Heat Stress Exposure Control Plan
Overview
Heat stress can affect concentration, reaction time, and physical performance – especially for crane operators. A Heat Stress Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is required by regulation wherever workers may be exposed to heat stress conditions.
Recognizing Heat Stress Signs and Symptoms
Mild heat exhaustion may include general fatigue, weakness, thirst, dizziness, and muscle cramps.
Severe heat exhaustion may include unsteadiness, slow reaction time, obvious fatigue, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and loss of appetite.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Warning signs may include confusion, disorientation, unusual behaviour, collapse, convulsions, garbled speech, or rapid breathing.
Key Elements of the Exposure Control Plan
- Statement of purpose and responsibilities
- Risk identification and assessment
- Heat stress controls (see table below)
- Education and training
- Written work procedures
- Hygiene facilities and decontamination procedures
- Health monitoring
- Documentation
The Hierarchy of Heat Stress Controls
| Control | Examples |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Fans, air conditioning, reflective shields, and ventilation |
| Administrative | Acclimatization (7-14 days for new/returning workers), work-rest cycles (e.g., 15 min rest every 2 hours), buddy checks, slower work pace |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Cooling vests, reflective clothing, forearm cooling (ice water immersion) |
Duties and Responsibilities
| Role | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Employer | Identify heat hazard areas, provide monitoring equipment, implement controls (engineering, administrative, PPE), train workers and supervisors, and ensure first aid and emergency response. |
| Supervisor | Supervise exposed workers, ensure access to cool water and hydration, recognize heat stress signs, and assign work in pairs (buddy system). |
| Worker | Participate in monitoring, follow controls, and report any symptoms immediately. |
| Joint Health and Safety Committee or Representative | Assist in developing/reviewing the ECP and participate in incident investigations.
|
Additional Risk Controls
At higher heat levels, additional controls should be introduced, such as notifying workers of increased heat conditions, increasing scheduled rest breaks and scheduling interval buddy checks.
Increase the frequency of monitoring and slow the work pace. Added cooling measures such as cold drinks, shaded recovery, and an air-conditioned recovery area, may be provided.
Please check our Safe Work Practice: Heat Stress Exposure Control Plan for detailed information on how to understand the risks and follow procedures.
References
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) Part 5, Section 5.54(2), OHSR Part 7, Sections 7.26–7.32, and Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines G7.29-5
