Excessive Cab Temperatures: Heat Stress
Medical Effects of Heat
High
temperatures can defeat the body’s ability to cool itself. If this happens,
internal body temperature then rises dramatically and drastically. Effects from
heat range from discomfort and dehydration to heat stress, heat stroke, kidney
damage and even death.
Discomfort
The World
Health Organisation recommends 75F and 24C as a maximum air temperature for
comfortable working. Above this temperature, people are more liable to have
accidents as they are less alert.
Dehydration
Symptoms are
headaches, tiredness and cramps. Fluid lost through sweating must be replaced.
There should be access to cool fresh drinking water and sufficient breaks. Salt
may be made available but only taken in moderation.
Heat Stress
Symptoms are clammy skin,
light-headedness, slurred speech, rapid pulse rate, fatigue, confusion,
fainting, nausea, short temper and loss of concentration. Victims should be
removed to a cooler area and given liquid.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms are a
staggering walk, hot skin and raised body temperature (though the victim may
feel chilly), incoherence, and mental confusion, convulsions and
unconsciousness. This can lead to long term illness and even death. Victims
should receive immediate medical attention.
ASLEF Safety Representatives’ Check List
Water
Dispensers
Cool drinking water should be available at all booking-on and PN points.
Where this is not the case, safety representatives should make representations
to their management.
Water
Containers
Personal water containers or bottles should be available for use when in the
cab. These may be replenished as and when required at booking-on and PN points.
Where this is not the case, safety representatives should make representations
to their management.
Uniform
Uniforms now vary from operator to operator. Full uniform may not be
appropriate during periods of hot weather. Drivers should be permitted to wear
clothing appropriate to the cab temperature.
Where the uniform policy is too restrictive, safety representatives should make
representations to their management.
Effects
of Excessive Heat
Where traincrew suffer the
effects of excessive heat in the cab, arrangements should be in place for an
appropriate manager to be contacted and the member of traincrew to be relieved.
Traincrew must in no way feel intimidated into not reporting their condition.
Ignoring dehydration, heat stress and heat stroke is not only harmful to health
but endangers the safety of the train.
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