HomeMy WebLinkAbout203.005a - Heat and Cold Stress Management
Section 203.005a
Page 1 of 6
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDUES MANUAL
HEALTH AND SAFETY
203.005a HEAT AND COLD STRESS MANAGEMENT
EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 2019
Current Revision Date: 03/14/22 Next Revision Date: 03/14/25
Author’s Name/Rank: Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Evelyn Yin-Zepeda,
Management Analyst II ADA
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to minimize the effects of heat and cold stress upon
members of the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department).
APPLICATION
This heat and cold stress management protocol is to be applied during emergency
response, training, or other work activities where the effects of heat or cold stress may
be encountered. This protocol applies to all divisions of the Fresno Fire Department.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Supervisors
Supervisors of employees working in a non-climate controlled environment will check
the weather utilizing the NIOSH Heat Index App on days when the temperature is at
or above 80 degrees to determine the Heat Index (no PPE) or Adjusted Heat Index
(PPE).
A formal rehab will be established by the Officer or Supervisor in compliance with
Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Section 203.005, Rehabilitation of Fire
Personnel.
Supervisors will be responsible for ensuring that a Work/Rest Ratio is determined for
FFD Personnel utilizing Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Section 203.005,
Rehabilitation of Fire Personnel.
Supervisors will closely observe members during a heat wave, as the factors for heat
related ailments are greatly increased.
Supervisors will ensure effective observation/monitoring for Heat or Cold Stress of
members as follows:
Section 203.005a
Page 2 of 6
a. The supervisor will observe 20 or fewer members.
b. A “Buddy System” shall be mandatory.
c. Maintain contact with members working alone by radio or cell phone.
Supervisors shall maintain awareness of activities and will request additional
resources as necessary.
Supervisors will inform members of steps to mitigate Heat and Cold Stress by ensuring
employees have access to adequate water, shade and communications devices.
• Supervisors will ensure access to shade when temperatures exceed 80
degrees.
• Supervisors will ensure a minimum stock of one quart (32oz) of water per
hour per member is on hand for a two-hour period and replace ice daily.
Water temperature is to be cooler than the ambient temperature.
• Supervisors will have and maintain one or more areas that are open to the
air or provided with ventilation or cooling.
Communications
Communications will notify fire stations when the temperature is projected to exceed
80 degrees.
Communications will broadcast at 0800 hours the projected high temperature, relative
humidity, pertinent wind speed and direction including any anticipated significant
weather events for the next 48-hour period.
Training
The Heat and Cold Stress Policy will be assigned through LMS to each member
annually prior to temperatures reasonably anticipated to result in exposure to the risk
of heat or cold illness.
Supervisors will review heat stress procedures, self-rehab guidelines, rehab flow
charts, and work-rest cycles during morning lineups, briefings and safety meetings.
Consideration for cold stress issues will be addressed as necessary.
Section 203.005a
Page 3 of 6
Training records shall be maintained in compliance with the regulations specified in
the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3395 (h) (Heat Illness Prevention),
and Section 3203 (Injury and Illness Prevention Program).
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Rehabilitation
Rehab of personnel occurs in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
Manual, Section 203.005, Rehabilitation of Fire Personnel.
Additional resources should be requested when the Adjusted Heat index is 95 degrees
or greater, or when Cold Weather Conditions exist.
The Breathing Support Unit, Safety Officer, and/or Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) may be requested to set up and conduct formal rehab as per Standard
Operating Procedures Manual, Section 203.005, Rehabilitation of Fire Personnel.
Resources for Formal Rehab for heat stress include the following:
• One Rehab Unit Leader (Officer)
• One ALS Transport Unit
• One Engine Company, Truck Company, or CERT
• Three large water coolers with ice
• Two large portable shade structures
• Eight rehab chairs
• Two battery-operated/electric fans
• One oximeter (Rad-57) when available
• Two electrically operated cooling boxes with hoods when available
The Incident Commander should request additional resources as the incident requires
and when simultaneous incidents require rehab. Training officers may be requested
to deliver additional shade structures and hydration for simultaneous incidents.
