Safety Policy Manual Extreme Environmental Conditions

Page 1 of 2 SPM-Extreme Environmental Conditions-2200 Issue Date: Jan 1, 2008 Revision Date: May 1, 2020 Revision Number: 1

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Policy:

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure (MHI) shall ensure there is a process to inform and protect

workers who are required to work in extreme environmental conditions in accordance with The

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part VI Section 70.

Purpose:

With extreme environmental conditions meaning weather or inclement conditions that may pose a risk

to the health and safety of workers, the following has been considered:

To provide a process that identifies the risks arising from working in extreme environmental

conditions (i.e. hot and cold temperatures, thunderstorms, funnel clouds, etc.);

To ensure emergency response plans are established prior to the start of work (i.e. police

contacts, location of nearest health facility, emergency transportation availability);

To provide emergency supplies for use in travelling under conditions of extreme cold or

inclement weather;

To outline and provide guidelines that address potential hazards where workers are exposed to

extreme environmental conditions during work activities.

Definitions:

Authorized Person: A person who has been given authority to perform specific duties under certain

conditions, receives, and carries out orders from a responsible authority;

Due Diligence: To take reasonable precautions in the industry to train and inform workers of the

circumstances to protect their safety and health;

Emergency: A state where an unusual condition exists that endangers health and safety, property

and/or environment;

Field Work: All work performed outside of an office environment;

Hazard: All chemicals, biological contaminants, physical agents, substances, objects or situations

that would be dangerous to workers;

Qualified: Having complied with the specific requirements or precedent conditions such as the

possession of a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing that demonstrates by

knowledge, training and experience, the ability to deal with problems related to the subject-matter,

the work and the project;

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Including but not limited to: hearing protection, safety

glasses, boots, hard hats, respirators, coveralls, rubber ware, gloves, gas detectors, oxygen

indicators, heat reflective clothing, ventilating equipment, rescue equipment, radiation indicators

and bug spray;

Unsafe Condition: Any physical state which contributes to a reduction in the degree of safety

normally present;

Page 2 of 2 SPM-Extreme Environmental Conditions-2200 Issue Date: Jan 25, 2008 Revision Date: May 1, 2020 Revision Number: 1

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Worksite: Any location, including a vehicle or powered mobile equipment, in an inside or an outside

environment where a worker is engaged in his or her occupation.

Responsibilities:

Manager Shall:

Ensure resources (training, tools, PPE), and emergency response plans are in place when

workers are required to work in extreme environmental conditions;

Ensure an effective communication system is in place when workers are required to work in

extreme environmental conditions;

Ensure that the Working Alone/Isolation (500) Policy is implemented if required.

Supervisor Shall:

Actively participate in the identification of risks associated with each project/activity prior to

commencement and documented where appropriate;

Ensure workers have the appropriate information, training/certification, PPE and supplies when

required to work in extreme environmental conditions;

Ensure emergency response plans are developed and readily available to the worker;

Ensure that the communication system is operational for the work location and all workers are

adequately trained in the operation of the system;

Ensure that the Working Alone/Isolation (500) Policy is implemented if required.

Worker Shall:

Actively participate in the identification of hazards/risks associated with each project/activity

prior to commencement;

Assist with development and implementation of appropriate controls/emergency plan;

Ensure that the Working Alone/Isolation (500) Policy is adhered to if required.

Safety Branch Shall:

Assist and advise with the process of development and implementation of appropriate controls

addressing extreme environmental conditions;

Assist and advise with the preparation of emergency response plans;

Audit the process of Extreme Environmental Conditions on regular intervals.

Safety Policy Manual Extreme Environmental Conditions Guidlines

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Operating Guidelines for Working in Extreme Environmental Conditions:

Cold Condition Guidelines for Outside Workers:

Section 70(3) of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations requires employers and contractors

take measures to protect workers who must work outdoors in cold weather.

