RMS WHS Procedure: PN 066P09 (for Policy No. PN066) Procedure for Working in Extreme Temperatures 1 of 11
Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Contents 1
Purpose ...........................................................................................................................................3
2
Scope...............................................................................................................................................3
3
General requirements.....................................................................................................................4
4
Definitions.......................................................................................................................................4
5
Responsibilities ...............................................................................................................................5
6
Training ...........................................................................................................................................6
7
Hot conditions.................................................................................................................................6
8
Cold conditions ...............................................................................................................................8
9
Work‐rest regime for hot weather .................................................................................................8
10
Who must be consulted...........................................................................................................10
11
Risk management ....................................................................................................................10
12
Reference documents..............................................................................................................10
Appendix A
Definitions..................................................................................................................11
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Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
1 Purpose Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is committed to the health and wellbeing of all its
workers and others. A safe and healthy workplace is the right of every worker.
The purpose of this procedure is to eliminate, or minimise where elimination is not
possible, injury or illness caused by work conducted in extreme temperatures.
It is intended that as an outcome of this procedure:

The risk of injury to staff and contractors will be prevented, where possible

Staff will be consulted in the risk management process

RMS will provide appropriate training, instruction, information and supervision

Safe systems of work for working in extreme temperatures will be established, in
relation to:

Planning

Emergency procedures

Work-rest regimes for hot weather
This procedure applies to any worker performing their duties in extreme temperatures.
2
Scope This procedure covers all RMS workplaces and includes:

RMS workers, contractors or subcontractors, an employee of a contractor or
subcontractor, labour hire, apprentices, trainees, work experience students
and volunteers

Other duty holders who carry out work for RMS or those who are likely to be
directly affected by safety issues relating to working in extreme temperatures
All RMS workers (including contractors) must comply with this procedure. Contractors are
also required to have in place an equivalent procedure for managing risks associated
with persons working in extreme temperatures.
Work conducted in extreme temperatures refers to a workplace environment that is
influenced by at least one the following:

Weather conditions

Hot or cold temperatures

The type and method of work
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Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
3

The physical condition of the worker

The duration of exposure to:
o
Weather conditions
o
Hot or cold temperatures
o
The type and method of work
General requirements RMS workers should be able to conduct their work without a risk to their health and
safety. For their part, they need to take necessary precautions to prevent and effectively
manage any potential hazards and risks, especially in extreme temperatures.
Designers of RMS infrastructure must aim to eliminate, or control where elimination is not
possible, any WHS (Workplace Health and Safety) risks related to extreme temperatures.
They need to do this during the construction, use, maintenance, or demolition of RMS
infrastructure.
RMS must consult with workers (including RMS contractors) about working in extreme
temperatures. If identified as a potential workplace hazard, then appropriate control
measures must be used to eliminate or minimise the exposure to these hazards.
4
Definitions Definitions related to this procedure are specified in Appendix A.
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Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
5
Responsibilities RMS (through its 
managers from
the executive to

the front line)
must:
RMS managers
must:
RMS workers
must:
Comply with the legislation and ensure that systems are in place to
manage potential WHS risks arising for persons working in extreme
temperatures
Ensure that WHS responsibilities are appropriately defined and that
adequate resources (including financial and time) are provided to
ensure effective hazard and risk management for RMS workers

Identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls for staff
working in extreme temperatures

Consult with staff on decisions that may affect their health and
safety at work

Eliminate or control damage to plant, equipment, resources and
property

Ensure that work is undertaken in compliance with approved Safe
Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Ensure that plant and equipment are suitable for operating in
extreme temperatures

Provide adequate information about structures, plant or equipment
that need to operate in extreme temperatures

Ensure that plant, equipment and substances provided to RMS
staff are safe and risk free to their health

Ensure that scheduled periodic inspections are undertaken to
ensure the requirements of this procedure are being met

Ensure that work conducted in extreme temperatures is supervised
by a competent person

Provide information, training, instruction and supervision in the use,
maintenance and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE)
and emergency equipment

