Gulf Union Foods

Company

Heat Stress Management Plan For

Plant 2
Name Nithish Raj Sayed Azmat Ahmed Iyad Al Saidawi

Designation HSE Officer Warehouse Manager Plant Manger

Prepared by Checked by Approved By

Date

Signature

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch

Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 1

Heat Management Plan

 Gulf Union Foods
Company

Contents
1. Purpose 1
2. Reference 1
3. Responsibilities 1
4. Control of Heat Stress 5
5. Training 6
6. Appendix (Heat Related Illness) 8
i. Heat Cramps
ii. Heat Exhaustion
iii. Heat Stroke

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch

Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 2

Heat Management Plan

 Gulf Union Foods
Company

1. Purpose
This chapter describes minimum requirements for recognizing, evaluating and preventing heat-related
illnesses at work locations.

2. Reference
 Saudi Aramco GI
 Saudi Aramco CSSM program
 General Contents from Google

3. Responsibilities
Plant Management , Checkers and Safety Representative
A. When the potential for heat-related illness exists, monitor environmental conditions (e.g.,
air temperature, relative humidity) and communicate the current heat stress danger
category and corresponding control measures to all GUC & Coca Cola employees.

B. Document heat stress mitigation measures in the specific work plan, which shall specify
the specific work practices to be implemented at the site to avoid heat-related illness
during periods of high heat stress potential and may include:
i. Providing measures such as shading and local ventilation when work in Plant 2 is required.
ii. Monitoring employees for symptoms of heat-related illness.
iii. Rotating workers in and out of hot areas, as possible.
iv. Communicating locations of designated break/recovery areas, emergency reporting
procedures and nearest medical facilities to workers.
v. Adjusting work/execution plans (e.g., use mechanical/powered equipment to replace
manual labor), as practical.

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch

Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 3

Heat Management Plan

 Gulf Union Foods
Company

C. Do not let schedule or productivity demands supersede heat stress awareness or controls used
to prevent heat-related illness.

D. Conduct periodic (e.g., weekly) safety meetings/talks during hot weather emphasizing heat
stress hazards and precautions, with added emphasis on this risk during Ramadan if it occurs in
summertime.

E. Display educational information related to heat stress conditions, illness/symptoms and

preventive measures (e.g., Appendices A and B) on bulletin boards and break/recovery areas,
etc. In addition, distribute heat stress information at safety meetings/talks, etc., in a form
suitable for workers

F. Schedule heat stress training and monitor new workers and workers returning from vacation to
ensure they acclimatize at a progressive, controlled rate to the change in environmental
conditions.

G. Provide drinking water stations for workers and remind them to drink plenty of water even if
not thirsty.

H. Monitor the heat-related health condition of employees, as well as the effectiveness of any
engineering/administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) being used.

I. Be able to recognize early signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and take appropriate
action to prevent serious heat illness (see Appendix B).

Employees
A. Follow instructions for controlling heat stress; including taking periodic "cool down" breaks and
drinking enough water (see Appendix A). Begin drinking water early in the day.

B. Wear appropriate clothing (e.g., light colored, lightweight, breathable, loose clothing is best).

C. Know and be alert for signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses in themselves and others. See
Appendix B.

D. Take appropriate action upon developing symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat
stroke. See Appendix B.

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch

Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 4

Heat Management Plan

 Gulf Union Foods
Company

4. Control of Heat Stress

During periods of high heat stress potential (i.e., danger category III or IV in Appendix A) at the work
site, the following measures to implement as applicable to control heat stress.
Engineering Controls
A. Shade

Designated shaded break/rest areas shall be provided near to loading bay for all direct sunlight
exposed employees

B. Local Ventilation

When the air temperature is less than 37 °C (99 °F), fans or portable air movers may be used to
reduce heat stress by increasing the air flow in the work area.

Administrative Controls
A. Water Replacement (Hydration)

Workers shall be encouraged to drink plenty of water prior to the start of each shift. Sports drinks,
juices and electrolyte replacement/rehydration mixes may also be made available to workers in
order to help maintain the body’s water and salt levels. However, workers shall not consume more
of these drinks than plain water. Workers shall not take salt tablets due to potential adverse side
effects (e.g., nausea/vomiting, dehydration).

B. Work/Rest Rotations

Work and rest rotations shall be based for the forklift operators working outide under direct
sunlight exposure. Work rotations shall be established for workers performing remote activities in
high heat stress exposures (e.g., flagmen). Workers shall be allowed additional break time and
water, as they deem necessary for their health.

C. Personal Monitoring
Employees shall work in teams and shall observe each other for signs of diminished capacity
and heat-related illness. Prescribed check times and monitoring controls [see Section 13.5)
shall be used to determine whether a worker is experiencing diminished capacity or
symptoms of heat stress.

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch

Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 5

Heat Management Plan

 Gulf Union Foods
Company

D. Recovery
Any employee experiencing symptoms of a heat-related illness shall be allowed to fully recover in
an appropriate recovery area before returning to work. Recovery areas shall be shaded, cool and
supplied with water. Victims of severe heat exhaustion or heat stroke shall be immediately
evacuated to the nearest medical facility with a qualified medical doctor who can provide proper
treatment. Such incidents will be reported.

Personal Protective Controls

A. Clothing

Light colored, lightweight, breathable clothing that covers as much of the body as possible,
including the head, shall be worn when working in direct sunlight.

