Heat Stress Management Plan.
Rev-00
DUBAI METRO BLUE LINE ENABLING WORKS
Client:
R.T.A
Consultant:
PARSONS ATKINS
Contractor:
GUNAL CONSTRUCTION
Description
Rev.
Emergency Management
Plan
Document No:
Issue
Date
Prepared by:
Reviewed by:
Approved by:
(HSE Officer)
(HSE Manager)
(Project Manager)
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CONTENTS
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TOPIC
PURPOSE
SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION/ ABBREVATION & REFERENCE
EFFECTS OF HEAT ON HUMAN BODY
HEAT RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STRESS
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
DUTIES OF MANAGEMENT
RAMADAN
WORK SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER AFTER RAMADAN
WORK DURING CURFEW HOURS
SAFETY MEASURE - COVID 19
WELFARE ARRANGEMENTS
ASSESSING ENVIRONMENT HEAT STRESS- T W.L
TRAINING & AWARENESS
VEHICLE SAFETY
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WORKERS
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
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1. PURPOSE:
Generally, the purpose of this procedure is to ensure that the Execution process is managed in such a way
that, as a minimum, the following items are controlled optimally:

To ensure the compliance to MOL Requirement on Mid – day break Rule

To ensure the compliance to DM & Dubai CoP Heat Exposure requirements

To ensure the employee requirements during summer are adequately addressed

To ensure the complete protection of all workforces exposed to direct sunlight by providing
training awareness, by arranging and procuring materials required etc.

Reviewed to include recent changes in the project as applicable.
2. SCOPE
This procedure is applicable for all summer operations including that of during the Mid-day break rule
period on the Dubai Metro Blue Line Enabling Works Project.
3. INTRODUCTION
On average, 384 people die each year from heat stroke, according to the National Safety Council. The intense
heat of summer season in United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) can cause various threats to health and safety of every
laborer or employee working particularly in the site or undercover areas. It is the policy of Gunala that, in our
premises each employees including visitors will be protected from the effects of heat as far as reasonably
practicable and adequate measures shall be taken to prevent in accordance with DM and EHSMS regulations
as well as the ministerial resolution no (688) of 2013 issued by the Ministry of Labor, UAE.
4. DEFINITIONS/ ABBREVATIONS & REFERENCE
DM CoP
Dubai Municipality Code of Practice
Contractor
Gunal Construction
HSE
Health, Safety and Environment
Materials
Any material, or plant or equipment that would get
incorporated in the works, but exclude any of the
consumables used in the works, and / or a material,
consumable, plant or equipment that is used as an enabler
by the Contractor in providing the works
Method Statement
A description [in sufficient detail for an independent reader
to understand] of the method to be followed for the
execution of a predetermined element of the Works
Subcontractor
A person, organization and / or an institution whose
credentials have been verified and approved to undertake
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subcontracted job against specific identified activities with
the Contractor
WP
Work Preparation Phase
WE
Work Execution Phase
MoHRE
Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation
This Summer Working Plan is based on the following entities:
Project HSE Plan
Ministerial Resolution No. 44 of 2022 (MoHRE)
Ministerial Decision No 543 of 2011
Administrative Decision No 15 of 2011
5. EFFECTS OF HEAT ON HUMAN BODY
It is necessary to learn about the scientific factors, which are helping a human body to keep cool or the
way of production of heat in a human body before start discussing about the heat and its effects on
human body.
a. Generation of Body heat
There are two main methods in which our body produces heat. They are metabolic heat and environmental
heat. The production of heat in a human body because of the digestion of food, work and exercise is known as
metabolic heat and the absorption of the heat from the environment by the body whether it is hot sun or hot
room is known as environmental heat.
b. The Body’s cooling system
There are systems in our body to cool, if it is getting hotter compared to surrounding environment and they
are convection, evaporation and radiation. The transmission of heat from the body because of the movement
of air is called as convection. Evaporation is another system of cooling which occurs when a liquid change
into vapour and the natural emission of heat from the body surface is known as the radiation.
Conditions affecting the cooling system
The conditions which are affecting the cooling system are acclimation, air temperature, air movement,
humidity and clothing. The biological process through which body adapt to the environment is known as
acclimation and basically it is getting used to heat. The present air condition will also affect the body’s cooling
system because the heat flows from warmer objects to cooler objects. The air movement can also have a crucial
role in the body’s cooling systems; it speeds up the evaporation process. The relative humidity will affect the
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system because the quantity of water vapour in the air affects the rate of evaporation. The type of clothing
affects the amount of heat body can absorb and retain.
6. HEAT RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
Health problems are caused due to the environmental conditions and the physical activity being
under taken by the persons. High temperature, high thermal radiation, high humidity, low air movement
and the need to wear personal protective equipment’s are deferent conditions that are contributing to
cause health problems. The health problems may vary depending upon the degree of exposure and the
deferent health problems which are very common are heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat
stroke.
a. Heat rash
It is also known as prickly heat, occurs in hot, humid environment where sweat cannot evaporate easily from
the skin. The condition produces a rash which sometimes causes severe pain. The procedure to prevent or
minimize this condition is to rest frequently in cool places and bath regularly ensuring to thoroughly dry the
skin.
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Workers experiencing heat rash should:

Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible.

