Heat Illness Prevention and Response

Workers performing job duties outside must follow the campus Heat Illness Prevention & Response Plan to comply with Cal/OSHA. Important precautions include:

• Scheduling breaks.

• Providing ample shade and water.

• Monitoring workers for signs and symptoms of heat illness.

• Resting in shade if experiencing heat exhaustion; don't return to work in the sun.

• If someone is experiencing heat stroke, immediately call 911 and apply first aid. Signs of heat stroke include: hot/red/dry skin, acting confused or disoriented, falling unconscious.

• Ensure completion of heat illness prevention training via these options:

• EHS 702 Heat Illness is a 20-minute online course available through the UC Learning Center.

• Supervisor-led discussion using the EH&S Heat Illness Fact Sheet and Checklist (This option includes a form to document training attendance).

Pay attention to details in the Work Planning and Site Checklist for requirements when it is over 95°. To prepare: 

• If possible, limit strenuous tasks to morning or late afternoon. 

• Conduct a pre-shift meeting to review high heat procedures, encourage employees to drink plenty of water, and to take cool-down rest breaks every two hours, and whenever they feel the need to do so. 

• Supervisors must maintain a means of communication and check in on staff often during high heat conditions.

Heat illness can potentially occur in indoor areas where temperatures may exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit. High heat may be due to high radiant heat from equipment, or when outdoor temperatures are high. Examples of impacted areas may include mechanical rooms, laundry rooms, dishrooms, cooklines, greenhouses, steam tunnels and other spaces.

Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan

Required for Indoor Work – Work Planning and Site Checklist and Heat Illness Prevention Training

Supervisors and Managers can protect employees from indoor heat illness by:

1. Developing and implementing an Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan for their work areas that are expected to exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This is accomplished by completing the Checklist provided by EH&S. A copy of the plan must be available at or near the worksite.
2. Providing training to employees about indoor heat illness prevention:P
   • Employees and supervisors should take the online Heat Illness Prevention Training in the Learning Management System, and
   • Site-specific training should be provided to employees (such as at a pre-shift meeting or safety tailgate). This training includes a review of the items in the Prevention Plan, and should include information about the signs and symptoms of heat illness, access to water and cool down areas, responding to emergencies, and monitoring employees.
3. Providing access to reasonably cool, clean, drinking water, enough to provide each employee with up to 4 cups per hour.
4. Providing rest periods and access to cool-down areas that are maintained below 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Monitoring employees for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and initiating first aid measures or emergency response.
6. Monitoring the weather, temperature and heat index. Supervisors can find weather information at Weatherunderground.com, or National Weather Service. A smartphone application such as the Heat Index app is also available.
7. Identifying indoor work locations with high radiant heat, or locations subject to high temperatures based on weather conditions. Implement the heat illness prevention controls in these locations.

If employees work alone or for extended periods in impacted areas, please contact EH&S via ehs@berkeley.edu to schedule an evaluation. EH&S staff will assist in development of a site-specific safety plan to prevent heat illness.

Many UC Berkeley buildings do not have air conditioning and can be as hot as outside temperatures. If you need to seek refuge from heat, the following buildings are air conditioned and have seating in lobbies during normal operating hours.

TheNational Weather Service provides forecasts for the SF Bay Area and issues heat advisories and warnings during heat waves. It’s also a good idea to monitor on-site temperatures with a thermometer as conditions may vary drastically between the shoreline and Berkeley hills; and pavement, athletic fields, and reflected heat from structures can exacerbate heat stress.