat occurs in skin that is persistently wetted by un-evaporated sweat, and heat
rash papules may become infected if they are not treated. In most cases, heat rashes will disappear when
the affected individual returns to cool environment.

4.1.3 Heat Cramps

These are usually caused by performing hard physical labor in a hot environment. These cramps have been
attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating and lack of water replenishment. Thirst cannot
be relied on as a guide to the need for water; instead, water must be taken every 15 to 20 minutes in hot
environments.

4.1.4 Heat Collapse

In heat collapse, the brain does not receive enough oxygen because blood pools in the extremities. As a
result, the exposed individual may lose consciousness. This reaction is similar to that of heat exhaustion
and does not affect the body's heat balance. However, the onset of heat collapse is rapid and
unpredictable. To prevent heat collapse, the worker should gradually become acclimatized to the hot
environment.

4.1.5 Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion should not be dismissed lightly, however, for several reasons. One is that the fainting
associated with heat exhaustion can be dangerous because the victim may be operating machinery or
controlling an operation that should not be left unattended; moreover, the victim may be injured when he
faints. Also, the signs and symptoms seen in heat exhaustion are similar to those of heat stroke, a medical
emergency. Signs and symptoms: headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, and giddiness. Fortunately,
this condition responds readily to prompt treatment.

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4.1.6 Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying
physical and neurological symptoms. This occurs when the body's system of temperature regulation fails
and body temperature rises to critical levels. Primary signs and symptoms of heat stroke: confusion;
irrational behaviors; loss of consciousness; convulsions; a lack of sweating (usually); hot, dry skin; and an
abnormally high body temperature (1060 F - 41DC).

4.2 Factors Contributing to Heat Stress

Heat stress is normally brought about by a range or combination of factors involving the interaction of the
Activity/task, environment and the employee.

4.2.1 Activity / Task Factors

 Frequency of exposure
 Duration of exposure
 Physicality of work
 Inadequate rest periods

4.2.2 Environmental Factors

 High air temperature
 Low air movement
 High relative humidity
 Radiant heat from hot objects such as machinery

4.2.3 Employee Factors

 Incomplete acclimatization
 Dehydration
 Excessive or inappropriate clothing
 Medical Condition
 Individual Susceptibility (age, overweight, poor physical condition)

5. Heat Stress Control

Controls can be applied to the work situation which could be defined as work practices, personal,
administrative, or engineering. Apply them to fit the nature of the task depending on the specific
situation.

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5.1 Engineering Control

Feasible engineering controls will be sought and implemented, where practicable to do so, to
reduce the heat load on an individual. This may include the following:

5.1.1 Shade & Shielding

Shade is one of the most important heat stress controls for this climate. Radiant heat load can be
reduced as much as 10C degrees when working in shade vs the direct sunlight.
Radiant heat sources such as hot pipes and re-bars in regular work areas if possible, should be
insulated to reduce heat load.
For non-routine work areas without insulation on hot sources temporary-insulating blankets should
be used to shield the sources while work is being done in the area.
As a minimum guideline, the shaded area must have green net on all the sides including the top to
prevent direct sun light with seating arrangements to rest. Cool drinking water is to be provided
with disposable glasses to drink. Using hands as a means to drink water is to be avoided. Food may
only be consumed in the designated dining facilities.

5.1.2 Area Cooling

Spot cooling equipment such as fans if possible, can be utilized when the work is in one fixed
location. The cool air flow streams need to be directed towards the workers and the discharge
ducts should be as close as practical to the work area.

Shaded break areas should be kept cooler than the work areas to facilitate quicker recovery from
the effects of heat. It is recommended that a 10-15-degree difference in temperatures to be
maintained between work area and break area. This will avoid excessive cooling which is not
recommended except for heat emergencies. Where cooling of a break area is not feasible, air
circulation with fans should be used to help with cooling through sweat evaporation.

5.1.3 Ventilation
Increasing airflow through a work area, such as fans and air conditioning will help increase the evaporation
rate and cooling of the people. This will not be effective if the temperature of the air blowing across the
workers is over 40 C since it may then actually result in increased heat stress.

