Never too early to think about heat stress
It may not be quite warm enough here in the Midwest to turn our thoughts to workers overheating, but in other parts of the country, it's definitely time to refocus on protecting workers from heat-related illnesses.
A recent heat wave led California to issue the first heat advisory of the season. This article outlines quite nicely the California OSHA requirements and federal OSHA tips and reminders for workers in hot environments. And while neither the state or federal guidelines require a specific heat stress study, they do both mention defining "excessive heat" and monitoring heat exposure.
3M Quest heat stress monitors can be used to measure and record ambient air temperature, humidity, air flow (which provides an evaporative cooling effect on the body), and radiant heat from sources like the sun, furnaces, ovens, and boilers. They can help you optimize what both CAL/OSHA and federal OSHA guidelines refer to as safe work times and work/rest regimens.
Heat stress monitors, either area type or wearable personal monitors, can be used for athletic or military training, warehousing, occupational heat stress management, and risk assessment investigations. They measure "stay time" according to ACHIH TLV handbook, the US Navy PEL (permissible exposure limits) charts, the US Marine Flag system, and EPRI action limits.
Is it time for you to start planning for heat stress management and summer work/rest schedules? See today's current heat index in the U.S.
Older posts on Heat Stress:
- Avoiding heat stress and heat-related illnesses
- Getting data from a 3M QuesTemp II personal heat stress monitor to your Windows 7 PC
Read more about 3M Quest heat stress monitors and rent online at RaecoRents.com