California one step closer to indoor heat rules for workers
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California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved an indoor heat standard to protect indoor workers from heat illness, the Department of Industrial Relations said Friday.
The new regulation, which requires approval by The Office of Administrative Law within 30 days, will require indoor workplaces to be cooled below 87 degrees F “if feasible when employees are present” and below 82 degrees F “if feasible in places where workers wear protective clothing that restricts heat removal or work in high radiant heat areas,” Cal/OSHA said.
The regulation applies to most indoor workplaces, such as restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. Some of the requirements include providing water, rest, cool-down areas, methods for cooling down the work areas under certain conditions, and training.
Local and state correctional facilities and emergency operations directly involved in the protection of life or property are exempted from the proposed regulation for indoor heat, according to a statement.
Cal/OSHA said it is now developing an industry-specific regulation for local and state correctional facilities to protect their workers from indoor heat hazards. “In the interim, for these exempted employers, Cal/OSHA will continue investigating potential indoor heat violations under existing regulations such as the Injury and Illness Prevention Program and Water Supply,” the agency said.
