By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will impose a 30-minute heat stroke break to all traffic enforcers and street sweepers from April 1 to May 31.
This is in accordance with the memorandum circular that aims to protect field personnel against heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps amid extreme heat waves.
“This move is part of the agency’s efforts to prevent heat-related illness among our outdoor workers who brave the searing heat every day to fulfill their duties and responsibilities,” MMDA Acting Chairperson Atty. Don Artes said.
“Their safety is of paramount importance,” he added.
As per the guidelines provided by MMDA, the following are the time intervals recommended for heat strokes breaks for traffic staff:
5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. shift – heat stroke break from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. shift – heat stroke break from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. shift – heat stroke break from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. shift – heat stroke break from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For street sweepers:
6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. shift – heat stroke break from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift – regular break time from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. shift – heat stroke break from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In instances where the heat index surpasses 40 degrees celsius, the personnel assigned to the field are permitted an additional 15 minutes.
“The heat stroke break shall be done alternately by those who are assigned in a particular area to maintain visibility of traffic enforcers and street sweepers and to ensure field operations are not hampered,” he continued.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has officially announced the onset of the warm and dry season, with a projected duration until the month of May. -ag
