Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: HEAT

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to heat stress: Priming Rack Area, employees were manually rolling 24-inch diameter pipes which were about 80 feet long, weighing approximately 7,800 pounds. Employees were exposed to excessive levels of heat stress, i.e. on July 27, 1994 and August 16, 1994, as correlated with the guidelines established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Such exposures may lead to the development of a serious heat-induced illness, such as, heat stroke, as well as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat syncope, heat rash and transient heat fatigue. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to establish provisions for a work/rest regimen so that exposure time to high temperatures is decreased and/or the work rate is decreased, and/or rest periods are increased, in length and frequency. Further abatement might include a heat stress program which would include: a.An annual training program informing employees about the effects of heat stress, symptoms of heat induced illnesses, and prevention of heat induced illnesses. b.Temperature measurement instruments to monitor the work environment. c.An acclimation program for new employees, and employees returning from periods of absence of three or more days. d.A screening program to identify health conditions aggravated by elevated temperatures. e.A provision to supply cooler (50 to 60 degrees F) and closer drinking water. f.A provision to supply cooler rest areas. An optimum temperature is about 74 degrees F.