TOOLBOX TALK 004 THERMAL STRESS Created 19092015 Rev

TOOLBOX TALK 004 THERMAL STRESS Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 1

Thermal Stress • Working in the Pilbara will expose every individual to high temperatures, whether it be at work, home or at play. Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 2

Thermal Stress • Everyone needs to understand be aware of the effects, consequences and more importantly how to prevent heat illness from occurring. • Heat can either be absorbed from the environment or generated within the body by physical activity. – E. g. working outside in hot conditions, conducting physical labour or exercising. • On a typical summers day while completing strenuous work, your body loses up to 1. 5 L of fluid every hour. Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 3

The body’s internal cooling system • Increased blood flow to the skin produces sweat and the evaporation of sweat acts as the body’s internal cooling system. • This is how the body protects itself from heat stress and maintains its normal core temperature of 37°C • Without adequate water in the body to produce sweat and without exposure to airflow for evaporation the body is unable to maintain its normal core temperature Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 4

The body’s internal cooling system • What is needed to assist the body with cooling? – Water to produce and replace sweat (fluid loss can be up to 1. 5 L p/h); – Airflow to aid in evaporation and cooling; and – Cool environment and availability of shade Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 5

Warning signs of heat related stress • General symptoms: Headache, increased sweating, rashes, confusion, weakness, dizziness, nausea. Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 6

Factors that can contribute to heat related illness: Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 7

Long term health effects • Long term (Chronic) heat exposure has been linked to: – Kidney, liver, heart, central nervous system, digestive system and skin illnesses; – Cataracts from long term exposure to eyedamaging infrared radiation; and – Research suggests there is a possible link between heat exposure and reproductive problems. Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 8

Controlling the exposure • Below are some examples of controls that may be implemented in order to reduce or the effects of heat exposure. Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 9

How can I reduce my risk? • Start the day hydrated and keep hydrated - drink water (avoid alcohol, caffeine and carbonated sweet drinks (diuretics)); • Drink 1 cup of water every 15 minutes; • Take regular breaks; • Learn to recognise heat stress symptoms and seek medical attention at the first sign of problems; • Keep an eye on your workmates; • Schedule work to make best use of cooler conditions and pace yourself; • Eat regular small amounts to assist absorption of water and eat healthily; • Wear appropriate PPE and clothing; • Maintain personal fitness; • Rotate work between people and areas; • Personal hydration testing. Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 10

Acclimatisation to heat The body goes through a process of adaptation to adjust to new environmental conditions. • Acclimatisation timeframes are individual to each worker; however as a ‘rule of thumb’ workers should work between 75% and 90% for the first few days of their swing • A person should only work at full pace or duration in the heat once acclimatised. You may be deemed un-acclimatised if; • You come from or live in cooler climates • If you have been on vacation for more than 1 week; or • If you have been off work sick for an extended period. Never work alone, adopt a buddy system and look out for warning signs. Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 11

Managing a heat related illness – What to do… • Stop work; • Move to a cool shady environment & lay down; • Loosen any clothing; • Cool by fanning, spraying water or apply cold compress/ice packs to groin and armpits; • Give small sips of water; • Seek medical attention; • Notify supervisor; and • Do not leave heat affected people alone Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 12

Hydration Testing Project teams can use hydration testing kits to measure risk of dehydration. • Hydration testing strips measures water levels in urine (i. e. self monitoring) Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 13

Simple self hydration monitoring • Workers can self monitor when using the toilet – collect a sample of urine in a laboratory cup and colour match to the chart OR urinate onto a hydration strip and review for hydration levels Amber or light brown DEHYDRATED Darker lemon/straw BORDERLINE Unacceptable risk stop work, Advise worker to drink report to Supervisor and drink approximately 600 ml of water 600 ml over 30 minutes and over a period of 30 minutes. continue to drink 600 ml every 30 minutes until adequately hydrated. Supervisor to ensure hydration levels are acceptable via hydration strip retesting. Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress Pale lemon GOOD Adequate hydration: fluid intake to resume as per normal. 14

Take home message: • Thermal stress is preventable; • Look after yourself and look out for your work mates; • Be aware of the warning signs of heat stress; • Keep hydrated; and • If you notice symptoms report it to your supervisor immediately. Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 15

Questions? Leadership – Safety – Environment and Sustainability – Integrity – Innovation – Continuous Improvement Created: 19/09/2015; Rev: 2 Toolbox 004 - Thermal Stress 16