Heat Illness Prevention and Response

Workers performing job duties outside must follow the campus Heat Illness Prevention & Response Plan or their site-specific plan to support a healthy work environment and comply with Cal/OSHA standards. 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:

• Employees must complete EHS 702 Heat Illness, a 20-minute online course available through the UC Learning Center.

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

• This training includes a review of the items in the Heat Illness Prevention & Response Plan, as well as information about the signs and symptoms of heat illness, access to water and cool down areas, responding to emergencies, and monitoring employees.

In addition to the standards above, supervisors and employees should review the Work Planning and Site Checklist for requirements when outdoor temperatures are over 95°F. 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.

• If someone is experiencing signs of heat exhaustion stop all exertion, move to a cool shaded place and hydrate with cool water. If no improvement, call 911 and seek medical help. Do not return to work in the sun.

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

Researchers working in the field may also be subject to high heat conditions. All researchers should take EHS 702 Heat Illness training, review the guidance above, and work with their supervisor to create a Field Safety Plan for self monitoring and monitoring each other during high heat conditions.

Heat illness can occur in indoor areas where temperatures reach or exceed 82°F. Heat may be due to radiant heat from equipment, or when outdoor temperatures are high. Examples of impacted areas include mechanical rooms, laundry rooms, dishrooms, cooklines, greenhouses, steam tunnels and other spaces - on very hot days many campus buildings, offices and classrooms may also become hot.

Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan

As of 2024, all employees must take Heat Illness Prevention Training, and the campus must create plans in case employees exhibit signs of heat illness or heat stroke. Each building must create a heat illness plan using the Work Planning and Site Checklist. Although CalOSHA Indoor Heat Illness Prevention standards apply to employees, the campus includes students in its response.

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°F. 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. Ensuring completion of heat illness prevention training via one of the following options:

   1. Employees must complete EHS 702 Heat Illness, a 20-minute online course available through the UC Learning Center.

   2. Or Employees must attend a supervisor-led discussion using the EH&S Heat Illness Fact Sheet and Checklist (This option includes a form to document training attendance). This training includes a review of the items in the Prevention Plan, as well as 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°F

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.

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.

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.  

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 sensors.