Resources for Cold stress rehab include the following:
• One Unit Leader (Officer)
• One ALS Transport Unit
• Access to a heated area (apparatus cab) away from cold environment
opportunity to change into dry clothing
Aerobic cardiovascular exercise should be limited to a maximum of 20 to 30 minutes
during the 24-hour shift when heat stress protocols are in effect.
Section 203.005a
Page 4 of 6
All members should adhere to the Hydration Chart (203.005) located in each restroom
throughout the Department. This chart is to be located and maintained above urinals
and on the inside of commode stall doors as a reminder of the importance of hydration
throughout the work period.
Members may forgo wearing the day uniform shirt on Heat Stress Protocol days.
INFORMATION
The following are mandated within the California Code of Regulations, Title 8 sec.
3395 and are to be addressed in the subsequent manner:
Shade
Reference: OSHA CCR Title 8 Section 3395 b, d.
Mandated Water
Reference: OSHA CCR Title 8 Section 3395 c.
Bottled water in the Breathing support and CERT apparatus is a sufficient quantity to
meet OSHA CCR Title 8 Section 3395 c.
Mandated Self Rehab
All members are to take every precaution through the use of the Self-Rehab
preventative steps as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Section
203.005, Rehabilitation of Fire Personnel.
Mandated Formal Rehab
Follow Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Section 203.005, Rehabilitation of
Fire Personnel.
PROCESS
Goals:
• Awareness
• Prevention
Section 203.005a
Page 5 of 6
• Hydration
• Self-Rehabilitation
• Formal Rehabilitation
• Extended Rehabilitation
1. Awareness of heat and cold stress management issues is accomplished
through formal training, line-ups, and radio broadcasts mentioned in this policy.
a. Calculate the adjusted heat index to account for the use of PPE in direct
sunlight. See Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Section
203.005, Chart 1.
2. The effects of heat stress may be minimized through acclimatization, reducing
aerobic cardiovascular exercise on hot days, and wearing lighter clothing where
possible.
3. Members are to monitor their intake of fluids before and during the work shift
to ensure adequate hydration. The use of Hydration Chart 3 should be used
as an indicator of hydration level. See Standard Operating Procedures Manual,
Section 203.005, Chart 3.
4. Employees are to take personal responsibility to ensure they are physically fit
for duty especially during periods of high heat.
5. Formal Rehabilitation is established when the adjusted heat index is 95
degrees or more.
a. A Rehab Unit Leader is established to coordinate Formal Rehab.
o An on-scene officer
b. The Breathing Support Unit may be requested for rehab equipment.
o Equipment is to be maintained by assigned personnel
c. A Training Officer may be requested for additional equipment.
d. CERT may be requested for additional equipment and personnel
o Under the direction of the CERT Coordinator
o CERT Coordinator or supervisor reports to Rehab Unit Leader
o Assists in providing shade, water, cooling and snacks
e. The location of Formal Rehab is coordinated through the IC.
6. Extended rehabilitation is established when multiple operational periods are
used, or a single incident covers a large geographic area. See Standard
Section 203.005a
Page 6 of 6
Operating Procedures Manual, Section 203.005, Rehabilitation of Fire
Personnel.
DEFINITIONS
See Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Section 203.005, Rehabilitation
of Fire Personnel.
CROSS-REFERENCES
California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3395 and Section 3203
City of Fresno Administrative Order 2-31
Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP)
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Section 205.004, Day Uniform
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Section 203.005, Rehabilitation for Fire Personnel
Charts found in Standard Operating Procedures Manual 203.005
Chart 1: Heat Index
Chart 2: Formal Rehab Flow Chart
Chart 3: Hydration
Cold Stress Source Documents
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/cold.html
https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3203.html
https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/winter_weather/windchill.html
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/default.html
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/resources.html
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatapp.html