High temperatures toolbox talk

What it is

Hot weather or artificially hot work areas, such as foundries, plant rooms and roof spaces, that raise the risk of heat illness.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Insulate, shield or relocate hot plant and processes, and ventilate roof spaces and plant rooms before work begins.
2. Use air-conditioning, spot cooling or extraction to lower temperatures in enclosed work areas.
3. Schedule work in roof spaces and other hot areas for cooler parts of the day, and limit time spent inside.
4. Monitor conditions with a heat stress tool that considers temperature, humidity, air movement and workload, and adjust work accordingly.
5. Provide water, rest breaks in cool areas and supervision so anyone showing signs of heat illness is removed promptly.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with high temperatures:

• Working in hot conditionsCheck the weather, wear sun protection and provide shade, cooling and drinking waterFrom Heat Stress

Questions for the crew

1. Where could high temperatures come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Working in hot conditions?
3. The most effective control is: “Insulate, shield or relocate hot plant and processes, and ventilate roof spaces and plant rooms before work begins”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for high temperatures are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of high temperatures, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?