W EEKLY EDITION AUGUST 14, 2019
Heat - Related Issues in Portable Sanitation
By Karleen Kos, PSAI Executive Director
HEAT INJURY PREVENTION TIPS
Workers Should Drink Plenty of Water
• Drink small amounts of water frequently, not large amounts less
often
• Drink even if there is no perceived thirst
• After work, encourage workers to drink plenty of water to
recover from the workday
• Workers should avoid sodas, energy drinks, and coffee which
do not hydrate the body in the same way as water
Workers Should Rest Periodically
• Review the chart on the prior page for rest - to - work ratios and
frequency
• Workers should rest in the shade or a cooler area
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Here are some general guidelines recommended by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Permit workers to drink water at liberty: at least one pint of water per hour (per worker) is
recommended.
• Establish provisions for a work/rest regimen to limit exposure time to high temperatures. Provide
shade or air conditioning and water during these breaks.
• Develop a heat stress regime incorporating the following:
o Training program about recognizing and reducing heat illness;
o Screening program to identify heat - related health conditions;
o Acclimation program for new and returning employees;
o Specif ic procedures to be followed for heat - related emergencies;
o Provisions allowing for the immediate administration of first aid to workers displaying
symptoms of heat illness.
Additional resources are available to assist you in planning for hot weather worki ng conditions at
https://www.osha.gov/heat/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/default.html
- KK
P AGE 14
