Cal/OSHA’s Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard

On June 20, Cal/OSHA’s Standards Board approved a new Indoor Heat Illness Prevention regulation (8 C.C.R. section 3396). The regulation received final approval from the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on July 20, 2024, and it took effect on July 23, 2024.

Applicability of the Indoor Heat Illness Standard

The standard applies to indoor work areas where the temperature is 82°F or higher when employees are present. This includes places like warehouses and restaurant kitchens. Office environments with functioning air conditioning where temperatures stay below 82°F are not affected.

Exceptions to the Standard

The standard does not cover outdoor working conditions, which are regulated separately. Specific exceptions include:

  • Incidental heat exposure between 82°F and 95°F for less than 15 minutes per hour, except in vehicles without working air conditioning or during loading/unloading of containers
  • Teleworking employees in locations not controlled by the employer
  • Emergency operations involved in life or property protection

Employer Compliance Requirements

Employers must create, document, and implement a Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP) that includes:

  • Access to water
  • Cool-down areas and breaks
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Acclimatization methods
  • Additional monitoring and controls are required when temperatures reach or exceed 82°F under specific conditions, such as employees wearing restrictive clothing or working near high radiant heat sources, or anytime the temperature is 87°F or higher.
Sample HIPP provided by Cal/OSHA

To help employers in understanding and complying with these requirements, Cal/OSHA has developed various educational materials and resources.

Employers can find these materials on the newly created Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Guidance and Resources webpage. This webpage provides comprehensive guidance and tools to ensure compliance with the new standards and enhance workplace safety concerning heat-related illnesses.

New webpages, educational materials, and resources include:

  1. Indoor Heat Illness Prevention webpage
  2. Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Educational Materials and Other Resources webpage
  3. Frequently Asked Questions Related to Indoor Heat Illness Prevention
  4. Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Workplace – Information for Employers
  5. Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Workplaces – Information for Workers