Additional requirements – known as the “high heat trigger” – would go into effect when the heat index reaches 90° F or the WBGT is equal to NIOSH’s Recommended Alert Limit. Those requirements include hazard alerts, a minimum 15-minute paid rest break for employees every two hours, and observing employees for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness using:
- A buddy system in which co-workers monitor one other.
- Observation by a supervisor or heat safety coordinator – “with no more than 20 employees observed per supervisor or heat safety coordinator.”
- Two-way communication for lone workers.
Employers would also have to place warning signs by indoor work areas where ambient temperatures regularly exceed 120° F.
The standard wouldn’t apply to:
- Work activities for which there is “no reasonable expectation of exposure at or above the initial heat trigger.”
- Exposure at or above the “initial heat trigger” for 15 minutes or less in any 60-minute period.
- Organizations whose primary function is firefighting; emergency response activities of workplace emergency response teams, emergency medical services, or technical search and rescue; and any emergency response activities already covered under other federal laws.
- Work activities performed in indoor areas or vehicles where air conditioning keeps the ambient temperature below 80° F.
- Telework
- Sedentary work activities at indoor work areas that only involve some combination of the following: sitting, occasional standing and walking for brief periods, and occasional lifting of objects weighing less than 10 pounds.
OSHA published a draft of the proposed rule on July 2, a day after the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs finished its review of the proposal that began June 11.
In May, OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health unanimously approved the proposed rule. The proposal was also examined by a Small Business Advocacy Review panel.
The deadline to comment on the NPRM or request a public hearing is Dec. 30.
McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication