These guidelines are a supporting document to assist employers to comply with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 as it relates to the hazard of work in extremes of temperature. The information in these guidelines will be of use to three groups: those responsible for managing staff who work in extremes of temperature, the staff who work in those environments, and the personnel who provide medical support.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction

1: Management of Work in Extreme Hot and Cold Environments

Requirements of the HSE Act

2: The Human Response to Heat and Cold

Human Temperature Regulation
Factors That Influence How We Feel Hot and Cold
The Individual's Response to Heat and Cold

3: Heat Stress and Heat Strain

Definitions
Health Effects from Exposure to Hot Environments
Assessment of Hot Environments and People Working in Them
Measuring Heat Stress
Assessing Heat Strain
Control Measures for Hot Environments
Medical Support for People Working in Hot Environments
Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment

4: Cold Stress and Cold Strain

Introduction
The Health Effects of Cold Stress
Assessment of Cold Environments
Control of Work Environments Causing Cold Stress

5: Training and Supervision

Content of Training

6: Planning for Hot and Cold Environments

Areas to Consider

7: Hot and Cold Environments and Other Hazardous Operations

Other Hazardous Situations
Confined Space Entry
Exposure to Chemical Contaminants
Occupational Diving

Appendix A: Summary of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
Appendix B: Glossary of Terms Used
Appendix C: Medical Conditions and Substances that Increase the Individual's Susceptibility to Heat or Cold Strain
Appendix D: Symptoms of Heat Strain
Appendix E: Screening Questionnaire Prior to Heat Exposure
Appendix F: WBGT Surveillance Form
Appendix G: Documentation of New Zealand Work Place Exposure Standards for Hot Environments
Appendix H: Personal Recordings
Appendix I: Heart Rate Result Sheet
Appendix J: References