Confined spaces should be evaluated for proper ventilation. If needed, cool air should be Pulled in near the
workers. This may require relocation of the air movers and the opening/closing of man ways as the work
Progresses to assure proper air distribution.

5.2 Administrative Controls & Work Practices

5.2.1 Acclimatization
The human body can adapt to heat exposure to some extent. This physiological adaptation is called
acclimatization. After a period of acclimatization, the same activity will produce fewer

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cardiovascular demands. The worker will sweat more efficiently (causing better evaporative
cooling), and thus wit! more easily be able to maintain normal body temperatures.
A properly designed and applied acclimatization program decreases the risk of heat-related
illnesses. Such a program basically involves exposing employees to work in a hot environment for
progressively longer periods.

5.2.2 Work Scheduling

 Scheduling extremely hot jobs for the cooler part of the day, at night or for a cooler day if possible.

 Where possible, postpone the hot job until equipment can be taken out of service and allowed to
cool down.
 Schedule additional time for hot jobs to allow for additional cooling breaks especially if cooling
measures are not used.

5.2.3 Work Rest Intervals

 On hot days or for hot jobs, more frequent breaks should be planned especially if heavy work is
involved.
 Rest breaks should be taken in a cool location and cool fluids consumed. Avoid hot beverages and
those that contain caffeine such as tea, coffee and sodas.

5.2.4 Self-Evaluation
 Each person while working in hot conditions (high temperatures) must be aware of the signs and
symptoms of heat stress related illnesses and early warning indications, so they can recognize them
in themselves or their colleagues. Typical symptoms include weak and fatigue, painful muscle
cramps, headache and dizzy, nauseated, heavy sweating.
 The supervisor should be notified of any early indications and corrective action taken.
 Heart rate (rapid pulse) is one of good indicators of the degree of heat stress that a person is
experiencing.
 Most individuals can be trained to monitor their own heart rate. On jobs where heat stress is a
concern periodically pause work and immediately take a pulse for 15 seconds. Multiply this by 4 to
get the heart rate.
 Healthy acclimatized workers should avoid prolonged work or environmental combinations that
cause their heart rate to exceed the recommended maximum heart rate, maximum heart rate
when taken during the first minute of rest. The heart rate should drop to 110— 120 beats per
minute following the first minute of rest.

5.2.5 Employee Rotation

On hot jobs two groups of workers could be used to allow frequent rotation out of the hot area and
cooling off. Tasks such as pick or shovel work must be rotated frequently. Workers in additional
clothing or suits must be rotated more frequently. If in chemical protective suits or proximity suits,
additional cooling devices must be used or workers must be rotated frequently.

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5.2.6 Fluid Replacement

 One of the most important means of reducing the risk of heat stress is drinking plenty of
fluids (cold water). When doing hard work in hot areas dehydration may occur due to heavy
sweating before a person even feels thirsty. It is recommended that at least one-half liter of
fluids be consumed every 20 minutes to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of illness.
Refer to the dehydration guide utilizing urine color.

 Cool water should be readily during warm weather or in hot work areas.

 Salt tablets are not recommended. A well-balanced diet should replace all necessary salts
and electrolytes.

5.2.7 Buddy System

 When working on high temperature jobs, consideration should be given to working in pairs
with each person watching out for early warning signs of excessive heat stress in the other
person.

 In high temperature confined spaces, the man on watch should be alert to the warning signs
of excessive heat stress and should ensure that any conditions of entry such as frequent rest
and water breaks are followed.

5.2.8 Reduce Internal Heat Generated by the Worker

Where practical, mechanical assistance should be used to reduce the physical requirements of the
job and thus reduce the metabolic rate. For example, use an appropriate lifting equipment /
transportation to move material rather than making several trips using heavy loads. Use a backhoe
for digging or spreading of gravel rather than manual handwork digging.
The split job tasks or rotation between workers will relieve a lot stress besides giving them an
opportunity to take rest pauses.