Provide instruction
temperatures

Ensure emergency procedures are in place, including the provision
of emergency supplies and appropriate communication devices

Ensure that people needing to undertake work in extreme
temperatures are adequately trained before they commence work

Periodically visit remote sites where staff have been working for
extended periods of time

Comply with RMS’ safe systems of work

Consult with management regarding WHS risk assessment and
SWMS development

Provide assistance during inspections

Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and
others at workplaces (with regard to their acts or omissions at
work)

Ensure that work is undertaken in compliance with approved
and
training
for
working
in
extreme
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Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
SWMS
Designers and
Asset Managers
must:
6

Eliminate or minimise, through the appropriate design of structures,
the need to conduct work in extreme temperatures, where possible
Training Training must include the following:
7

Education about the dangers of drugs (therapeutic, prescription or nonprescription) and alcohol in hot work environments

How to contact emergency services

How to drive on icy roads, or in foggy conditions

Familiarising with existing emergency procedures

Workers’ responsibilities in avoiding the effects of exposure to extreme
temperatures

First aid procedures for heat exhaustion

How to cope with working in either hot or cold conditions and dealing
with hot or cold related illnesses

Information on the hazards of working in extreme temperatures

Information on the selection, use, fitting and maintenance of PPE and
safety equipment

Predisposing factors, danger signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion

Risk assessment procedures

Risk control measures

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) relating to work conducted in
extreme temperatures
Hot conditions In hot working conditions, RMS managers should consider the following:

Allow staff to acclimatise before undertaking a full workload

Avoid assigning staff who have medical conditions to tasks that may put
them at risk

Consider the impact of hot conditions when developing SWMS
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Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Develop procedures for the regular contact between staff likely to be
working in extreme temperatures and the office/depot

Encourage the wearing of lightweight, loose fitting clothing in hot or humid
climates

Ensure that heat from plant and processes are reduced as far as possible
by insulating plant, pipes, walls or roofs to minimise radiant heat

Ensure there is sufficient cool drinking water available at workplaces

Ensure that work areas are ventilated to provide adequate airflow

Use general radiant heat protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun
protective clothing and shade, where possible)

Isolate workers from heat sources, where possible

Monitor temperature, humidity and workers’ physical response to
environmental conditions

Provide a fresh water supply for washing and cooling down

Use machines, where practical, to reduce some of the physical stresses
of work activities

Provide cool areas for rest and recovery, where possible

Provide frequent rest breaks and/or rotate duties to allow people to cool
down (see Work-Rest Regime)

Remove heat from buildings by using extraction fans or similar devices

Rotate staff and use relief workers

Schedule heavy work and tasks that require the wearing of hot or heavy
personal protective equipment (PPE) for cooler times of the day (or year)

Shorten the duration of each exposure (better to have more frequent
short exposures than fewer long exposures)

Support staff members who may suffer from heat exposure

Train employees to recognise symptoms of heat-related illnesses

Where necessary, ensure that correct types of vehicles are being used for
driving in hot conditions
7 of 11
Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
8
Cold conditions Cold working conditions can pose numerous health risks to workers. RMS managers
should consider the following, when work environments are affected by cold weather:
9

Allow staff to acclimatise before undertaking a full workload

Avoid assigning staff with medical conditions to tasks that may put them
at risk

Avoid prolonged contact with metal in cold conditions

Consider the impact of cold weather or work conditions, when developing
SWMS

Develop procedures for the regular contact between remote and isolated
staff and the office/depot

Eliminate draughts without decreasing ventilation

Ensure that vehicles are fitted with effective heaters and the appropriate
types of vehicles are chosen for driving in cold conditions

Insulate ceiling spaces and walls to minimise heat loss, where possible

Isolate workers from cold sources, when possible

Monitor temperature, humidity and workers’ physical responses to
environmental conditions

Monitor the use of tools in cold weather that cause significant vibration

Provide ‘warm-up’ areas, where possible

Provide warm drinks in cold conditions

Rotate staff and use relief workers

Shorten the duration of each exposure (better to have more frequent
short exposures than fewer long exposures)

