Temperature extremes risk management procedure
1 Purpose
These guidelines are to assist with the management of the work environment and the comfort
of staff during varying climate conditions.
2 Application
Thermal comfort is defined as: "that condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the
thermal environment". Each person is the expert on their own thermal comfort. A person's
perception of thermal comfort is affected by air temperature, air movement (speed), humidity,
clothing, activity level (i.e. the amount of physical work done), mean radiant temperature (the
average temperature of the walls, floor, windows, etc) and many other factors.
3 Legislation
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Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004
4 References
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Code of Practice for Workplaces
Occupational Health & Safety Regulations 2007
NHRMC Effects of heat on health comfort and performance
Thermal Comfort in Winter
Thermal Comfort and Heat Illness
5 Responsibilities
5.1 Managers / Supervisors
Monitor the effect of heat on staff members during summer months.
Supervisory staff must be aware of forcast periods of excessive heat or cold, and arrange
work programs accordingly.
5.2 Staff / Students
Notify supervisor if experiencing thermal discomfort.
5.3 Property and Campus Services
Property and Campus Services can advise on the design and construction of airflow,
ventilation, control of air conditioning plant and other building design factors.
6 Procedure and Guidelines
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6.1 Procedures to minimise thermal discomfort
The four most important environmental factors contributing to thermal comfort are air
temperature, humidity, mean radiant temperature and air speed.
Temperature ranges of 20°C to 26°C are considered suitable for performing light or sedentary
work in temperature-controlled indoor working environments. Most buildings occupied by
University of Melbourne staff, students and residents, where Heating Ventilation and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) is controlled by the University, have heating in winter up to 20°C and
cooling in summer down to 26°C.Work programs should be arranged to take into account
extended periods of excessive heat or cold. If practicable, work could commence and finish at
times that avoid the greatest heat.
Other considerations for thermal discomfort are :
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the time staff are exposed to hot tasks is reduced through job rotation (frequent brief
exposures are less stressful than fewer longer exposures);
arranging extra ventilation to increase air movement is arranged;
doors and windows are closed to the heat for all or part of the day to prevent hot
winds entering the room or building;
heat generating equipment such as screen-based equipment photocopiers and
incandescent lights are turned off, where practicable;
windows are covered with either blinds or reflective coating;
fans are used in areas of low ventilation.
6.2 Safety Information
Staff are encouraged to take frequent cool drinks and discouraged from drinking alcoholic or
caffeine based drinks. Departments should ensure that there is cool water close to the affected
area.
Staff should be aware of compounding factors which can increase susceptibility to heat stress,
such as obesity, pre-existing heart or circulatory problems, dehydration, fever or diarrhoea.
6.3 Working Outdoors
Staff that are most likely to experience thermal discomfort work in buildings without
adequate temperature regulation or are required to work outdoors on hot days. Heads of
Department and other managers have a responsibility to monitor working conditions and
when working in heat becomes difficult, to direct that certain tasks cease, allow staff to go
home or move to a cooler environment.
Outdoor workers should take the following precautions:
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use protective clothing, particularly covering the head. Head coverings should be
wide brimmed hats rather than caps;
wear sun glasses (UV protective safety glasses) for eye protection;
use protective lotions on exposed parts of the body;
arrange work patterns that maximize work in shady areas;
avoid heavy work during the hottest part of the day;
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use personal water canteens;
drink 250 ml of water every half-hour.
6.4 Cessation of Work
Although this policy does not specify the actual temperatures to be reached before work
should cease, managers should assess working conditions and the extent of staff discomfort
on a regular basis. This is particularly important on the third and fourth days of periods where
the outside temperature has been around 35°C. On the basis of that assessment managers
have the discretion to either place limitations on the work of their staff or to put a stop to
work.
Where, after implementing procedures to minimise thermal discomfort, working conditions
continue to be adversely affected by prolonged, extreme heat, heads of department and/or
managers may, within their own discretion, decide to close the workplace and send staff
home under special leave arrangements.
Please note that travelling home in hot conditions can also be hazardous. Heat distressed staff
should be encouraged to attend the University's Health Service or their own doctor.
6.5 Staff Suffering Heat Stress
Conditions in Melbourne during summer can be extreme. In some circumstances these
conditions may cause thermal distress which can lead to heat stress. This is especially true if
people do not take appropriate precautions.
Heat stress occurs in situations where a person's core temperature rises above 38°C. Body
temperature is regulated by the blood flowing from the core (abdomen, heart, brain) to the
skin where the heat is dissipated by radiation, convection and evaporation to the environment.
Heat stress may occur in environments where there is a combination of two or more of the
following:
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high temperature (e.g. summer);
high thermal radiation (e.g. foundries);
high humidity (e.g. mines);
a high level of activity (e.g. manual labour);
excessive or impervious clothing.
Under these conditions heat loss may no longer be in balance with heat production and heat
related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke may occur. There are very
few work environments at this University that could give rise to heat stress.
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes symptoms, vomiting or diarrhea can increase
during very hot weather. In addition, medical treatments, and medications may increase the
risk of heat stress from heat exposure.
Staff who are distressed by the climatic conditions should report to their supervisor. The
supervisor should consider:
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moving the staff member to a cooler environment;
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encouraging rest breaks in a less heat-stressful environment;
allowing the staff member to go home under special leave provisions.
7 Document Control
Established by: OHSC on 8 November Authorised: Director OHS & Injury Management
2002.
Date: 26 June 2012. Version 1.2
Next Review: 26 June 2015
(c) The University of Melbourne - uncontrolled when
printed.
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