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 related illnesses such as, but not limited to, heat stress, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat fatigue while performing work in attics: On July 9, 2001 employees working installing eaves baffles and blowing fiberglass insulation in double units residence located in Warner Robins, Ga. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature readings taken in the attic on July 10, 2001 ranged from 95.5 to 97.2 F. The ambient temperature recorded by Robins Air Force Base between the hours of 3:55 p.m. and 4:55 p.m. on July 9, 2001 was 93.2 F with a heat index of 102 F. Among other feasible and acceptable methods to correct this hazard this hazard include but is not limited to: 1. Develop a heat stress prevention program to include training of the hazards of heat stress, recognition and predisposing factors, employee responsibility in avoiding heat stress, use of protective clothing and equipment, fluid replacement, engineering controls, and work practices. 2. Schedule jobs for the cooler part of the day. 3. Utilize potable blowers with built-in chiller as local air cooling devices. 4. Encourage employees to drink small amount of cool liquids frequently, e.g one cup every 20 minutes. 4. Provide personal protective equipment such as commercially available ice vests and water- cooled garments.