Managing heat at Iron Bridge

Heat management has been a top priority at the Iron Bridge Project with the continuous high temperatures experienced in the region creating a challenging environment. 

Throughout February, Marble Bar averages 39.6 degrees Celsius so the need to keep our teams hydrated and adequately cool is very important. 

The Health, Safety and Environment team on site have been coordinating daily icy pole runs to give both an electrolyte and morale boost! 

We have also been using the MX3 hydration tester which tests saliva, so we can analyse how our hydration management performs and the information and learnings can be shared with the workforce. 

The results of the hydration tester are instantaneous so workers can see if their hydration levels are ok on the spot, and it gives them the opportunity to do something about it before they reach a point of deterioration and heat stress. 

There is also the availability of Specific Gravity test strips for workers to self-test their hydration levels. 

In addition, cool zones have been setup to allow workers an area for a shade break with the Power Breezer evaporative cooler misting fan giving the area a much-needed cool boost. 

From all accounts it has been a boost to morale and the teams are performing well on site.