The thermal work limit adds together four measures – air temperature, humidity, wind speed and exposure to radiant heat from the sun – to gauge how dangerous a working environment is. The lower the TWL, the harsher the environment.
How hot is it? Today's TWL readings
Last Updated: 1pm July 27, 2011
Official temperature 42C
Feels like temperature 42C
The National temperature reading 45C
Thermal work limit 239
Blue - unrestricted - No limits on work
More from The National on workplace safety
The measure is a heat-stress index - in other words, what controls are needed when working under specific heat conditions. It has been drawn up by the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi, which is pushing for it to be given legal teeth.
A TWL above 220 is in the unrestricted zone. There is no limit on work for workers who are drinking adequate fluids and can take rest breaks when they need to.
Between 140-220 is the "acclimitisation zone". There is still no restriction placed on acclimitised workers who are used to working in heat and not new to the UAE or who have been on holiday in a colder climate. But workers should be aware of an increased risk of heat illness and should not work alone if not acclimatised when returning from leave.
Between 115 and 140 is the buffer zone – where environmental conditions could limit work. Shade ought to be provided as well as better ventilation. Working alone outside should be avoided, unacclimatised workers should not be at work and frequent rests
scheduled. An adequate intake of fluid is also required to ensure proper replacement of fluids lost in sweat in the specific hot environmental conditions.
A TWL below 115 is in the withdrawal zone. At this level, work is regarded as unsafe, meaning only maintenance and rescue operations should take place. No person should work alone, work must be specifically authorised, and for every 20 minutes of work, 40 minutes of rest must be scheduled. Workers must drink 600ml of water every half-hour and compulsory dehydration testing is required at the end of each shift.
According to experts at Haad, the withdrawal zone is rarely experienced in the UAE.
Further information is available from Haad’s Safety in Heat website: www.haad-safe.ae
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Jetour T1 specs
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Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
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- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Muguruza's singles career in stats
WTA titles 3
Prize money US$11,128,219 (Dh40,873,133.82)
Wins / losses 293 / 149
MO
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) US$175,000 1,000m
7.05pm: Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions (Dirt) $100,000 1,900m
7.40pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (T) $250,000 1,800m
8.15pm: Handicap (D) $135,000 2,000m
8.50pm: Al Fahidi Fort Group 2 (T) $250,000 1,400m
9.25pm: Handicap (T) $135,000 2,410m.
Brief scores:
Toss: Pakhtunkhwa Zalmi, chose to field
Environment Agency: 193-3 (20 ov)
Ikhlaq 76 not out, Khaliya 58, Ahsan 55
Pakhtunkhwa Zalmi: 194-2 (18.3 ov)
Afridi 95 not out, Sajid 55, Rizwan 36 not out
Result: Pakhtunkhwa won by 8 wickets
Specs
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Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
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Checks continue
A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.
Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.