Keep the affected area dry.

Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.
b. Heat cramps
The painful muscle spasm that results from the loss of salt and electrolytes from the body is due to
excessive heating. The cramps usually affect the stomach, the arms and the legs. This condition can
be treated by drinking fluids containing electrolytes such as Sodium, Potassium and Calcium. This
condition usually precedes heat exhaustion.
Workers with heat cramps should:
 Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place.
 Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
 Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps subside because further
exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke

Seek medical attention if any of the following apply:
 The worker has heart problems.
 The worker is on a low-sodium diet.
 The cramps do not subside within one hour.
c. Heat exhaustion
It is a state brought on by the loss of fluids lost during excessive heating. Individuals with heat
exhaustion with still sweat, but they experience extreme weakness and may even collapse. They may
experience nausea and headache. Their skin is clammy and moist, the complexion is usually pale and
the body temperature is usually normal or slightly higher. This condition is best treated by taking the
patient to shaded, cool place, applying cool compress, elevating the feet and giving the individual
plenty of fluids.
Treat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion with the following:

Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area.

Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic beverages.

Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
d. Heat Syncope
Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing
or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include
dehydration and lack of acclimatization.
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Workers with heat syncope should:

Sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel symptoms.

Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage.
e. Heat stroke
It is a severe medical emergency which could result in death. It happened when the body’s core
temperature gets too high or the body is no longer able to cool itself. An individual suffering from heat
stroke will have hot dry skin, their pulse will be high and their blood pressure will fall. This condition
must be treated with urgency by immediately cooling the victim’s body with water pads or wrapping
it with cool wet sheets. As this is a medical emergency seek medical attention immediately.
Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:

Call & notify the Emergency Phone Holder.

Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area.

Cool the worker using methods such as:

Soaking their clothes with water.

Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.

Fanning their body
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7. SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STRESS
Sweating
Feeling Thirsty
Tiredness or Weakness
Fast Heart Beat
Dizziness and Occasional
headache
Cool wet skin
Nausea or Vomiting
Muscle Cramps
Fever
Disorientation
Feeling Sick
Breathing quickly
Body Pain
Unconsciousness
Symptoms of fits etc.
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8. PREVENTIVE MEASURES
1. Take adequate breaks especially in mid days.
2. Take adequate precaution to avoid de-hydration.
3. Drink plenty of water added with electrolytes.
4. If possible, drink fruit juice twice in a day.
5. Ensure the quantity of urine is in right measure and in pale yellow colour.
6. Report to management if your co-workers possess any of the symptoms as stated above.
7. Maintain body fluids and follow a proper diet.
8. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and thermal radiation wherever possible.
9. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks, tea, coffee and alcohol.
10. Avoid smoking.
11. Wear suitable clothing including under garments.
12. Seek the advice from male nurse/first aider.
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Self-Urine Assessment Chart
The Chart attached below is a useful tool in finding weather a person is dehydrated or not.
9. DUTIES OF MANAGEMENT

Ensure adequate cold water is available at site.

Responsible person must look for early signs of heat stress.

Ensure the availability of trained first aiders.

Ensure the availability of electrolyte powders.
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
Arrange the duty timings in accordance with the enforcement authority regulations.

Provision should be provided for health surveillance of employees and ensure they are
physically fit to do the tasks assigned.

Avoid assigning hard physical work during this season; reduce the pace of work considering
the atmospheric conditions.

Ensure the availability of suitable protective clothing.

Ensure risk assessment has been conducted and communicated to the employees regarding the
hazards associated with heat stress.

