CH2M Hill Heat Stress Mitigation Efforts During Tank Farm Work Activities

In the past, while working under the hot summer sun at the Hanford Tank Farms, workers were assigned a protective work-rest regimen and heat stress mitigation efforts were applied to prevent heat-related illnesses and minimize impacts to project schedules. In February 2006, CH2M HILL kicked off a heat stress improvement initiative led by an experienced person emphasizing the importance of worker involvement, employee education, and the application of the ALARA, or As Low As Reasonably Achievable, concepts of engineered controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment, and physiological and work site monitoring. As a result of this initiative built upon previous years' efforts, CH2M HILL experienced increased 'wrench time' during the summer of 2006 with fewer heat-related illnesses than in previous years. (authors)