Cal/OSHA §§3395–3396 · Oregon OAR 437-002-0156 · Washington WAC 296-62-095 · OSHA General Duty Clause | EHS Community Template
| Requirement | Standard Conditions | High-Heat Conditions (CA ≥95°F; OR heat index ≥90°F; WA ≥90°F) | Location / Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Fresh, suitably cool, free, close to work; enough for 1 quart per worker per hour for the shift (CA 8 CCR 3395(c)) | Remind workers throughout the shift to drink water (CA 3395(e)(4)) | |
| Rest | Preventive cool-down rest in the shade whenever a worker needs it; check them for symptoms and don't order them back to work until symptoms have gone (CA 3395(d)(3)) | Mandatory cool-down rest where your rule sets it: WA 10 min every 2 h at 90°F, 15 min every hour at 100°F (WAC 296-62-09547); OR a written rest-break schedule from heat index 90°F (OAR 437-002-0156(5)(e)); CA agriculture 10 min every 2 h at 95°F (3395(e)(6)) | |
| Shade | Enough shade for all resting workers at one time | Air-conditioned shelter if available |
New workers, and workers returning after an absence of 7 days or more, build up to full exposure using the schedule below. Closely observe them for their first 14 days: California requires this for employees newly assigned to a high-heat area (8 CCR 3395(g)(2)), and Washington for new workers and those returning after 7 or more days away (WAC 296-62-09545). Oregon requires a written acclimatization plan (OAR 437-002-0156(7)). The percentages follow the CDC/NIOSH approach of no more than 20% of the usual time in the heat on day 1, increasing by no more than 20% a day.
| Day(s) | Maximum % of Usual Time in the Heat | Supervisor Check-in Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 20% | Every hour |
| Days 2–3 | 40% | Every hour |
| Days 4–5 | 60% | Every 2 hours |
| Days 6–7 | 80% | Every 2 hours |
| Days 8–14 | 100% | Close observation continues through day 14 |
| Condition | Signs & Symptoms | Required Response |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Cramps | Muscle pains/spasms during heavy work in heat | Rest in cool area; drink water or electrolyte solution; return to work only if cramps resolve |
| Heat Exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea, fainting | Move to cool location; loosen clothing; cool with wet cloths; have worker sip water; seek medical attention if symptoms worsen |
| Heat Stroke ⚠ | Confusion, slurred speech, unconsciousness, seizures; heavy sweating or hot, dry skin; very high body temperature; rapid heart rate (OSHA) | CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. Move worker to a cool area and cool rapidly: cold-water or ice-bath immersion is fastest (OSHA); otherwise ice or cold wet towels on the head, neck, trunk, armpits and groin. Do not force the person to drink (CCOHS). Stay with the worker until EMS arrives. |
Train all workers and supervisors before they begin work that could expose them to heat illness (CA 8 CCR 3395(h)). Oregon and Washington also require the training every year (OAR 437-002-0156(9); WAC 296-62-09560); a refresher before each hot season is good practice everywhere.
| Worker Name | Training Date | Trainer Name | Supervisor? | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
This template is provided for educational purposes by EHS Community (ehscommunity.com). Reference: OSHA General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)); federal OSHA has no heat-specific standard and its 2024 proposed heat rule is not final. Cal/OSHA Title 8 Sections 3395 (outdoor) and 3396 (indoor); Oregon OAR 437-002-0156; Washington WAC 296-62-095 (outdoor). Check your state plan for additional requirements. In Canada, heat stress rules are set by your province or territory, or by the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated workplaces.