5.2.9 Personal Protective Equipment

 Three variables associated with clothing alter thermal balance: insulation, permeability and
ventilation. Cotton clothing provides most of these variables. Clothes should be made of thin
cotton (eases evaporation) loose fitting, light in weight and color (reflects heat). Clothes should be
regularly washed to remove the sweat and salt which can irritate the skin and lead to infection.
Long sleeved shirts and trousers are recommended.
 In certain situations, personal protective equipment (e.g.: face masks. impermeable fire protective
clothing) must be worn which can aggravate heat stress by not allowing sweat to evaporate. Special
working practices may need to be adopted. There are synthetic under garments made up of
combed cotton and polyolefin fibers which wick moisture away from the skin leaving the body dry.

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6. Training
 All MSCL employees, sub-contractors, suppliers and visitors must be trained to recognize symptoms
of heat stress prior to performing work in potentially heat stress situations.
 Training must include recognition of signs and symptoms of heat stress in themselves and co-
workers, work rest schedule, emphasis on fluid intake.
 Training should be conducted closer to the summer months to ensure awareness among workers.
This can take place at "toolbox" talks and or Pre-Start job Meeting sessions at the beginning of each
shift.
 Display heat stress awareness posters/ charts be written in as many common languages used by
the workers.

7. Roles & Responsibilities

7.1 Engineers Responsibilities

Engineers are responsible for performing the following:

 Give workers frequent breaks in a cool area away from heat.

 Adjust work practices as necessary when workers complain of heat stress.
 Oversee heat stress training and acclimatization for new workers and for workers who have been
off the job for a period of time.
 Monitor the workplace to determine when hot conditions arise.
 Increase air movement by using fans where possible.
 Provide potable water in required quantities.
 Determine whether workers are drinking enough water.
 Make allowances for workers who must wear personal protective clothing and equipment that
retains heat and restricts the evaporation of sweat.
 Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day; schedule routine maintenance and repair work in
hot areas for the cooler times of the day.

7.2 Sub-Contractors Management

Each Sub-Contractors and visitors are required to ensure that these guidelines are taken up on their
respective Heat Stress Management System and that it is followed without exception.

All Heat Stress or Heat Stress related incidents must be reported to MSCL HSE dept. immediately.

 Provide Heat Stress Index measurement regularly on day to day basis to site staff.
 Review heat stress precautions in respect of work to be performed in hot locations.
 Consider scheduling the hottest jobs for the cooler part of the day or nights, or the use of other
methods to reduce heat stress.
 Scheduling, plan for additional breaks, as needed, to cool off on hot jobs in particular hot
conditions.
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 Evaluate non-routine jobs where there may be a heat stress concern.

 Stop work as and when required in terms at Heat Index indicator.
 Adjust work practices as necessary when workers complain of heat stress.
 Make controlling exposures through engineering controls the primary means of control wherever
possible.
 Oversee heat stress training and acclimatization for new workers, workers who have been off the
job for a while, and workers with medical condition.
 Provide workers education and training, including periodic safety talks on heat stress during hot
weather or during work in hot environments.
 Monitor the workplace to determine when hot conditions arise.
 Determine whether workers are drinking enough water.
 Determine a proper work/rest regime for workers.
 Arrange first-aid training for workers.

7.3 Employees
 Be familiar with the early warning signs of heat stress in themselves and co-workers and take
immediate action when they are noted.
 Utilize personal protective equipment as needed.
 Drink plenty of fluids prior to entering a hot environment and continuously when indicated to
prevent dehydration (1/2 liter every 20 minutes).
 Take regular rest brakes.
 Inform the supervisor/Foreman of any heat stress concerns relating to the workplace.
 Follow instructions and training for controlling heat stress.
 Be alert to symptoms in yourself and others.
 Avoid consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, and excessive caffeine.
 Find out whether any prescription medications you're required to take can increase heat stress.
 Get adequate rest and sleep.
 Drink small amounts of water regularly to maintain fluid levels and avoid dehydration.

