Effective July 23, 2024, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) adopted a new standard for Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment (8 Cal.Code Regs section 3396).
The new standard defines all indoor work areas as spaces that are under a ceiling or overhead covering that restricts airflow and that are enclosed along the entire perimeter by walls, doors, windows, dividers, or other physical barriers that restrict airflow, either open or closed.
The standard is triggered as to all indoor work areas when: the temperature or heat index equals or exceeds 87 degrees Fahrenheit when employees are present; employees wear clothing that restricts heat removal and the temperature equals or exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit; and when employees work in a high-radiant-heat area and the temperature equals or exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Note that the standard does not apply to:
The standard requires employers to take the following steps: for indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must take steps to protect workers from heat illness. Some of the requirements include providing water, rest, cool-down areas, and training. Additional requirements apply when the temperature reaches 87 degrees, and include: cooling down the work area; implementing work-rest schedules; and providing personal heat-protective equipment. If employees wear clothing that restricts heat removal or work in high radiant heat areas, the additional requirements apply at 82 degrees. Finally, Cal/OSHA also requires that this rule is written in a plan, which can be incorporated into an employer’s injury and illness prevention program (IIPP).