10.
Conduct awareness campaigns to the employees regarding heat stress hazards.
RAMADAN
During the month of Ramadan, the normal working hours shall be 6 (SIX) hours for all, according to
Federal Law No (8) of 1980. Non-Muslim workers are allowed to work on extended hours which is limited
to no greater than 2 (TWO) hours per day. Eating or drinking on outside areas shall strictly be prohibited,
increased vigilance shall be ensures using competent supervisors during this time.
a. Day Shift
05:00 Hrs. to 11:30 Hrs. (including 30 minutes break
time for Non-Muslims)
b. Office Hours
7:00 Hrs. to 13:00 Hrs.
11. WORK SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER FROM AFTER RAMADAN – 15TH SEP,2022.
Mid-day break rule for the summer applies from 12.30 Hrs. to 15.00 Hrs. during 15th of June to 15th of
September; the work timings during this period shall be decided and displayed/circulated to all.
a. Day Shift
05:00 Hrs. to 12:30 Hrs. & 15:00 Hrs. to 18:30 Hrs.
b. Office Hours
07:00 Hrs. to 17:30 Hrs.
12. WORKING DURING CURFEW HOURS
In accordance with Article (5) of the Ministerial Decree No 401 of 2015, which sets out the
conditions and provisions the employer must provide for working during the period 12:30 pm to
3:00pm, Gunal may need to continue already commenced works in the activities.
For clarification, no work shall be commencing either of the stated activities during the period
from 12:30pm to 3:00pm but may be required to complete works due to their technical nature.
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We also confirm that in accordance with Article (5) of the Ministerial Decree we shall be
providing the following within the vicinity of the location(s) the activities are ongoing;
1. Cold drinking water in proportion to the labour number and the conditions by safety and
public health.
2. Perfusion materials and means such as salts, lemon and others as approved by the health
authorities in the UAE.
3. First Aid at the works site.
4. Appropriate industrial cooling solutions.
5. Protective sunshade from direct sun rays.
Further, Gunal will notify Client / Consultant in writing the day before of any activity that we
propose to carry out that has the potential to overrun into the midday break so that you are fully
informed.
Additional reference:
For exceptional cases, where continuous work is required, Federal Authorities launched a decree
stating that employers must provide workers with salt and lemon, which is approved for use by health
authorities in the country. Employers must provide all facilities that cater to the health of workers,
including first aid, air-conditioners, sunshades and cold water.
Works excluded from working hours ban include work on poured concretes if it is impossible to
implement or supplement the necessary work in one day or doing work to prevent expected danger or
reparation or damage or malfunction or loss and also emergency work, including cutting lines, water
supply, sewerage, electricity and cutting off traffic or blocking public roads, in addition to cut gas
pipelines or petroleum flow.
13. SAFETY MEASURES – COVID-19
Typical symptoms of the COVID-19 (2019-nCoV) include (but not limited to):




Fever
Difficulty breathing
Cough
A general feeling of being unwell
Safety measures taken for preventing Coronavirus are:

Thermal screening will done on daily basis near the security gate before entering the site premises
and office.

All employees are provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as Gloves, Mask etc.

Ensuring safe distance in work place.

Provided Quarantine rooms in the camp if necessary.
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
If there is any symptoms or suspected cases nearby, Gunal will arrange COVID-19 test for all
labours and other employees.

