Heat Injury Prevention Plan for the Company
These procedures will be followed to reduce the risk of work-related heat illnesses to our employees.
The shift supervisors (typically the Crew Boss, Engine Boss or Squad Boss) will be responsible for implementing and carrying out these procedures.
The Incident Response Pocket Guide pages 110 and 111 have specific information on Heat Related Illness Symptoms and steps to take if an HRI is suspected.
Water
All crew members will be provided with as much water as they desire every day , and will be encouraged to pack in their personal gear bag more than they anticipate they will need.
All water containers will be kept in a sanitary condition.
Daily, employees will be reminded of the importance of drinking water frequently. When the temperature exceeds, or is expected to exceed, 80 degrees Fahrenheit, brief “tailgate” meetings will be held with employees each morning to review the importance of drinking water, the number and schedule of water and rest breaks, and the signs and symptoms of heat illness
When the temperature equals or exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or during a heat wave, pre-shift meetings will be conducted before the commencement of work to both encourage employees to drink plenty of water and to remind employees of their right to take a cool-down rest when necessary. Additionally, the number of water breaks will be increased. Supervisors will lead by example and remind employees throughout the work shift to drink water.
All employees are required to carry at least four quart canteens.
Shade
Shade is generally available on fire assignments.
Crew members will be encouraged to take meal and other breaks in the shade.
In the unusual case where there is no shade, it may be suggested to take a break in a truck with air conditioning.
Weather
Prior to each workday, the supervisor will monitor the weather at the worksite using the Incident Weather briefing,online resources,or a belt weather kit. This critical weather information will be taken into consideration to determine when it will be necessary to make modifications to the work schedule (e.g., working during the cooler hours of the day, increasing the number of water and rest breaks).
A thermometer and psychrometer or digital weather tool(eg, Kestrel) will be used at the job site to monitor for a sudden increase in temperature or humidity. and to ensure that once the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, employees will be frequently urged to drink water. In addition, when the temperature equals or exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, additional preventive measures, such as high-heat procedures, will be implemented.
Procedures for Handling a Heat Wave or Heat Spike
During a heat wave or heat spike and before starting work, tailgate meetings will be held to review the company Heat Illness Prevention Procedures (HIPP), the weather forecast, and emergency response procedures. Additionally, if schedule modifications are not possible, employees will be provided with an increased number of water and rest breaks and observed closely for signs and symptoms of heat illness.
Each employee will be assigned a “buddy” to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of heat illness and to ensure that emergency procedures are initiated when someone displays possible signs or symptoms of heat illness.
High Heat Procedures:
High Heat Procedures are additional preventive measures that this company will use when the temperature equals or exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Effective communication and direct observation for alertness and signs and symptoms of heat illness will be conducted frequently. When the supervisor is not available, a designated alternate responsible person must be assigned to look for signs and symptoms of heat illness. If a supervisor, designated observer, or any employee reports any signs or symptoms of heat illness in any employee, the supervisor or designated person will take immediate action commensurate with the severity of the illness
Employees will be reminded constantly throughout the work shift to drink plenty of water and take preventative cool-down rest breaks when needed.
Pre-shift meetings will be held before the commencement of work to review the high heat procedures, encourage employees to drink plenty of water, and remind employees of their right to take a cool-down rest when necessary.
When the temperature equals or exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, employees will be provided one 10- minute “preventative cool-down rest period” every two hours.
Employees working longer than eight hours will be provided an additional 10-minute cool-down rest period every two hours. For example, if the shift extends beyond eight hours, an additional rest period is required at the end of the eighth hour of work. If the shift extends beyond 10 hours, another rest period is required at the end of the 10th hour, and so on. All employees will be required to take the cool-down rest periods. Merely offering the opportunity for a break is not enough.
Procedures for Acclimatization:
Acclimatization is the process where the body adjusts to increased heat exposure. The body needs time to adapt when working in hotter environments. In general, physically fit individuals acclimatize about 50% faster than individuals who are not physically fit.
