close as practicable to the areas where employees are working and maintained at less than 82°F. ACCLIMATIZATION PROCEDURES New workers must be gradually introduced to hot environments over seven to 14 days. Workers returning after an absence of three or more days should start at 50% of their normal workload in hot environments, with gradual increases over three days. Supervisors must closely monitor all workers during the acclimatization period for signs of heat-related illness. California Requirements Exposed employees must be closely observed for 14 consecutive days if they work in any of the following conditions: 1. In a work area where the temperature or heat index, whichever is greater, equals or exceeds 87°F; 2. In a work area where the temperature equals or exceeds 82°F for employees who wear clothing that restricts heat removal; or 3. In a high radiant heat area where the temperature equals or exceeds 82°F. Maryland Requirements Exposed employees must be closely observed for 14 consecutive days if either of the following occurs: 1. When an employee is newly exposed to heat in the workplace; or 2. When an employee returns to work after seven or more consecutive days of absence from the workplace. Washington Requirements Exposed employees must be closely observed for 14 consecutive days for employees not yet acclimatized to the heat, those returning from absences, and all employees during a “heat wave.” For these purposes, “heat waves” are days when heat will be at or above 80°F and at least 10°F higher than the five-day average highs. TRAINING All employees and supervisors must receive training on recognizing heat hazard symptoms, first aid procedures and preventive measures. Training should cover how to report symptoms, proper hydration practices and the importance of monitoring oneself and coworkers. This education should be provided before hot weather begins to equip employees with necessary knowledge and information and refreshed periodically throughout the hot seasons. California Requirements There are two specific trainings that all businesses must implement: supervisory and non-supervisory training. Make sure all employees complete the applicable training. MONITORING SYSTEMS A “buddy system” should be implemented so workers can monitor each other for signs of heat-related illness as well as an effective communication system that includes cellular phone or text messaging. Administrative controls should be used, such as scheduling strenuous work during cooler parts of the day and rotating workers to limit heat exposure. Supervisors must actively monitor weather conditions and be prepared to adjust work protocols when the heat index rises. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES Clear emergency procedures must be established and communicated to all workers to respond to potential heat-related illnesses. At least one person trained in first aid should be present at all times, with knowledge of how to respond to heat-related emergencies. Contact information and directions to the nearest medical facility should be readily available to all workers. RECORDKEEPING Employers must maintain accurate OSHA 300 logs and 301 injury and illness recordkeeping forms documenting any heat-related illnesses or injuries. These records should include emergency room visits related to heat exposure, even if hospitalization did not occur. Additionally, all prevention measures, training sessions and interventions related to heat hazards should be documented and retained. SPECIFIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND PROCEDURES Additional protections must be implemented when the heat index reaches specific thresholds, such as 80°F for initiating basic precautions and 95°F for high-heat procedures. Workers wearing personal protective equipment require more frequent breaks and additional cooling measures. Workload expectations should be adjusted during high heat periods, especially for strenuous activities. California Requirements The employer must establish specific procedures when the temperatures equal or exceed 95°F. These procedures include ensuring effective communication with employees (voice, observation or electronic means), observing employees for alertness and signs or symptoms of heat illness, designating one or more employees to call for emergency medical services, reminding employees to drink plenty of water, and conducting pre-shift meetings to review high heat procedures, encourage water consumption and remind employees of their right to cool-down breaks when necessary. Washington Requirements The employer must establish a minimum rest period of 10 minutes for every two hours worked if outdoor temperatures reach between 90°F and 100°F, and 15 minutes for every one hour worked if temperatures equal or exceed 100°F. THE GENERATOR 26
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