How fast a person’s body cools in cold weather depends on the following:

• Air temperature; • Wind speed; • Heat of the sun; • Work being done.

The fingers and toes usually feel cold first. Shivering sets in and is the body’s way of warning that it

needs to be warmed-up. The risk of frostbite also increases. If not warmed, a person may become

distracted and disoriented by the discomfort and the risk of an accident increases.

• Dress to suit the weather;

• Thin layers of loose fitting clothing;

• Outer clothing should be hooded, tightly woven and water repellant;

• Mittens are warmer than gloves;

• Most body heat is lost through the head; it is important to wear head protection;

• In extremely cold weather, cover your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air.

Watch for signs of HYPOTHERMIA.

Hypothermia is a subnormal temperature of the body. The body processes slow to the point that it can

no longer maintain the correct body temperature.

Symptoms of Hypothermia may include:

• Confusion;

• Slurred speech;

• Stiff muscles;

• Uncontrollable shivering.

Blizzards are severe winter storms characterized by these conditions:

• Snow and/or blowing snow with strong winds;

• Visibility reduced to less than one kilometer;

• Wind chill of more than 1600 watts/square metre (see below chart).

These conditions must be prevalent for four hours or longer for storms to be classified as a blizzard.

However, caution if any of these conditions exist, regardless of their duration. Get yourself a wind chill

factor measuring chart. You can use this chart for information about the effects of wind and cold

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weather. The Ministry of Labour’s Cold Condition Guidelines for Outside Workers,

outlines the work warm-up schedule. This schedule explains the warm-up breaks for work in cold

conditions.

Winter Travel Precautions:

• Check the weather forecast before traveling;

• Drive according to road/weather conditions;

• Turn back or seek refuge if weather worsens;

• Keep to the main roads if possible;

• Travel by daylight and with a companion if possible;

• Keep the radio on;

• Keep the gas tank filled regularly and car in good running condition;

• Always carry winter survival kit in vehicle;

• Follow the MHI-PPE matrix for appropriate attire.

If You Are Stranded:

• Don’t panic, stay in your vehicle (if possible);

• Check exhaust pipe to ensure it’s not blocked with snow;

• Use your communication equipment to notify your supervisor;

• Avoid over exertion or exposure;

• Use four-way emergency flashers (if necessary);

• Keep fresh air inside the car (slightly open one of the windows);

• Use the dome light instead of the headlights;

• Watch for traffic or search parties;

• Don’t fall asleep.

A winter travel kit may save your life if you get stuck in a blizzard and have to remain with your vehicle

until help arrives. The following list includes some items that will be useful:

• Shovel;

• Axe or hatchet;

• Booster cables;

• Extra gloves/mittens;

• Flashlight;

• Road flares;

• Tools (repairs);

• Methyl hydrate;

• First-Aid kit;

• Blankets;

• Extra food;

• Extra clothing;

• Ice scraper;

• Road maps;

• Hard candy;

• Coffee tins (candles);

• Tow strap;

• Plastic garbage bag;

• Matches and a candle to provide heat.

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Working Under Hot Conditions

Heat Stress Disorders occur when our bodies cannot sweat fast enough to get rid of heat. High heat and

humidity forces our sweat glands to work harder. If unchecked, this can cause vital organs to

malfunction. Sickness and even death can result.

Three Common heat disorders are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Cramps are painful cramps in the stomach, arms and legs. Cramps may occur suddenly at work or

after hours. Cramps are a warning that more serious heat disorders may occur. Lost salt is not

replaceable by drinking water alone. If heat cramps occur, move the victim to a cool area, loosen their

clothing and have them drink cool water. If cramps continue, provide first-aid and take the patient to a

doctor.

Heat Exhaustion occurs when the body’s cooling system cannot keep-up with the heat stress. If lost

water isn’t replenished, the body becomes dehydrated. Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating;

• Cool, moist skin;

• Body temperature greater than 38˚C;

• Weak pulse;

• Normal or low blood pressure.

