Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Guidance and Resources
Indoor Heat Requirements
On June 20, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 3396, “Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment”. This standard applies to most workplaces where the indoor temperature reaches 82°F. It establishes required safety measures for indoor workplaces to prevent worker exposure to risk of heat illness. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) has 30 working days to review the proposal. The Standards Board requested that the regulation take effect immediately after OAL approval.
For outdoor heat illness prevention, refer to Title 8, section 3395.
Comparison of Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Standards
Requirement
Outdoor Heat (T8CCR 3395)
Indoor Heat (T8CCR 3396)
Scope and Application
Applies to outdoor workplaces
Applies to indoor workplaces when the indoor temperature is greater than 82°F
Provide Clean Drinking Water
Provide access to potable water that is fresh, suitably cool, and free of charge
Located as close as possible to work areas
Provide access to potable water that is fresh, suitably cool, and free of charge
Located as close as possible to work areas and cool-down areas
Access to Shade and Cool-Down Areas
For outdoor workplaces, shade must be present when temperatures are greater than 80°F. When temperatures are less than 80°F, shade must be available upon request
For indoor workplaces, provide access to at least one cool-down area which must be kept at a temperature below 82°F
Shade and cool-down areas must be:
Blocked from direct sunlight
Large enough to accommodate the number of workers on rest breaks so they can sit comfortably without touching each other
Close as possible to the work areas
For indoor workplaces, the cool-down areas must be kept at less than 82°F and shielded from other high-radiant heat sources
Cool-Down Rest Periods
Encourage workers to take preventative cool-down rest periods
Allow workers who ask for a cool-down rest period to take one
Monitor workers taking such rest periods for symptoms of heat-related illness
High-Heat Procedures
Have and implement procedures to deal with heat when the temperature equals or exceeds 95°F
Procedures must include:
Observing and communicating effectively with workers
Reminding workers to drink water and take cool-down rest breaks
Not applicable to Indoor Workplaces
Assessment and Control Measures
Not applicable to Outdoor Workplaces
Measure the temperature and heat index and record whichever is greater whenever the temperature or heat index reaches 87°F (or temperature reaches 82°F for workers working in clothing that restricts heat removal or high-radiant-heat areas)
Implement control measures to keep workers safe. Feasible engineering controls must be implemented first.
Monitoring the Weather
Monitor outdoor temperature and ensure that once the temperature exceeds 80°F, shade structures will be opened and made available to the workers
When it is at least 95°F, implement high-heat procedures
Train supervisors on how to check weather reports and how to respond to weather advisories
For indoor workplaces that are affected by outdoor temperatures, train supervisors on how to check weather reports and how to respond to hot weather advisories
Emergency Response Procedures
Provide first aid or emergency response to any workers showing heat illness signs or symptoms, including contacting emergency medical services
Acclimatization
Closely observe new workers and newly assigned workers working in hot areas during a 14-day acclimatization period, as well as all workers working during a heat wave
Training
Employers must provide training to both workers and supervisors
Heat Illness Prevention Plan
Establish, implement, and maintain an effective written Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan that includes procedures for providing drinking water, shade, preventative rest periods, close observation during acclimatization, high-heat procedures, training, prompt emergency response
Establish, implement, and maintain an effective written Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan that includes procedures for providing drinking water, cool-down areas, preventative rest periods, close observation during acclimatization, assessment and measurement of heat, training, prompt emergency response, and feasible control measures
Cal/OSHA recommends the guidance, educational materials, model programs, and other resources that are provided below, be reviewed with an employer's existing procedures to ensure that workers are protected.
