Indoor Heat Illness

Key points regarding the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal OSHA) indoor heat illness standard § 3396 Applicability: The standard applies to indoor workplaces where the temperature equals or exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 15 minutes in a 60 minute period.

Heat Illness Prevention Procedures (HIPP): Employers must develop, implement, and maintain a Heat Illness Prevention Procedures tailored to their specific workplace conditions. This can be incorporated into your Injury and Illness Prevention Plan.

Training: Employees must be trained on heat illness prevention, including recognizing symptoms, proper hydration, and procedures for reporting heat-related issues. Training can be accessed in the learning management system.
Take heat illness training

Hydration: Employers must ensure that employees have access to potable drinking water at all times at a rate of 1 quart per employee per hour. Water should be readily available, and employees should be encouraged to drink frequently.

Cool Down Area: Employers must provide access to cool, shaded areas where employees can take breaks to prevent overheating.

Monitoring: Employers must monitor the heat index (a measure combining temperature and humidity) and adjust work practices accordingly. High heat conditions should prompt increased frequency of breaks and other preventive measures.

Emergency Response Procedures: Employers must establish and communicate procedures for responding to heat-related emergencies, including first aid and medical treatment.

Acclimatization: New employees or those returning from an extended absence should be gradually acclimated to heat conditions to prevent heat illness.

Record Keeping: Employers should keep records related to heat illness prevention and training, as well as documentation of heat-related incidents.

Engineering Controls: Where feasible, employers should implement engineering controls to reduce heat stress, such as ventilation, air conditioning, or heat shields.

This standard aims to protect employees from heat stress and heat-related illnesses, ensuring a safer and healthier work environment.
Take heat illness prevention training