Employee may be tired, weak, clumsy, upset and confused. They are usually very thirsty, panting and

may have blurred vision. For cases of heat exhaustion move victim to a cool area, give cool water to

drink and loosen their clothing. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, provide first-aid and take

employee to a doctor.

Heat Stroke develops when all the water and salt available for sweating has been used up. The body’s

temperature rises to above 40˚C. The skin becomes hot, dry and red.

Best Method of Reducing Heat Stress Disorders: Employee may act strangely: become weak, confused,

have a fast pulse rate, headache or become dizzy. Employee in later stages may faint or have

convulsions. Heat Stroke can kill. Employee showing these symptoms shall be transported to a hospital

immediately.

• Maintain physical fitness;

• Work in shade with ventilation;

• Rest often in cool area;

• Drink fluids at regular intervals (all day);

• Do hardest work early in the day;

• Don’t overdo on hot days;

• Share the workload.

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Thermal Comfort in Offices and Shops:

Supervisor must provide suitable monitoring equipment if workers are concerned about their thermal

conditions.

Temperature and humidity are two important factors affecting thermal comfort. Other factors include

radiant temperature, air velocity and occupant activity levels.

Low and high humidity can affect the thermal environment. Low humidity can cause discomfort, drying

mucous membranes, dry eyes and skin and increasing electricity. High humidity can also affect the

thermal environment by causing discomfort, growth of molds and fungus, damaging the building and

electrical equipment.

Thermal Comfort Guidelines:

Acceptable indoor temperature and humidity levels for summer and winter (As per CCOHS):

• Indoor temperatures between 20˚C and 23˚C in winter;

• Indoor temperatures between 23˚C and 26˚C in the summer.

Relative humidity levels between 40% and 70% is the recommended comfort for occupants. When

outdoor temperature is very cold, high indoor humidity can cause building damage and mold growth.

Severe Storms

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, blizzards, high winds and heavy rain can develop quickly. Listen for the

warnings. Environment Canada monitors the weather 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The weather

service issues severe weather watch advisories and warnings through national, regional and local radio

and television stations.

conditions are favorable for a severe storm. A Weather Watch is where

A Weather Advisory is when the actual or expected weather condition may cause concern, but do not

pose a serious enough threat.

A Weather Warning is when severe weather is happening or hazardous weather is highly probable.

If a Weather Warning for a tornado is issued, it means that one or more tornadoes have been observed

or are forecast for the specified area.

Thunderstorms

A “severe” thunderstorm will produce heavy rain, high winds, hail, tornadoes or intense lightning.

Environment Canada will issue a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning if any of these conditions are

present or expected. The storms expected path of motion and developments will also be provided in the

weather warning.

Lightning is an electrical discharge caused when static electricity builds up between thunderclouds.

Lightning strokes carry millions of volts of electricity. Lightning tends to strike higher ground and

prominent objects that are especially good conductors like metal objects.

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Thunder is the noise caused by the explosive expansion of air due to the heat

generated by a lightning discharge. To estimate how far away the lightning is, count the seconds

between the flash of lightning and the thunderclap. Each second is approximately 300 metres. If you can

count between 5 and 10 seconds, the situation should be monitored and consideration given to ceasing

activities. If you count fewer than five seconds, all outdoor work shall cease and workers should take

shelter immediately until the thunderstorm has passed.

If Caught Outdoors During a Lightning Storm:

• Keep a safe distance from tall objects;

• Stay away from water;

• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity;

• You are safe inside a vehicle cab during lightning;

• In a forest, seek shelter in a low-lying area under thick growth;

• If caught in the open and you feel your hair stand on end, do not lie flat, kneel on the ground

immediately, with feet together, placing your hands on your knees and bend forward;

• If you are in a group in the open, spread out, keeping several yards apart.

