Due to the unusually hot temperatures this week, the university is reminding the campus community to stay cool and use common sense.
Western is also following a new procedure when dealing with such extreme weather conditions for those working outdoors or in hotter indoor environments such as mechanical rooms, steam tunnels or the power plant.
“The requirement is to provide a safe work environment for workers when working in hot environments,” says Tony Hammoud, Facilities Safety Coordinator with Human Resources and Safety and Training Coordinator with Physical Plant.
He says supervisors are to observe weather conditions and humidity levels and, according to the temperature, heat index and what a worker is scheduled to be doing, accommodate and provide reasonable work shifts and increased rest periods.
Following guidelines set out by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, a table helps determine whether scheduled work should be light, moderate or heavy. For example, a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius recommends only light work duties if outdoors, with more frequent rest periods.
“Depending on the supervisor’s decision whether the work is light, moderate or heavy, the recommendations call for certain work and rest schedules,” says Hammoud. “We are also educating our workers on the proper clothing to wear and will provide them with sunscreen, water and hats.”
Even if you’re not working outdoors, there are still some helpful tips for staying cool and how to watch for heat stress in others when dealing with this hot weather.
* Wear cool clothing: See that the person is dressed in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, preferably of natural fabrics like cotton. Use hats and umbrellas outside.
*Cover windows: During the day, pull the curtains on all windows that are in direct sunlight.
*Avoid direct sun: Stay indoors during the hottest hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are going to be outside, make sure it’s during cooler hours and seek out shade. Also check the news for information about temperatures, humidity levels and air pollution alerts.
*Eliminate or limit physical activity: Limit any sort of activity to short periods during cool hours. Eliminate entirely on very hot days.
*Drink plenty of fluids: Be sure to have plenty of water and fruit or vegetable juice, even if you’re not thirsty. No alcohol, coffee or tea. Seek medical help if you suspect dehydration.