Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421:reg:400:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00421
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 400 (pt 2/21)
Character Range: 30990–33877

to a substance or mixture in an airborne concentration that exceeds the exposure standard for the substance or mixture. This may require air monitoring to be carried out.

2.8              Heat and cold
Workers carrying out work in extreme heat or cold must be able to carry out work without a risk to their health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable.
It is important to distinguish between a condition that threatens health and safety, and a feeling of discomfort.
The risk to the health of workers increases as conditions move further away from those generally accepted as comfortable. Heat strain can arise from working in high air temperatures, exposure to high thermal radiation or high levels of humidity, such as those in foundries, commercial kitchens and laundries. Hypothermia arises when a person gets an abnormally low body temperature as a result of exposure to cold environments. Both these conditions are potentially fatal.

Both personal and environmental factors should be considered when assessing the risk to workers' health from working in a very hot or cold environment. Personal factors include the level of physical activity, the amount and type of clothing worn, and duration of exposure. Environmental factors include air temperature, the level of humidity, air movement and radiant heat.

Thermal comfort
Work should be carried out in an environment where a temperature range is comfortable for workers and suits the work they carry out. Air temperatures that are too high or too low can contribute to fatigue and heat or cold related illnesses. Thermal comfort is affected by many factors, including air temperature, air movement, floor temperature, humidity, clothing, the amount of physical exertion, average temperature of the surroundings and sun penetration.
Optimum comfort for sedentary work is between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius, depending on the time of year and clothing worn. Workers involved in physical exertion usually prefer a lower temperature range. The means of maintaining a comfortable temperature will depend on the working environment and the weather, and could include any of the following:
    * air-conditioning
    * fans
    * electric heating
    * open windows
    * building insulation
    * the layout of workstations
    * direct sunlight control
    * controlling air flow and the source of drafts.

Hot environments
If it is not possible to eliminate exposure to extreme heat, the risk of heat strain and heat exhaustion must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. For example:
    * increase air movement using fans
    * install air-conditioners or evaporative coolers to lower air temperature
    * isolate workers from indoor heat sources, for example by insulating plant, pipes and walls
    * remove heated air or steam from hot processes using local exhaust ventilation
    * use mechanical aids to