If Caught Indoors During a Lightning Storm:

• Don’t go outside unless absolutely necessary;

• Keep away from doors, windows and anything that will conduct electricity;

• Don’t handle electrical equipment or telephones. You can use your cellular telephone.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are twisting, funnel-shaped clouds which form at the base of thunderclouds and reach the

ground. These rapidly rotating winds can attain speeds of up to 450km/hr. A tornado strikes suddenly,

moving over the ground at speeds between 20 and 90 km/hr. Tornadoes will accompany an extremely

dark sky sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds.

When a tornado touches the ground, a cloud of debris is stirred up which may obscure the funnel.

Tornadoes last anywhere from a few minutes to almost an hour and are characterized by a loud, roaring

noise which can resemble the sound of a nearby jet plane or train. If you see a tornado and it does not

appear to be moving, it’s moving away from you or directly toward you.

Tornado damage is produced by high-speed rotary winds and flying debris, capable of traveling a

considerable distance. Even small objects such as sticks and straw can become lethal missiles when

driven by a tornado’s winds.

Downbursts or “plow winds” are also associated with severe thunderstorms. They are intense

concentrations of sinking air which fan out striking the earth’s surface. Down bursts can attain wind

speeds of up to 200 km/hr, and cause extensive damage.

If you see a funnel cloud, or if a tornado warning issued for your area, take the following precautions:

Outdoors:

Take shelter immediately if available, preferably in the lower level of a sturdy building;

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If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch, ravine, or other low-lying area,

keeping alert for possible flash floods;

Don’t get caught in a vehicle, lab trailer or a temporary office car. If you cannot drive away at right

angles from the tornado’s path, abandon your vehicle, lab trailer, or temporary office car and lie flat in a

ditch or under a low bridge. Choose a location where your vehicle will be isolated from yourself even a

ditch offers better protection then a vehicle;

As a last resort, hang on tightly to the base of a shrub or small tree.

Indoors:

Always stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls. Flying glass is extremely dangerous;

In a building with a basement, seek shelter under the stairway, in the basement, or under a sturdy work

table. In a building without a basement, take shelter on the first floor in the centre of the building, in a

hallway, small room, closet, or bathroom;

In a mobile home, lab trailer, temporary office car, abandon these locations and get outside and find

other shelter. Be prepared, locate a predetermined safe low spot (ditch, culvert, under a bridge) to get

to in case a tornado hits your area. Like vehicles, trailers and temporary office cars are easily destroyed;

Avoid wide span buildings such as fleet shops, barns, auditoriums and supermarkets with large roofs.

Go to the designated shelter area, or a lower floor, inside a room, restroom, hallway or under a sturdy

piece of furniture. In a high rise building, occupants should move to the lower floors and seek shelter.

Stay away from elevators and windows.

Heavy Rain

A heavy rain can fall resulting in flooding. This is particularly true when the ground is still frozen or

already saturated from previous storms. Floods can also result if a heavy rain coincides with spring thaw.

If you know flooding is possible in your area, keep your radio on to get the latest environment reports.

The report will include what areas are to be flooded, what roads are safe, and where to go. Post-flood

hazards are also something you must consider.

Drinking water may have become contaminated, roads and bridges maybe unsafe.

Hail

Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the

atmosphere, where they freeze and merge into lumps of ice. When the lumps become too heavy they

fall to the ground at high speeds.

Hail can be extremely dangerous and can cause extensive damage in only a few minutes, particular

when accompanied by strong winds. To avoid or minimize personal injury or property damage:

• Take cover when hail begins to fall. Reduce the chances of injury to yourself by crouching down

and protecting your head and neck as much as possible;

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• Move vulnerable items such as cars, equipment, and machinery to shelter

when a storm threatens, provided such action does not pose a personal risk.

21. Extreme Eviromental Conditions-SPM-2200.pdf21a. Extreme Enviromental Conditions Guidlines-SPM-2200-100.pdf