ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the adverse effects, evaluation, and control of extreme temperature environments. A range of adverse effects may be expected from working under elevated and low temperatures. Hot working conditions may be found in many locations in modern industry. Industrial operations may be classified as hot and dry, or hot and wet, depending on the environmental conditions. Heat exhaustion is a condition where, in response to exertion under hot conditions, an individual experiences headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and extreme fatigue. Heat cramps commonly occur in the same muscles used heavily while working in the heat. They are severe muscular spasms, and their incidence is associated with heavy work in acclimatized workers. Task analysis is an indirect guideline to classify jobs into the categories of light, moderate, or intense work. Task analysis involves no instrumentation other than a stopwatch, and a reference table.