Site office, rest rooms, vehicles etc. are disinfecting before and after use.
14. WELFARE ARRANGEMENTS
FIRST-AID STATION: Well-equipped first aid stations shall be made functional during the summer
and availability of qualified and competent first aiders shall be ensured for all shifts. The provisions
available in a first aid station shall be
a.
A minimum of One (1) Medical Bed
b.
Provision for Cold Drinking water
c.
Provision for Wash Basins
d.
Provision for monitoring Heart Beats.
e.
Provision for supplying Electrolytes/Dehydrate solutions
f.
Provision for giving cold compress and other medical assistance as required
First aid boxes shall be provided in work locations and rest areas. Emergency contact numbers shall
be displayed at prominent locations.
EMERGENCY VEHICLE: An emergency vehicle shall be provided at the first aid station and upon
receiving emergency assistant request, the emergency response team with stretcher and first aid kit
shall be mobilized to the location and the victim shall be taken back to the first aid room for further
treatment.
REST AREA: Rest areas with sufficient seating capacity shall be provided in laydown areas, which
shall be industrially cooled. Open rest area near the working area shall be provided as well for easy
access (refer to Annexure A for the location of the rest area). Provision for resting shall also be
arranged by providing floor mats (if applicable)
It is advisable to take adequate breaks during the course of work, so that adequate number of temporary
rest areas shall be provided close to each work location.
FOOD STORAGE: A dedicated area will be allocated for storing of tiffin in air-conditioned rest
facility if required.
DRINKING WATER: Provision for drinking water shall be provided using Electrical water cooler
dispensers near to the rest area and in laydown area as well (refer to Annexure A location of drinking
station). Availability and continuous supply of drinking water shall be ensured.
Personal water carriers shall be provided to all employees to ensure the continuous availability of
drinking water. “No Bottle, No Work” strategy been implemented to ensure the safety of the workers
through ensuring the availability of drinking water within the reach of every worker.
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Electrolytes drinks shall be supplied twice in a day, two vehicles shall be deployed for supplying cold
water etc. are the other provisions.
CLOTHING: Only cotton dresses with full sleeves are allowed to wear during summer, which will be
provided by Gunal Management. Other PPE’s like Gloves, Goggles or Specs etc. are need to be worn
all the time when at work. Direct exposure of skin must be avoided and it is advisable to use sunprotection creams if possible. Wearing of PPE’s or use of any protective clothing shall not be a
hindrance to the safety of the worker.
WASHING STATIONS: Area for washing of hands and legs shall be provided near to the rest area,
which shall comply with DM CoP General Workplace Amenities.
WEATHER MONITORING AND WARNING: Atmospheric temperatures shall be monitored using
monitoring devices and warning shall be given to the employees by using flag systems
15. ASSESSING ENVIRONMENTAL HEAT STRESS – THERMAL WORK LIMIT
As per the requirements of DM CoP on Heat Exposure, Gunal will monitor the TWL and based on
the TWL, Flag system will be adopted. The same will be communicated to the site team to take extra
precautionary during the work.
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Humidity Index Warning Flag Colour Coding
Color
Range
Precautions
Hydration method
RED
40-540C
Drink water on every 15 minutes & take rest Lemon & Salt (Juice)
on shaded place after every exposure to Hydrolyte at a rate of 500ml
sunlight for more than 15 minutes
on every 30 minutes
YELLOW
32-40 OC
Drink water on every 30 minutes & take rest Lemon & Salt (Juice)
on shaded place after every exposure to Hydrolyte at a rate of 500mL
sunlight for more than 30 minutes
on every 45 minutes
BLUE
260C-320C
Drink water on every 30 minutes & take rest Lemon & Salt (Juice)
on shaded place after every exposure to Hydrolyte at a rate of 500mL
sunlight for more than 30 minutes
on every 60 minutes
PURPLE
23 0C-260c
Drink water on every 30minutes & take rest Lemon & Salt (Juice)
on shaded place after every exposure to Hydrolyte at a rate of 500mL
sunlight for more than 45 minutes
on every 120 minutes
Heat Index Calculator
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16. TRAINING & AWARENESS
Trainings on Heat stress management shall be provided to all workforces and shall be recorded. The
training module shall include:
a. Hazards of Heat Exposure
b. De-hydration and Self-assessment
c. Preventive measures.
d. Drink & Diet Requirements
e. Emergency contacts
f.
First-aid Locations
g. Emergency Response
A documented copy of the training given to the workforce along with photographs and approved
procedure shall be submitted to the Engineer for information.
MASS TBT: Tool box talks shall be organized at the work locations to communicate this plan, the
arrangements in place, how to handle emergencies etc. and mock drills to ensure the entire
workforce fully understands the dangers of working in direct sunlight.
POSTERS AND HANDOUTS: Awareness posters related to Summer Safety shall be displayed at
prominent locations in different languages. Handouts and notices from other sources like MOL etc.
shall also be given to the employees
17. VEHICLE SAFETY
If the vehicle is left unattended for a long period of time during summer, the Vehicle heat up quickly
– even with a window rolled down two inches, if the outside temperature is in the low 45 degree
Celsius, the temperature inside the vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes
The following actions must be taken into consideration by the drivers of respective sites:
a.
Park the vehicle on shaded areas
b.
Use sun shades if available
c.
Leaving the car window slightly open allows air circulation
d.
Beware of sun glare and use sun glasses while driving
e.
Before you pull out of the driveway check that your vehicle has:

Enough engine coolant

Oil and water filters are at the correct levels

The air conditioning filter works efficiently

A full tank of fuel. Never leave until you reach your reserve
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
The correct tyre pressures for summer months

A thread depth of at least 1.6mm, the recommended depth
18. RECOMMENDATION FOR WORKERS
Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible.
When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat
stress:

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.

Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.

Gradually build up to heavy work.

Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.

Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.

Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.

Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.
Approximately 1 cup every 15-20 minutes.

Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar.

Monitor your physical condition and that of your co-workers.
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19. EMERGENCY RESPONSE
In an emergency,
Shift the patient to a cool shaded place.
Remove the uniforms and other external clothing.
Give cool compression or wrapping with wet sheet which is available immediately.
Place the patient beneath to A/C or fan to make the body cooled.
Give water only if their no is symptoms of vomiting or dizziness present.
Seek medical assistance immediately if the condition is found serious.
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