FSU has become concerned by the number of workplaces reporting faulty air conditioning and the inability of the employer to rectify the faults in a timely manner.

Heat stress is a health and safety hazard that can cause heat related illness and aggravate existing
medical conditions.

The FSU has referred to the ACTU guidelines for working in seasonal heat.

GUIDELINES

The indoor environment should be kept between 18 to 26 degrees celsius.

When the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius the following rest breaks should occur within each hour.

10 minutes 30-32 degrees C
20 minutes 32-34
30 minutes 34-36
Cease work* 36 + (*workplace is to close and employees are to go home with no loss of pay)

An ongoing supply of drinking water must be readily accessible. The water should be cooled, clean and
palatable.

Should you find yourself working in a workplace with inadequate or no air conditioning you should immediately have your Union Rep contact Management to have the problem rectified. Should Management advise that this cannot be done in a timely manner contact the Union Office on 1300 366 378.

Heat stress is a Workplace OH & S Hazard?

Heat stress can be characterised by the following symptoms:

Skin rashes, also known (and felt) as “prickly heat”, often over the arms, shoulders, chest, in body creases and behind the knees.

Dehydration, can result from either excessive fluid loss from the body through perspiration, and/or failure
to drink enough fluids. Dehydration can contribute to cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Feeling
thirsty indicates that dehydration is already occurring.

Heat cramps, are muscle spasms indicating an imbalance of salt and water in the body, caused by
perspiration and/or inadequate fluid replacement.

Heat exhaustion, is characterised by clammy, moist skin; weakness and fatigue; nausea; vomiting;
headache; giddiness and possibly fainting - due to the dilation of blood vessels and pooling of the blood in the lower limbs.

Heat stroke, is characterised by hot, dry skin, and a rapidly rising body temperature. Heat stroke can result in collapse, loss of consciousness, convulsions and death.

Aggravation of existing medical conditions

Working in seasonal heat can exacerbate existing medical conditions such as existing heart problems or high blood pressure. People with kidney conditions, asthmatics and diabetics may need to take extra care.
Heat stress must be treated as any other health and safety hazard.