California standards board proposes more specific Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention standard requirements
Currently, Section 3395 requires that drinking water and access to shade be provided to employees working outdoors. Section 3395 specifies that shade be erected at temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (F); that it accommodate 25% of the employees; and that employees be allowed and encouraged to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes. Section 3395 also requires additional precautionary measures when the outdoor temperature is at or above 95 degrees F and that employees be observed for alertness and signs or symptoms of heat illness. In addition, Section 3395 requires that employers have emergency procedures for responding to symptoms of possible heat illness and that employees and supervisors be trained regarding those procedures.
The proposed amendments published by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board would revise the requirements of Section 3395 by: