Acclimatization
Lack of acclimatization to hot environments significantly increases the risk of heat-related illness and death. Workers must be allowed to gradually adjust to working in hot conditions.
Initial Acclimatization
When workers are acclimatizing to working in hot environments for the first time, or have been away from heat exposure for more than a week (full acclimatization is lost after one month away), they must gradually adjust to working in the hot environment. Workers will need to be carefully supervised for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness while they adjust. The adjustment period should take place over five to seven days. Below is an example of an initial acclimatization schedule.
| Day Number | Percent of Work Shift Spent Working in the Heat |
| 1 | 20% |
| 2 | 40% |
| 3 | 60% |
| 4 | 80% |
| 5 | 100% |
Reacclimatization
Workers returning after a week or more away from working in hot environments must be allowed at least four days to gradually readjust to heat exposure. Below is an example of a reacclimatization schedule.
| Day Number | Percent of Work Shift Spent Working in the Heat |
| 1 | 50% |
| 2 | 60% |
| 3 | 80% |
| 4 | 100% |
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-8. Why is it important to monitor workers during acclimatization periods?
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