Managers must act to control risks that have been identified or reported by staff. The existence of heat related symptoms in workers, patients or visitors is a clear indication that a risk exists and needs to be controlled. Employees are responsible for reporting potential risks arising from hot working conditions and for reporting symptoms of heat related illness in themselves or others. Identification and assessment of risk The identification and assessment of risk involves the measurement and consideration of contributing factors listed below. Employees or patients with symptoms of heat stress indicate that risk exists. Risk is increased by: High air temperature. High humidity. Low air movement. High work rate. Sources of radiant heat (e.g. theatre lights, equipment that generates heat, sunlight). Length of time working in a hot environment. Failure of air conditioning and dehumidifying equipment including the retention of equipment past its useful life span. Poor health and fitness and/or lack of adaptation to heat. Lack of opportunity/access to cool drinking water to maintain hydration. Clothing (including protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical gowns, theatre attire and lead aprons) that restricts air circulation and evaporation of perspiration. Lack of adequate rest breaks. Personal factors that influence tolerance of heat include age; cardiovascular disease; physical condition; kidney disease; diabetes; illness causing fever; excessive weight; excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption; some types of medication, e.g. tranquillizers and antihistamines; and pregnancy. One measure of the potential for heat stress is the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) as it takes into account air temperature, humidity and radiant heat. The Natural Wet Bulb Thermometer (NWB) which takes temperature and humidity into account is a good approximation where there is no source of radiant heat. The Natural Wet Bulb Thermometer is also easier to use and cheaper to obtain.
Managers must act to control risks that have been identified or reported by staff. The existence of heat related symptoms in workers, patients or visitors is a clear indication that a risk exists and needs to be controlled. Employees are responsible for reporting potential risks arising from hot working conditions and for reporting symptoms of heat related illness in themselves or others. Identification and assessment of risk The identification and assessment of risk involves the measurement and consideration of contributing factors listed below. Employees or patients with symptoms of heat stress indicate that risk exists. Risk is increased by: High air temperature. High humidity. Low air movement. High work rate. Sources of radiant heat (e.g. theatre lights, equipment that generates heat, sunlight). Length of time working in a hot environment. Failure of air conditioning and dehumidifying equipment including the retention of equipment past its useful life span. Poor health and fitness and/or lack of adaptation to heat. Lack of opportunity/access to cool drinking water to maintain hydration. Clothing (including protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical gowns, theatre attire and lead aprons) that restricts air circulation and evaporation of perspiration. Lack of adequate rest breaks. Personal factors that influence tolerance of heat include age; cardiovascular disease; physical condition; kidney disease; diabetes; illness causing fever; excessive weight; excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption; some types of medication, e.g. tranquillizers and antihistamines; and pregnancy. One measure of the potential for heat stress is the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) as it takes into account air temperature, humidity and radiant heat. The Natural Wet Bulb Thermometer (NWB) which takes temperature and humidity into account is a good approximation where there is no source of radiant heat. The Natural Wet Bulb Thermometer is also easier to use and cheaper to obtain.