Support staff who maybe suffering from exposure to the cold

Train employees to recognise symptoms of cold-related illnesses
Work‐rest regime for hot weather The purpose of the work-rest regime is to minimise workers’ exposure to heat. A review
of climate data indicates that extreme conditions (very high temperatures and/or high
humidity) occur a few days each year in New South Wales. Extra care must be taken on
these extreme days and continuous work should stop every 30 minutes (or less) to allow
workers to cool down and rest in a shaded area. The table below is indicative, and other
variables, such as weight and fitness, should be factored into this assessment.
8 of 11
Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
The following table summarises extreme weather conditions for when 30 minutes is the
maximum time allowed for continuous work. Rest breaks should be provided to workers
every half-an-hour, in such conditions.
Temperature (°C) at which it is necessary to have breaks every 30 minutes
Heavy manual work
Moderate manual work
Light manual work
Humidity
Calm
Light
breeze
Calm
Light breeze
Calm
Light
breeze
25%
45˚
45˚+
45˚
45˚+
45˚+
45˚+
50%
40˚
43˚
41.5˚
44˚
43˚
44˚
75%
35.5˚
37˚
36˚
37˚
36.5˚
37.5˚
90%
33˚
35˚
34˚
35.5˚
34.5˚
35.5˚
The table shows that rest is required every 30 minutes when undertaking heavy work in
calm conditions (no wind), where the temperature is 33°C and humidity is 90%.
These temperatures are indicative only. While this table has been developed for
bituminous work, it is also valid for heavy, moderate and light work. Further advice on
specific situations (including the measurement of temperature and humidity) can be
obtained from WHS facilitators.
A review of RMS road construction work indicated that due to the frequency of natural
work breaks in most construction processes, ie awaiting deliveries of plant and materials,
work activity levels can generally be classified as light.
RMS workers are unlikely to suffer from the adverse effects of exposure to heat if they
have adequate fluid and electrolyte intake and take frequent short breaks in extreme heat
conditions. Individual assessments maybe required for any staff member who may have
a known medical condition or are returning from sick leave.
9 of 11
Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
10
Who must be consulted RMS must consult with workers (including RMS contractors) in relation to working in
extreme temperatures. If such work is identified as a potential workplace hazard, then
appropriate control measures must be used to eliminate or minimise workers’ exposure
to such hazards.
11
Risk management Once WHS risks are identified, the most important step in the risk management process
is to eliminate those risks. If that is not viable, minimise the risks, if possible.
Hazards related to working in extreme temperatures can be controlled by a number of
measures. The way that RMS managers do this should be determined in accordance
with the WHS Risk Management Procedure.
12
Reference documents 
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011

WHS Regulation 2011

WHS Risk Management Procedure

WorkCover Australia

Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
Contact details: Martin Tighe, WHS facilitator. Hinea Clark, WHS Regional Manager,
WHS Branch, Corporate Services Directorate.
Effective date:
First published:
Review date:
Procedure replaces:
10 of 11
Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Appendix A Definitions Hazard
A situation in the workplace that has the potential to harm the
health and safety of people or to damage plant and
equipment. The situation could involve a task, chemical or
equipment used.
Hazard
management
A problem-solving process aimed at defining problems
(identifying hazards), gathering information about them (risk
assessment) and solving them (risk control). This is followed
up by checking to see that the controls were successful
(evaluation) and reviewing the whole process (review) after a
period of time or when something changes.
Risk
The possibility that harm (death, injury or illness) might occur
when exposed to a hazard.
Risk management
The systematic management of workplace hazards.
Other duty holders
Refers to persons with a shared WHS responsibility for a
work activity, including contractors and subcontractors.
RMS workers
Includes RMS employees, contractors or subcontractors, an
employee of a contractor or subcontractor, labour hire,
apprentices, trainees, work experience students and
volunteers
11 of 11
Procedure: Working in Extreme
Temperatures
Version: 2.0
Last updated: 12-12-2012
Effective date: 12-12-2012
Approved by: Stephen Barton, General Manager, WHS
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED