Heat Illness Prevention and Response
Work in hot environments can have direct effects on human health including, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and can lead to reduced labor productivity. All university employees who work outdoors or in environments with elevated indoor temperatures may be at risk for heat illness– the group of medical conditions caused by the body’s inability to cope with heat.
Heat exposure can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
It is important to take precautions and to be prepared for high heat conditions. Employees must take Heat Illness Prevention Training.
Cal/OSHA has implemented standards for employees working outdoors or indoors in elevated temperatures, which include mandatory training, and provision of breaks or cooling areas depending on the situation. Note that standards differ for indoor vs outdoor.
Preventing Heat Illness
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. For those working in high-heat environments, it is recommended to drink up to 4 cups of water per hour.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Schedule regular rest periods in shaded or air-conditioned areas. If you are indoors, be aware that heat illness can occur in areas where temperatures reach or exceed 82°F.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear a hat, sunscreen, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help your body manage its temperature.
- Timing: If possible, avoid being outdoors during the hottest parts of the day and limit strenuous tasks to the early morning or late evening.
- Monitor: Assess the heat conditions by tracking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) heat index forecast and plan accordingly.
Recognizing Symptoms
- Heat Exhaustion: Watch for profuse sweating, a rapid pulse, muscle cramps, nausea, or feeling weak and tired. If these occur, stop all activity, move to a cool place, and hydrate.
- Heat Stroke (Emergency): This is a life-threatening condition where the body's core temperature can exceed 103°F. Warning signs include hot, red, or dry skin, confusion, agitation, slurred speech, or falling unconscious.
Emergency Response
- Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke.
- Immediate Cooling: While waiting for help, move the person to the shade, loosen tight clothing, and cool them down quickly by applying cold, damp towels or spraying them with water.
- Monitor Vulnerable Individuals: Regularly check on those at higher risk, including older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions.
Preparing for Hot Weather
Weather Monitoring
The National Weather Service provides forecasts for the San Francisco Bay Area and issues heat advisories and warnings during heat waves; spot forecasts can be found by entering the city or zip code in the search bar in the upper left corner.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a resource for evaluating and monitoring the heat risk in your area/county. Forecasts can be found by entering the zip code in the search bar. This site also provides actions you can take to protect your health, based on the heat risk. In addition, this resource provides a heat risk forecast and an air quality indicator.
Temperature and weather conditions may vary drastically between the shoreline and Berkeley hills; pavement, athletic fields, and reflected heat from structures can exacerbate heat stress.
In the future, EH&S/Office of Emergency Management will send out campus advisories when hot weather is forecast, that might trigger indoor or outdoor heat illness. All employees are asked to complete EHS 702 training as soon as possible to prepare.
The campus is exploring options for indoor temperature and humidity sensors.
