Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1155755
W EEKLY EDITION AUGUST 14, 2019 Heat - Related Issues in Portable Sanitation By Karleen Kos, PSAI Executive Director …continued from page 1 In hot conditions, the human body must get rid of excess heat to maintain a normal temperature. Achieving that optimal body temperature is done through sweating, which most portable sanitation technicians experience as a matter of c ourse while doing their jobs. The hotter and more humid the conditions, the more difficult it is for the body to perspire. When sweating does not occur in a manner that cools the skin properly to maintain the body's ideal temperature, the danger to these w orkers is life - threatening. Portable sanitation companies are advised to implement warm weather precautions and to adjust expectations accordingly to keep workers safe and healthy. Considerations for Implementing Warm Weather Precautions When it comes to temperature, there is n o one factor tha t drives whether or when to implement warm weather precautions. It is usually a combination of the following things. The more of them that are extreme, the more urgent it is to shift to warm weather precautions. • Rise in air temperature • Increase in humidit y • Sun positioning • Air movement or lack thereof • Equipment radiating heat and the effects of wearing PPE increasing body temperature • Work activity level To help monitor the danger of these conditions, the National Weather Service uses the "WetBulb Globe Temperature" or WBGT as a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight. The WBGT considers temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation). The WBGT differs from the heat index, which takes into consideration only temperatur e and humidity and is calculated for shady areas. When the heat index and WBGT are increasing, it is important to have an empowered staff person on sit e that is well informed on heat - related illnesses that can authorize modified work activities. Protecti ve Measures Most heat injuries are caused by overexposure to heat or over - exercising in warm conditions. Proper work - rest cycles and hydration are important for the prevention of heat - related illnesses. The charts below depict the adjustments that should b e made as the heat index, WBGT, and work intensity increase. P AGE 12 CONTINUED ON PAGE 1 3