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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHUR130-023 Working in Extreme WeatherCity O1 PICKERING CITY PROCEDURE Procedure Title: Working in Extreme Weather Procedure Number: HUR 130-023 Reference: Occupational Health & Safety Act Date Originated: January 30, 2009 Date Revised: Approval: Chief Adm rativ7 : er Contact Person: Coordinator, Health & Safety III• Procedure Objective To ensure that all employees work safely to avoid exposure to extreme weather conditions, and to take appropriate precautions when such work is necessary. Index 01 Definitions 02 Procedures 01 Definitions 01.01 SPF - SPF means "sun protection factor" and is a rating on sun block lotion. The SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. 01.02 Supervisor - A supervisor is a person in authority at a workplace who is competent to direct others in the performance of work. 02 Procedures 02.01 General Precautions All workers should avoid working in weather conditions where to do so would place the employee at an unreasonable risk to his or her personal health and safety. Where the essential duties of a worker's job requires that he or she work in weather conditions that are hot, cold, or otherwise extreme, the employee shall take all precautions reasonable in the circumstances to protect himself or herself from the adverse effects of extreme weather. This includes, whenever possible, working in sheltered workspaces, wearing protective clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions, and wearing or using other personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the weather conditions. Every supervisor of a worker who may be exposed to extreme weather conditions in the course of his or her employment must ensure that the worker has taken reasonable precautions to ensure his or her health and safety when working in such conditions. 02.02 Working in Hot Weather Conditions Outdoor workers, who are required to work in hot or humid weather, should take reasonable precautions to ensure that they are protected from direct exposure of skin to the sun, and heat exhaustion. Such precautions include wearing protective clothing and treatments including sun block on all areas of exposed skin, ultra violet protected safety glasses, hats, and ventilated or loose fitting shirts. Appropriate sun block must have an SPF of at least 15. Hats must cover a worker's head completely and must include a visor that provides shade to the worker's face. It is acceptable that outdoor workers may wear short -sleeved shirts or t -shirts during hot weather working days, provided that they have Procedure Title: Working in Extreme Weather Page 2 of 5 Procedure Number: HUR 130-023 sufficient sun block on exposed skin. Workers may not wear shorts, except those workers who are employed to work in summer camps or recreational day programs. Appropriate foot wear includes ankle high safety shoes or boots. Summer foot wear, such as sandals, are not acceptable. Workers should ensure that they are adequately hydrated during the course of the work day. Drinking fluids should be kept in the proximity of the worker, and may include water, sports rehydrating drinks, and juice. Fluids such as coffee, tea or other caffeine fluids should be avoided as they are dietetics and do no hydrate the worker. 02.03 Working in Cold Weather Conditions Outdoor workers who are required to work in extreme cold weather conditions are required to wear appropriate protective clothing to avoid exposure to cold temperatures. Such clothing must be warm and dry and may include winter coats or parkas, gloves, toques, ear muffs, and steel -toed winter safety boots. Every worker should review the terms of his or her applicable collective agreement to determine whether specific clothing is required in winter conditions. 02.04 Extreme Storm Weather In the event of extreme storm weather, workers who perform essential services work are required to report to work. All other workers of the City should take reasonable steps to ensure that travel to and from work is safe. In the event of severe storm weather, any worker who is unable to safely reach the workplace should contact his or her direct supervisor for instructions. Procedure Title: Working in Extreme Weather Page 3 of 5 Procedure Number: HUR 130-023 02.05 Enclosed Workspaces The temperature in an enclosed workspace must be maintained at a level that is comfortable for the work being performed. It must be maintained at a level of at least 18 degrees Celsius unless; a) the workspace is normally unheated; b) the necessity of opening doors makes the heating of the area to 18 degrees Celsius impracticable; or c) where the process or activity in the workplace is such that a temperature of at least 18 degrees Celsius would cause discomfort. Arena staff, who may regularly be required to work in a workspace with temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius, are required to wear appropriate protective clothing to ensure that they are warm and dry. Arena staff will be provided by the City with a hooded sweatshirt, which must be worn. While the Occupational Health & Safety Act does not set a maximum temperature for an enclosed workspace, the temperature in an enclosed workspace should be maintained at a level of not more than 24 degrees Celsius and, whenever possible, should be maintained at or about 21 degrees Celsius. 02.06 First Aid and Emergency Responses A worker suffering from exposure to severe weather may require immediate first aid or emergency services. Whenever a worker demonstrates the symptoms of heat stroke, immediate medical attention must be sought. Typical signs of a heat stroke include a body temperature in excess of 41 degrees Celsius, weakness, confusion, hot, dry and red skin, increased pulse rate, headache and dizziness. A worker who demonstrates signs of heat exhaustion should also seek medical attention and should immediately cease working in Procedure Title: Working in Extreme Weather Page 4 of 5 Procedure Number: HUR 130-023 hot work conditions. Typical signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cool moist skin, a body temperature over 38 degrees. Celsius, low blood pressure, fatigue and weakness, nausea (including vomiting), extreme thirst, irregular breathing, and blurred vision. Cramping in the legs or arms while working or following work in a hot work environment, may be early warning signs that a worker is suffering from hyperthermia. Any worker who experiences such symptoms during or following exposure to hot working conditions should seek immediate medical attention. Procedure Title: Working in Extreme Weather Page 5 of 5 Procedure Number: HUR 130-023