The recent heatwave in Southern California serves as a reminder of the importance of complying with the new Cal/OSHA Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard (Title 8 §3396). For businesses, the first step is always an assessment to determine if facilities meet the requirements.
Job #1 – Assess Temperature and Relative Humidity
California provided a very specific requirement for employers but provided little guidance for how to perform this crucial step. The language states, “For indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must take steps to protect workers from heat illness. Some of the requirements include providing water, rest, cool-down areas, and training.”
Job #2 – Assessments should occur throughout the workday
When an employer conducts a temperature and relative humidity check, they must understand that temperatures and humidity levels fluctuate throughout the day, especially with respect to radiant heat (the heat that is emitted from other surfaces- windows, machines, steel warehouse doors, grills, etc.) that can drastically change the results of temperature readings.
Anyone who has ever worked in a warehouse with south facing loading doors can attest to this. Remember the standard’s specific language: Reaches 82°F. This means at any point when workers are present. It is the responsibility of the employer to get this right.
Recordkeeping is key.
Once the employer has determined where and when to take temperature readings, the next step is to record the data. This is where the heat index becomes relevant. The heat index is a subjective measurement that is the ‘perceived’ temperature and is calculated from a combination of ambient temperature and relative humidity. The requirement states that the higher of the two numbers needs to be recorded.
Pro Tip: The heat index will always exceed the ambient temperature when relative humidity surpasses 40%. Remember that relative humidity also varies, typically being highest in the morning and lowest in the afternoon.
Assessing all of this does not have to be expensive.
Technology now allows for inexpensive solutions for the measuring, and logging, of critical data needed for compliance with the HIPP standard. Many of these instruments use apps or PC software to record the information. Some, like the Track-It™device from Monarch Instruments are NIST certified, allow programmable sample intervals, and contain digital displays.
Other, less expensive units from Amazon like the Senckit 4-pack WiFi Temperature Humidity Sensor: Wireless Temperature Humidity Monitor with App Alert, Free Data Storage Export, Smart Indoor Thermometer Hygrometer Compatible with Alexa Google Assistant, or SwitchBot’s Smart Hygrometer Thermometer, IP65 Indoor Outdoor Thermometer Wireless, Humidity/Temperature/Dewpoint/VPD/Absolute Humidity Sensor with Smart Alerts, Compatible with Alexa, Bluetooth Digital Temperature Monitor with Free Data Storage Export, 4-Pack may suit the business needs.*
CDMS’s Role:
CDMS continues to provide and update training and plan development to our California clients. Please reach out to service@cdms.com schedule an evaluation if you think your facility may be subject to the HIPP requirements.
*CDMS has not tested the devices mentioned above and this article is for information only and not an endorsement. CDMS receives no compensation for providing this information to our clients.
