What is in T8CCR 3395?
T8CCR 3395(b) Definitions states the following:
“Environmental risk factors for heat illness” means working conditions that create the possibility that heat illness could occur, including air temperature, relative humidity, radiant heat from the sun and other sources, conductive heat sources such as the ground, air movement, workload severity and duration, protective clothing and personal protective equipment worn by employees.
T8CCR 3395(h) Training states the following:
(1) Employee training. Effective training in the following topics shall be provided to each supervisory and non-supervisory employee before the employee begins work that should reasonably be anticipated to result in exposure to the risk of heat illness:
(A) The environmental and personal risk factors for heat illness, as well as the added burden of heat load on the body caused by exertion, clothing, and personal protective equipment.
Guidance, Best Practices and Warnings
Inappropriate work clothing and Personal Protective Equipment can increase the burden of heat load on the body caused by exertion and increase the risk of developing Heat Illness. Employers need to train employees on how such clothing and Personal Protective Equipment can cause heat illness and on the appropriate clothing and Personal Protective Equipment for the particular job they will be performing.
Best Practices
- Appropriate work clothing for employees protects them against the sun and other environmental risk factors and allows the body to cool helping to prevent Heat Illness. In general appropriate work clothing should be:
- Also employees should wear a wide-brim hat with attached fabric to provide shade to the head, neck, face and eyes
Warning
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE can increase the burden of heat load on the body by trapping the heat and not allowing the body to cool. It is important for employees wearing PPE, which may cover the upper or lower body or face, not to work alone in warm or hot conditions and during high heat or a heat wave. When employees wear this type of PPE in these conditions it may require you to take additional steps to prevent heat illness including (but not limited to):
- Monitoring employees more frequently
- Having employees watch one another more closely
- Having employee take more frequent breaks to remove their PPE to cool down
- Ensuring employees drink more water
- Providing effective cooling measures (see Shade and Other Cooling Measures)
- Adjusting work schedules and activities (see Work Severity and Duration)
- Seeking additional help from qualified professionals
Note: Employees applying pesticides and wearing PPE must follow all applicable regulations including, but not limited to T3 CCR 6724(b)(9), 6738(g).
FAQs
In general appropriate work clothing should be: Lightweight , loose fitting and made of breathable fabric that allow airflow and air movement aiding in cooling the body. Light-colored that reflects the heat better than dark-colored clothes (which absorb heat).
What PPE is needed for heat illness? ›
Personal Protective Equipment
However, in some limited situations, special cooling devices can protect workers in hot environments: Insulated suits. Reflective clothing. Infrared reflecting face shields.
What is the best PPE to wear when working in heat? ›
PPE for working in heat may include sun protection, light, breathable clothing and cooling vests.
Does OSHA require a heat illness prevention plan? ›
Prevention requires employers and workers to recognize heat hazards. Management should commit to: Take extra precautions to protect new workers. Train supervisors and workers to control and recognize heat hazards.
What are the 5 personal protective equipment and its uses? ›
Components of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Gloves. Gloves help protect you when directly handling potentially infectious materials or contaminated surfaces.
- Gowns. ...
- Shoe and Head Covers. ...
- Masks and Respirators. ...
- Other Face and Eye Protection.
Heat Stroke is the most serious heat related disorder and occurs when the body's temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels.
What can I wear to prevent heat exhaustion? ›
Wear a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing if possible. Monitor yourself and others for signs of heat illness.
How can we protect workers from extreme heat? ›
Encourage workers to wear clothing that is breathable, light-colored, and loose-fitting. Cotton clothing can be soaked in water to aid cooling. Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress.
Which hand and arm PPE is generally recommended for hot work? ›
HAND & ARM PROTECTION: Leather gloves and non-dacron long sleeves and long ants should be donned when doing hot work. FOOT & LEG PROTECTION: Steel-toed shoes extending above the ankles shall be used for protection from falling parts, equipment, and rolling stock. Long, non-dacron pants are required when doing hot work.
What is the most important factor in preventing heat illness? ›
Identifying athletes at risk, limiting environmental exposure, and monitoring closely for signs and symptoms are all important components of preventing heat illness. However, monitoring hydration status and early intervention may be the most important factors in preventing severe heat illness.
T8CCR 3395(b) Definitions defines “Heat Illness” as the following: "Heat Illness" means a serious medical condition resulting from the body's inability to cope with a particular heat load, and includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, and heat stroke (see T8 CCR Section 3395).
What are the first signs of heat exhaustion? ›
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Irritability.
- Thirst.
- Heavy sweating.
- Elevated body temperature.
The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App is a resource for finding the forecasted and current heat index near your location. The Heat App indicates the hazard levels using the HI as: Caution less than 80°F HI; • Warning 80°F to 94°F HI; and, • Danger at 95°F HI or higher.
What temperature can you legally leave work in the USA? ›
While there are no specific federal regulations about working in extreme cold or heat, you do have a right to a workplace “free from recognized hazards .” That includes exposure to extreme cold and heat. Some states do have more rigorous rules regarding heat, and you can find the state plans here .
At what temperature do heat illness prevention procedures kick in? ›
The employer shall implement high-heat procedures when the temperature equals or exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the OSHA rules for heat exposure? ›
Heat Standards in Specific States
The following states have standards for heat exposure: California. California's Heat Illness Prevention Standard requires employers to provide training, water, shade, and planning. A temperature of 80°F triggers the requirements.
What are the procedures for heat illness? ›
Immerse the worker in cold water or an ice bath. Create the ice bath by placing all of the available ice into a large container with water, standard practice in sports. This is the best method to cool workers rapidly in an emergency. Remove outer layers of clothing, especially heavy protective clothing.
