CNRS GUIDELINES IN THE EVENT OF A HEAT WAVE

In the summer, heat waves are particularly likely to lead to heatstroke, and several factors can contribute to this.

Environmental Factors :

• Intense sunlight,
• High ambient temperature (including at night),
• High humidity,
• Poor air circulation or circulation of very hot air,
• Air pollution…

Work-related factors :

• Working in offices and spaces located in buildings with high thermal inertia,
• Demanding physical work (heavy lifting and/or very rapid movements),
• Insufficient rest breaks,
• Wearing work clothes that prevent sweat from evaporating,
• Heat generated by machinery, products, and work processes (foundries, bakeries, dry cleaners, food processing, etc.),
• Use of chemicals in confined spaces (solvents, paints, etc.).
   

In particular, we would like to remind you of the importance of :

• Stay hydrated regularly;
• Limit physical exertion and heavy lifting as much as possible during the hottest hours of the day;
• Adjust your work pace to your heat tolerance;
• Be alert to signs that may indicate heatstroke (headaches, dizziness, nausea, unusual fatigue, etc.);
• Whenever possible, choose the coolest work areas.

Heatwave instructions