7.4 Supervisors
 Implement heat stress controls in accordance with the heat index.
 Monitor subordinate's exposure to heat and modify work schedules accordingly.
 Apply effective controls to control the heat at work.
 Schedule the most physical activities, if possible, for the coolest part of the day.
 Provide cool water and encourage employees to drink fluids regularly. As the intensity of work
activity and heat index climbs, increase more fluids.
 Employ the buddy system which encourages fellow employees to look out for each other.
 Ensure employees are aware of the symptoms of Heat stress. Employee training should also be
focused on protective measures for working in high heat and humidity in workplace areas.

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8. Implementation and Auditing

 Implementation and auditing of this guideline must be done by the MSCL HSE Department.
 Any heat related incidents are to be reported to the Client HSE Department.

9. Appendices
 Appendix 1 - Heat Index Chart
 Appendix 2 - Urine Chart
 Appendix 3- Heat Stress Disorders

Appendix 1 - Heat Index Chart

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Appendix 2 - Urine Chart

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Appendix 3- Heat Stress Disorders

CONDITION CAUSE SYMPTOMS TREATMENT PREVENTION

Hot humid Change into clean
Red bumpy rash Wash regularly to
environment, with severe dry cloths often keep skin clean
Heat Rash plugged sweat itching. and avoid hot and dry
glands. environment.
Rinse skin with
cool
water.
Heavy sweating Painful cramps Move to a cool Reduce activity
from strenuous commonly in the area, loosen levels and or heat
physical activity most worked clothing, gently exposure. Drink
drains a person's muscles, (arms, massage and fluids regularly.
body of fluid and legs or stomach) stretch affected Workers should
Heat Cramps salt, which cannot which occur muscles and drink check on each
be replaced just by suddenly at work cool salted water other to help spot
drinking water. or rater at home. the symptoms that
(1/4 to 1/2 tsp.
Cramps occur from Heat cramps are often proceed
salt in 1 liter of
salt imbalance serious because heat stroke.
resulting from they can be a water) or
failure to replace warning of other balanced
salt lost from more dangerous commercial fluid
heavy sweating. heat induced electrolyte
illnesses. replacement
beverage. If the
cramps are severe
or don't go away
after salt and fluid
replacement, seek
medical aid.
Fluid loss, Sudden fainting GET MEDICAL Reduce activity
Fainting inadequate water after at least 2 ATTENTION, assess levels or heat
intake and hours of work, need for CPR. exposure. Drink
standing stiff, cool moist skin; Move to a cool fluids regularly.
resulting in week pulse. area; loosen Move around
decreased blood clothing; make
and avoid
flow to brain. person lie down;
standing in one
and if the person is
Usually occurs in place for too long.
conscious offer
people who have sips of cool water. Workers should
not been Fainting may also check on each
acclimatized. be due to other other to help spot
illnesses. the symptoms that
often precede heat
stroke.

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Fluid loss and Heavy sweating; GET MEDICAL Reduce activity

inadequate salt cool moist skin, ATTENTION; This levels and or heat
and water intake body temperature condition can lead exposure. Drink
causes a person's over 38c, weak to heat stroke, fluids regularly.
body cooling pulse; normal or which can kill. Workers should
Heat system to start to low blood Move the person check on each
Exhaustion break down. pressure, person is to a cool shaded other to help spot
tired and weak area, loosen or the symptoms that
and has nausea remove excess often precede heat
and vomiting; clothing, provide stroke
breathing rapidly; cool water to
vision may be drink, fan and
blurred. spray with cool
water. Do not
leave affected
person alone.
If a person's High CALL Reduce activity
body has used all temperature levels and or heat
AMBULANCE.
its water and salt (over 41c) and exposure. Drink
reserves, it will any one of the This condition can fluids regularly.
stop sweating. following: kill a person Workers should
This can cause quickly. check on each
The person is Remove excess other to help spot
the body
weak, confused, clothing, fan and the symptoms that
temperature to
Heat Stroke upset or acting spray the person often precede heat
rise.
strangely, has hot with cool water if stroke.
Heat stroke may dry, red skin, a fast the person is
develop suddenly pulse, headache or conscious.
or may follow from dizziness. In later
heat exhaustion. stages, a person
may pass out and
have convulsions.

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