Indoor Work Zone Procedures
The following procedures apply to indoor workplaces when the indoor temperature is greater than 82°F.
Procedures for Temperature Assessment for Indoor Work
When it is reasonably suspected that indoor temperatures or heat indexes exceed 87 degrees F or 82 degrees F when employees are wearing heat-restrictive clothing or working near radiant heat sources, temperature or heat index measurements are taken. Additionally, temperatures are taken at times when the highest heat exposure is expected and when they are reasonably expected to be 10o F higher than the previous measurements.
Measurements shall be recorded in the Site-specific Logbook.
Procedures for Access to Cool-Down Areas for Indoor Work
Cool-down areas(s) will be located at {typeA224}. Cool-down area location(s) will be as close as practicable to the work area(s). The temperature in the indoor cool-down areas will be maintained at less than 82 degrees Fahrenheit by To ensure that cool-down area(s) will be less than 82 degrees F, indoor temperatures within the cooling area(s) will be monitored with a wet bulb globe temperature monitor and engineering controls will be implemented to lower the indoor temperature as needed.
If an employee takes a preventative cool-down rest break, SS/SHSO will do the following:
- Monitor employees, including asking them if they are experiencing any symptoms of heat illness.
- Encourage employees to stay in the cool-down area. Employees should not return to work until any signs of heat illness are abated or for a minimum of 5 minutes, whichever is longer.
- The travel time to and from the shade or cool-down area is not included in the minimum 5-minute break period.
- If employees are experiencing heat illness, supervisors follow the necessary heat illness first aid or emergency response procedures applicable to the symptoms. Remember: If an employee is exhibiting symptoms of heat illness, they should not be left alone.
Higher temperatures, humidity, and increased direct sunlight will prompt more frequent breaks. Supervisors will encourage these breaks and account for them when planning work.
Control Measures for Indoor Work
Control measures will be implemented when either of the following occurs:
- Indoor temperature or heat index is 87 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Indoor temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and workers are either:
- Wearing clothing that restricts heat removal or
- Working in an area with high radiant heat.
The following engineering controls will be implemented to lower the indoor temperature, heat index, or both to the lowest possible level. These controls help make the work environment cooler or create a barrier between the worker and the heat: {typeA221}
The following administrative controls will be implemented once all feasible engineering controls have been implemented. These controls are modified work practices that can reduce heat exposure by adjusting work procedures, practices, or schedules: {heatStress}
The following personal heat-protective equipment will be provided if feasible engineering controls do not decrease the temperature enough and administrative controls do not minimize the risk of heat illness. This personal heat-protective equipment consists of special cooling devices that the worker wears on their body that can protect them in hot environments: {heatprotectiveEquipment223}