B. Wetted Clothing/Towels
During periods of high heat stress potential, employers are to provide employees with wetted terry
cloth towels and/or allow them to wet their normal work clothes as necessary to provide cooling for
their body

5. Training
A. Heat stress awareness training shall be provided just before and during the hot summer months to
all applicable personnel (e.g., who work outdoors) and those who manage personnel and have
responsibilities for establishing heat stress mitigation measures.

B. Heat stress awareness training shall include the following elements:

 Hazards of heat stress.

 Recognition of signs and symptoms of heat stress.
 First aid procedures for heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
 Employee responsibilities in avoiding/responding to heat-related illness.
 Supervisor responsibilities in avoiding/responding to heat-related illness.
 Dangers of the use of drugs, including prescription and over-the- counter medicines, in hot
work environments.
 Measures employees can take to minimize the effects of heat stress (hydration, work pace, use
of wet towels, good nutritional habits, etc.).
 Personal monitoring and buddy system controls.

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch

Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 6

Heat Management Plan

 Gulf Union Foods
Company

Note:
Training shall emphasize that heat stress can affect an individual’s ability to reason clearly. This
may cause a person to fail to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress. For this reason,
self- monitoring shall be augmented by prescribed check times and monitoring controls. Check
times are intervals at which a heat stress- trained supervisor or observer (including a coworker)
checks to see if there are obvious symptoms of heat-related illness or if there is any sense of
diminished capacity in himself and his coworkers, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

C. First aid and other emergency responders shall be properly trained in the recognition and
treatment of heat-related illnesses.

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch

Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 7

Heat Management Plan

 Gulf Union Foods
Company

Appendix
Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Cramps

Although heat cramps are not dangerous, they are an early warning sign for heat exhaustion and that
the body’s ability to cope with exceeded heat.

Causes:

• Occurs when the body loses too much salt through sweating.
• Attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating.

Symptoms include:

• Painful cramping of the muscles (e.g., arms, legs or stomach).

• Hot, moist skin.
• Slightly elevated body temperature.

Treatment includes:

• Stop all activity.

• Rest in a cool, shaded area (e.g., designated break/recovery area).
• Loosen clothing.
• Drink water.
• If symptoms persist, seek medical aid.

Another early indication that heat stress conditions may be present is the appearance of heat rash,
which is an itchy rash that occurs then skin becomes swollen and plugs the sweat glands. This is not
a life-threatening condition.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt by sweating. Heat
exhaustion poses a higher risk to older employees and those with coronary artery disease or emphysema
(a lung condition causing breathing impairment).

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch

Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 8

Heat Management Plan

 Gulf Union Foods
Company

Causes:

• Occurs when the fluids and/or salt lost in sweating not regenerated.
• Enlarged surface blood vessels.

Symptoms include:
 Heavy sweating.
 Intense thirst and cool, moist skin.
 Weakness and dizziness.
 Headache and blurred vision.
 Nausea and vomiting.
 Pale or flushed appearance.
 Mood changes such as irritability or confusion
 Rapid pulse.
 Fainting.

Treatment includes:

 Move the victim to a cool, shaded area (e.g., designated break/recovery area).
 Call for medical help.
 Loosen the victim’s clothing.
 Remove unnecessary clothing.
 Shower or sponge the victim’s skin with cool water.
 Have the victim drink water or sport drinks that have electrolytes (e.g., Gatorade).

Notes:
 Heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to heat stroke if not properly treated. People suffering from
heat exhaustion must not take care of themselves because they may lack coordination and become
confused. Heat exhaustion requires fast response to prevent worsening heat stress problems.
 Remember that sweating only cools the body if the sweat evaporates. If it cannot evaporate, it
cannot cool. Thus, even under moderate or cool working conditions, it is possible to suffer heat
stress if you are inside protective clothing that interferes with your bodies cooling or working in
high-humidity conditions.

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch

Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 9

Heat Management Plan

 Gulf Union Foods
Company

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and death or permanent tissue damage may occur if no immediate
treatment. Collapse is often confused as a heart attack or head injury.

Causes:

 Occurs when the body no longer sweats and holds so much heat such that the body’s system of
temperature regulation fails and body temperature reaches dangerous levels.
 Body depleted of salt and water.

Symptoms include:

• Dry, hot skin with no sweating.

• High body temperature (above 40 °C [103 °F]).
• Strong, rapid pulse.
• Chills.
• Weakness, nausea, vomiting.
• Mental confusion.
• Seizures or convulsions.
• Collapse, loss of consciousness.

Treatment includes:

 Immediately call or arrange for professional medical help.

 Cool the victim down as much as possible while waiting for medical help
 Move the victim immediately to a cool, shaded area. O Loosen or remove heavy clothing.
 Have the victim lie flat with feet elevated. O Fan and mist the victim’s body with water. O Monitor the
victim is breathing.
 Have the victim drink water or sport drinks that have electrolytes (e.g., Gatorade). Do not give fluids if
the victim is unconscious.

Notes:

 Sometimes, heat stoke occurs after the person has already developed heat exhaustion, but heat stroke
can also strike suddenly with little warning.
 Regardless of the worker’s protest, no person suspected of being ill from heat will not be send home or
any medical representative.

Gulf Union Food Co. Riyadh branch
Jun 01, 2022 Rev. 0 Sheet # 10

Heat Management Plan