Program Area

Job Specific Controls for Heat Stress Management

 

Consider engineering controls that reduce the metabolic rate, provide general air movement, reduce process heat and water-vapor release, and shield radiant heat sources, among others. [Supplement air movement (by natural breezes or mechanical fans) increase the loss of heat by evaporation. Provide breaks in air-conditioned areas where possible. Increased airflow with ambient air above the body temperature creates extra heat stress burden.]

Consider administrative controls that set acceptable exposure times, allow sufficient recovery, and limit physiological strain. [Employees working in heat stress conditions shall be given regular breaks that meet the WBGT work-stress regiment. Break areas should be in shaded areas were possible. Direct sunlight and radiant heat from hot asphalt, steam lines, radiators, ovens should be avoided. ]

Consider personal protection that is demonstrated effective for the specific work practices and conditions at the location. [Use of light summer clothing is the basis for the WBGT Index. When heavy clothing, clothing that limits or impedes sweat evaporation, or clothing with a higher insulation value must be worn, worker heat tolerance is reduced and additional caution must be observed. Ice vests, cooling systems, wet headbands, etc. provide additional cooling capacity to the worker by conducting heat from the body. ]

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Last Modified: February 1, 2008
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DOE, Office of ScienceOne of ten national laboratories overseen and primarily funded by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Brookhaven National Laboratory conducts research in the physical, biomedical, and environmental sciences, as well as in energy technologies and national security. Brookhaven Lab also builds and operates major scientific facilities available to university, industry and government researchers. Brookhaven is operated and managed for DOE’s Office of Science by Brookhaven Science Associates, a limited-liability company founded by Stony Brook University, the largest academic user of Laboratory facilities, and Battelle, a nonprofit, applied science and technology organization.

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