New Indoor Heat Regulation
California Title 8, §3396 Indoor Heat Illness Prevention regulation is in effect. This law establishes measures to prevent heat illness in employees working indoors. Heat-related illness is dangerous and can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or even death, but it is preventable. This article describes new measures that employers must take to help prevent heat-related illness in indoor workers.
What workplaces does this regulation apply to?
Title 8, §3396 Indoor Heat Illness Prevention applies to most workplaces in California where the indoor temperature reaches 82°F. Exceptions include corrections facilities and emergency operations.
Safety measures to put in place
Employers must take steps to protect indoor workers from heat illness. We describe the actions employers need to take below.
Provide free, clean drinking water
Employees must have access to clean, fresh drinking water free of charge. Employees should be encouraged to drink water.
Cool-down area
Employers must always provide at least one cool-down area where the temperature is below 82°F, blocked from direct sunlight, and protected from heat sources. The cool-down area must be large enough to fit all employees who are on a rest break.
Rest breaks
Employees must be encouraged to take cool-down rest breaks in the cool-down area. Employees taking rest breaks should be monitored for symptoms of heat-related illness.
Measuring heat
Employers must measure both the temperature and heat index. Temperature is measured using a standard thermometer. The heat index is a measure of heat that considers both the temperature and humidity—this is often given as “feels like.” The heat index can be measured with a heat index monitor, which just like a thermometer, will show the heat index.
When a reading is 87°F and above, employers must record the temperature or heat index (whichever is greater). When the temperature or heat index is 87°F and above, engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls must be applied to prevent heat-related illness. The Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Workplaces Fact Sheet for Employers provides suggestions to comply with this regulation.
Is training required?
Yes, Title 8, §3396 Indoor Heat Illness Prevention requires that employers provide training to both employees and supervisors. Trainings should cover topics such as the symptoms of heat-related illness, the importance of drinking water, and procedures to respond to heat-related illness. Training topics need to be specific to each work location.
Resources
- Workplaces may need to have a plan for both indoor and outdoor heat illness prevention. View the comparison chart by clicking here.
- Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Workplaces Fact Sheet for Employers
- Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Workplaces Fact Sheet for Workers
This article does not provide an exhaustive description of all of the requirements of Title 8, §3396 Indoor Heat Illness Prevention. Review the full standard to ensure compliance.
This article is funded by the California Occupational Health Branch of the California Department of Public Health.