Barcelona City Council has introduced a pioneering instruction to protect approximately 32,000 workers from the dangers of extreme heat and heatwaves. This new policy strengthens prevention plans and mandates protective measures for municipal staff and employees of concessionary and contracting companies. The instruction applies to those working outdoors or in non-air-conditioned environments across Barcelona.

The Municipal Management signed this instruction, which was subsequently published in the Gazette. It acknowledges that sustained temperature increases and more frequent extreme weather events are clear signs of climate change. Recent summers have brought record temperatures and health consequences, prompting this proactive approach.

Deputy Mayor for Security, Prevention, Internal Regime and Convivence, Albert Batlle, highlighted the instruction's importance. He stated, "The heat has not arrived yet, but it will, and we must be in a position to foresee what we do in case of heatwaves." Mr Batlle added, "We believe that any intervention above 35 degrees Celsius requires great care regarding the conditions under which it is carried out."

Identifying Risks and Vulnerable Workers

A key new measure requires identifying high-risk workplaces and vulnerable individuals. This proactive step aims to provide more personalised occupational health protection. All personnel will receive necessary information before summer, along with associated training.

Specific medical examinations will also be provided. The instruction mandates tracking preventive measures and recording all actions taken. These specific actions must be incorporated into existing concessions or contracts where needed. They will also be added to all future tenders.

Comprehensive Protection Across All Staff

The instruction strengthens the overall protection system by applying to both internal and external personnel. Technical work for this policy involved collaboration with occupational safety and health delegates. This cooperation improves the technical quality and operational acceptance across various workplaces.

The new technical instruction precisely outlines actions for heatwave episodes. It details six different scenarios, each based on the alert level provided by the Catalan Meteorological Service. These scenarios ensure a graduated response to varying degrees of heat risk.

Emergency Protocols for Extreme Heat

In the highest emergency scenario, the instruction prohibits solo outdoor work. It also limits continuous work time to a maximum of 20 minutes. Workers must take mandatory two-minute breaks in locations allowing thermal recovery. Additionally, tasks requiring significant physical exertion should be planned and executed outside the central hours of the day. If this is not possible due to job characteristics, staff rotations must be established.

For alerts with a lower, though still dangerous, threshold, the instruction advises several preventive measures. These include using personal protective equipment, such as sunscreen and hats or caps. Employers should reassign more physical activities to individuals not especially sensitive to heat. If reassignment is not possible, staff rotation can reduce heat exposure time.

General Measures and Supervision

This level of alert also requires personnel managers to increase supervision of workers. For example, establishing systems where people work in pairs is recommended. Generally, even without specific heatwave situations, the instruction emphasises that everyone should know the specific protection plans and associated measures.

Between June and September, outdoor workers or those in non-air-conditioned spaces should take hydration breaks. They should also preferably use loose and breathable clothing. These general guidelines aim to promote consistent safety practices throughout the warmer months.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups

The municipal technical instruction lists individual factors that increase a worker's susceptibility to high temperatures. These include losing acclimatisation to a specific situation in just one week, physical condition, certain medical histories, and particular medications. Other factors are alcohol or caffeine consumption, being overweight, advanced age, or pregnancy.

For individuals with these vulnerabilities, the instruction recommends a health surveillance medical examination. This assessment will determine if additional preventive measures are necessary for their specific case. This targeted approach helps ensure the most at-risk individuals receive appropriate support.

Recognising and Responding to Heatstroke

The instruction also provides clear guidance on heatstroke symptoms and emergency response. Symptoms include a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius, headaches or dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and red, hot, non-sweating skin. Accelerated breathing and heart rate, muscle cramps, or changes in mental state, such as confusion, irritability, or delirium, also indicate heatstroke.

If these symptoms appear, the instruction states that emergency services must be called urgently on 112. While waiting for health professionals, move the affected person to a cooler, airy place. If conscious, give them water, wet them, and fan them. If unconscious, place them in the lateral recovery position until medical emergency services arrive.

This detailed instruction marks a significant step for Barcelona City Council in adapting to the realities of climate change. It sets a new standard for worker safety during increasingly hot summers, ensuring a safer working environment for thousands of residents.

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Originally published by Barcelona City Council Press Room. Read original article.