SF State has developed a Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP) that includes steps to protect employees from heat stress resulting from work in hot environments.
Scope
This program applies to employees who work indoors or outdoors on campus properties or university business.
Cal/OSHA has developed two heat illness prevention regulations, one that focuses on outdoor work and the second that focuses on indoor work spaces.
Heat Illness Prevention in Outdoor Places of Employment
This Heat Illness Prevention regulation applies to all outdoor places of employment such as those in the agriculture, construction, and landscaping industries, as well as other field work that is part of university academic, maintenance, and research activities.
Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment
The Indoor Heat Illness Prevention regulation went into effect on July 23, 2024 and applies to indoor work spaces such as laboratories, fabrication shops, offices, and mechanical rooms.
Heat Illness Prevention Plan Forms
- Worksite Specific Heat Illness Prevention Checklist (PDF Fill-in Form)
- Worksite Specific Heat Illness Prevention Checklist (.docx Fill-In Form)
- Remote Work Location Information Form (PDF Fill-in Form)
See the written Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP) to help with filling out the checklist below and evaluating compliance.
See the written Heat Illness Prevention manual for details on training.
The Cal/OSHA standard goes into effect when indoor temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Assessments and control measures must be implemented when temperatures are greater or equal to 87 degrees. For areas where radiant heat sources are a factor, such as greenhouses or kitchens, these measures must be implemented when temperatures equal or exceed 82 degrees.
When an employee reports feeling symptoms of heat stress, such as heat exhaustion, to their supervisor or manager, addressing the employee's discomfort is important. Actions to take include providing water, rest, fans or other methods for cooling down.
The employee’s supervisor must consider (or consult EHS about) implementing strategies to mitigate any environmental risk factors for heat illness, some of which are air temperature, air movement, relative humidity, radiant heat from the sun and other sources; conductive heat sources such as the ground, and workload severity and duration. Certainly, relocating an employee to a cooler or more comfortable workspace should be strongly considered. The J. Paul Leonard library is one such location.
EH&S is available to provide consultation, recommendations, and guidance.
For outdoor workplaces, shade must be present when temperatures are greater than 80°F. When temperatures are less than 80°F, shade must be available upon request.
- Monitor outdoor temperature and ensure that once the temperature exceeds 80°F, shade structures are opened and made available
- When it is at least 95°F, implement high-heat procedures
- Train supervisors on how to check weather reports and how to respond to weather advisories
- Provide drinking water, preventative rest breaks, and observe workers for signs of heat illness
- Provide first aid or emergency response to any workers showing heat illness signs or symptoms, including contacting emergency medical services