Our firefighters are always encouraged to maintain a fitness program throughout the year ,including between assignments, that includes vigorous aerobic training in the heat of the day to be as prepared as possible for fire assignments in any part of the United States. We know increased fitness enhances speed of acclimitaztion . Please refer to the videos and information on the Acclimitazation and Fitness page of Wildlandfirelinks.blogspot.com
Warning : During high heat or a heat wave, even previously acclimatized individuals are at risk of heat illness because the body has not had enough time to adjust to a sudden, abnormally high temperature or extreme conditions or demands of an emergency fireline assignment.
The weather will be monitored daily. The supervisor will be on the lookout for heat waves, heat spikes, or temperatures to which employees haven’t been exposed for several weeks or longer.
New employees and those who have been newly assigned to a high heat area will be closely observed by the supervisor. The intensity of the work will be lessened during a break-in period by using procedures such as scheduling slower-paced, less physically demanding work during the hot parts of the day and the heaviest work activities during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening).
The supervisor or the designee will be extra vigilant with new employees and stay alert to the presence of heat-related symptoms.
New employees will be assigned a “buddy,” or experienced coworker, so they can watch each other closely for discomfort or symptoms of heat illness.
During a heat wave, all employees will be observed closely (or maintain frequent communication via phone or radio) for possible symptoms of heat illness.
Employees and supervisors will be trained on the importance of acclimatization, how it is developed, and how these company procedures address it.
Procedures for Emergency Response:
When a crew is assigned to a particular worksite, the employees and the foreman will be provided a map of the site that will allow them to give clear and precise directions to the worksite (e.g., street or road names, distinguishing features and distances to major roads) to avoid a delay of emergency medical services
All foremen and supervisors will carry cell phones or portable radios to ensure that emergency medical services can be called. Checks will be made to ensure that these electronic devices are functional prior to each shift.
Prior to assigning a crew to a worksite the supervisor will ensure that an appropriately trained and equipped person is available at the site to render first aid, if necessary.
When an employee shows symptom(s) of possible heat illness, steps will immediately be taken to keep the stricken employee cool and comfortable to prevent the progression to more serious illness. Under no circumstances will the affected employee be left unattended.
During a heat wave, heat spike, or hot temperatures, employees will be reminded and encouraged to immediately report to their supervisor any signs or symptoms they are experiencing.
Procedures for Handling a Sick Employee:
When an employee displays possible signs or symptoms of heat illness, a trained first aid employee or supervisor will evaluate the sick employee and determine whether resting in the shade and drinking cool water will suffice or if emergency service providers will need to be called. A sick employee will not be left alone.
Emergency service providers will be called immediately if an employee displays signs or symptoms of severe heat illness (e.g., decreased level of consciousness, staggering, vomiting, disorientation, irrational behavior, incoherent speech, convulsions, does not look okay, or does not get better after drinking cool water and resting in the shade. While the ambulance is en route, first aid will be initiated (i.e., cool the employee by placing the employee in the shade, removing excess layers of clothing, placing ice packs in the armpits and groin area, and fan the victim).
Procedures for Employee and Supervisor Training:
Supervisors will be trained prior to being assigned to supervise other employees. Training will include this company’s written procedures and the steps supervisors will follow when employees exhibit symptoms consistent with heat illness.
Supervisors will be trained in appropriate first aid and/or emergency response to different types of heat illness and made aware that heat illness may progress quickly from mild signs and symptoms to a serious, life-threatening illness.
Supervisors will be trained on how to track the weather at the job site (by monitoring predicted temperature highs and periodically using a thermometer). Supervisors will be instructed on how weather information will be used to modify work schedules, increase the number of water and rest breaks, if necessary.
All employees and supervisors will be trained prior to working outside. Training will include all aspects of implementing an effective Heat Illness Prevention Plan, including providing sufficient water, providing access to shade, high-heat procedures, emergency response procedures, and acclimatization procedures contained in the company’s written plan. Employees and supervisors will also be trained on the environmental and personal risk factors of heat illness and the importance of immediately reporting signs and symptoms of heat illness.
When the temperature is expected to exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, short “tailgate” meetings will be held to review the weather report, reinforce heat illness prevention with all employees, provide reminders to drink water frequently, and remind them to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of heat illness.
