Extreme Temperature Safety Checklist

Purpose

This checklist is designed to ensure employee safety when working in extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) by verifying that appropriate controls and measures are in place. It covers key areas including temperature monitoring, employee training, provision of adequate resources, and equipment maintenance. This checklist is based on guidelines from the General Regulation (N.B. Reg. 91-191) 1, 2 and best practices for operating equipment in adverse conditions 3, 9.

Instructions

Complete this checklist before beginning work in extreme temperature conditions and at regular intervals as specified. Mark each item as either 'Yes' (compliant), 'No' (non-compliant), or 'N/A' (not applicable). If any item is marked 'No', implement corrective actions immediately and record them in the 'Corrective Actions' section.

General Requirements

• Has a competent person been designated to measure and record thermal conditions at frequent intervals? [1]
  • Corrective Actions:
• Are the findings of thermal condition measurements available to the committee (if any) and to an officer on request? [1]
  • Corrective Actions:

Training and Information

• Have employees been trained on the significance of symptoms of heat stress (e.g., heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat cramps, heat stroke) and precautions to avoid heat injury? [2]
  • Corrective Actions:
• Have employees been trained on the significance of symptoms of cold stress (e.g., severe shivering, pain in extremities, reduced mental awareness) and precautions to avoid cold injury? [2]
  • Corrective Actions:

Temperature Control Measures

• Is the temperature of the work area maintained within the required limits based on the type of work being performed (20°C for light work while sitting, 18°C for light physical work while sitting, 16°C for light or moderate physical work while standing, 12°C for heavy physical work while standing)? [1]
  • Corrective Actions:
• If it is not practical to maintain the required temperature, is there a suitable place where employees can go to warm up? [1]
  • Corrective Actions:

Equipment Operation in Extreme Heat

• Is appropriate engine oil, hydraulic oil, and fuel oil designed for hot climates being used? [3]
  • Corrective Actions:
• Are the radiator, oil cooler, and debris screen cleaned frequently to prevent overheating? [3]
  • Corrective Actions:
• Are all belts properly tensioned? [3]
  • Corrective Actions:
• Is the engine coolant mixture sufficient? [3]
  • Corrective Actions:

Equipment Operation in Extreme Cold

• Are appropriate engine oil, hydraulic oil, and diesel fuel designed for cold climates being used? [4]
  • Corrective Actions:
• Are machine warm-up procedures being followed to prevent premature wear or damage to components? [4]
  • Corrective Actions:
• Is the engine coolant mixture sufficient, considering wind chill factors? [4]
  • Corrective Actions:
• Are battery terminals free of ice and snow? [4]
  • Corrective Actions:

Additional Considerations (Heat Illness Prevention - if applicable)

• If the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, is there access to shade? [5]
  • Corrective Actions:
• Is a sufficient supply of cool or cold drinking water immediately and readily available to employees? [6]
  • Corrective Actions:
• If the heat index is less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit and employees perform 'rest' or 'light' workloads, are sections (3) through (10) followed? [7]
  • Corrective Actions:
• If the heat index equals or exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, is a written heat illness prevention rest break schedule implemented? [8]
  • Corrective Actions:

Signatures

Inspector: _________________________ Date: ______________

Supervisor: _________________________ Date: ______________