IMS9.4.6.16 Working in Extreme Temperature Conditions Procedure

1.0   SCOPE OF PROCEDURE

This Procedure applies to SeaLink Employees who are required to work in extreme temperature conditions.

Human beings need to maintain a constant body temperature if they are to stay healthy. Extreme temperatures can alter a person’s body temperature causing adverse affects if being exposed for extended periods of time. This includes both hot and cold conditions.

It is important to distinguish between a condition, which threatens health and safety, and a feeling of discomfort. Terms like heat stroke and hypothermia refer to serious medical conditions.

Under the Workplace Health & Safety Act and Regulations, it is a legal requirement, that an employer must, so far as is practicable, provide and maintain a working environment in which the employees are not exposed to hazards etc and an employee must take reasonable care to ensure their own safety and health at work.

2.0   SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Work in food preparation and handling areas must be carried out in compliance with provisions of the relevant Food Act and the Food Standards Code.

Persons working in refrigerated storages or in freezers must be provided with and wear appropriate garments for that type of work.

Authorised trained persons to access chiller/freezer rooms only.

Where possible, employees are to maintain a constant body temperature.

Prolonged exposure to heat or cold can lead to fatigue, lowered concentration, slowed reflexes and loss of physical coordination, which can increase the chances of an injury occurring.

Intensity of ultraviolet radiation is affected by factors such as time of day, extent of reflection and shade, altitude and time of year.

3.0   PROCEDURE

3.1   Employer’s Responsibility

1. It is the employer’s responsibility to implement administrative controls such as awareness training, job rotation and procedures.
2. The employer should do whatever is practicable to ensure a safe working environment. Including but not limited to the following:
   1. Hot Conditions
      1. Where practicable, use trees, buildings and other temporary shelter such as awnings and umbrellas to produce shade;
      2. Ensure shade is available for meal breaks;
      3. Reorganise work times where possible so that physical outdoor tasks are done early in the morning or late afternoon;
      4. Supply adequate drinking water to the employees
   2. Cold Conditions
      1. Prevent entry of wind into work areas wherever possible.
3. Ensure all personnel are aware of their duty of care to themselves and other employees under the Workplace Health & Safety Act.
4. Ensure all personnel are aware of their responsibilities when working in extreme temperature conditions.
5. The employer will supply relevant PPE for employees to avoid affects from working in extreme temperature conditions.

4.0   HOT CONDITIONS

4.1  Employee’s Responsibility

1. The employee must be aware of their duty of care to themselves and other employees under the Workplace Health & Safety Act.
2. It is the employee’s responsibility to drink at least 2 liters of cool water a day.
3. The employee should wear a hat.
4. It is a recommendation for the employee to wear long sleeves and long trousers. Should the employee choose to wear short sleeves and/or shorts it is under the condition that they wear appropriated sunscreen to the exposed areas.
5. It is the employee’s responsibility to apply sunscreen (SPF 50+ or better) and reapply every (2) hours or as directed by the manufacturer.
6. The employee should wear appropriately tinted safety glasses or sunglasses.
7. The employee should take rest breaks as required. If feeling weak or faint, immediately stop work and cool down, drink plenty of water.

4.2   First Aid Treatment for Illnesses Associated with Heat Stress

1. Prickly Heat – Results in an itchy painful rash
   1. Keep the rash cool and dry; and
   2. Ensure the person stops hot work until the rash has settled down.
2. Fainting, Cramps, Exhaustion
   1. Lie the person in the shade;
   2. Provide cool water; and
   3. Fan the person manually to cool the core body temperature.
3. Heat Stroke – Can result in fatality if untreated
   1. ​Immediately start first aid by removing clothing, wetting the skin, and manually fanning the person to increase evaporation;
   2. Seek medical assistance;
   3. Inform your Supervisor.

5.0   COLD CONDITIONS

5.1   Employee’s Responsibility

1. The employee must be aware of their duty of care to themselves and other employees under the Workplace Health & Safety Act.
2. The employee should wear clothing which will provide adequate warmth and protect against wind chill in exposed or drafty areas or provide protection in wet conditions.
3. It is the employee’s responsibility to use suitable precautions (eg gloves, moisturisers) to prevent dry skin, chapping, and cracking of skin.
4. The employee should ensure that all extremities (eg hands, feet, nose, ears, etc) are kept warm, not exposed and not constricted by tight clothing.
5. The employee should monitor their use of vibration-causing tools and wear absorbent covers on ear muffs as added protection.
6. The employee should use beanies or other protective clothing as appropriate for the conditions.
7. It is the employee’s responsibility to advise the employer if they have any flu like symptoms, to avoid possible food contamination or the spreading of germs.

5.2   First Aid Treatment for Illnesses Associated with Cold Stress

5.2.1 Warning Signs of Cold Related Illness

Hands become numb

• Shivering
• Loss of fine motor co-ordination
• Slurred speech
• Disorientation
• Irrational behavior
• Blue skin
• Dilated pupils
• Slow pulse and breathing
• Loss of consciousness

5.2.2 Treatment

• Immediately start first aid by seeking shelter, finding an external heat source, putting on extra layers of clothing/ blanket, remove wet clothing.
• Seek medical assistance;
• Inform your Supervisor.