Md. Code Regs. 09.12.32.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 09.12.32.04 - Heat-Related Illness Prevention and Management Plan

A. An employer shall monitor the heat index throughout the work shift in areas where employees perform work using one of the following methods:

(1) Direct measurement of the temperature and humidity at the same time and location in the areas where employees perform work;

(2) Use of local weather data reported by the National Weather Service or other recognized source to determine the heat index; or

(3) Use of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Heat Safety Tool application to determine the heat index.

B. An employer whose employees work in buildings and structures that do not have a mechanical ventilation system shall directly measure the temperature and humidity at the same time and location in areas where employees perform work.

C. An employer shall develop, implement, and maintain an effective heat-related illness prevention and management plan in writing.

D. The heat-related illness prevention and management plan shall contain the following elements:

(1) How sufficient amounts of drinking water will be provided;

(2) How employees will be provided sufficient opportunities and encouragement to stay hydrated by drinking water;

(3) How to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke;

(4) How to respond to suspected heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke;

(5) How employees will be provided with sufficient time and space to rest in shaded or cool, climate-controlled areas to cool off;

(6) How the employer will implement rest break schedules as necessary;

(7) How the employer will consider environmental conditions, workload, required clothing, personal protective equipment, and alternative cooling and control measures when determining rest break schedules;

(8) How employees will be encouraged to take rest breaks as needed to prevent heat-related illness;

(9) How employees will be trained on the hazards of heat exposure and the necessary steps to prevent heat-related illness;

(10) The use and maintenance of alternative cooling and control measures used to manage heat;

(11) Procedures for heat acclimatization in accordance with Regulation .05 of this chapter;

(12) Procedures for high-heat conditions in accordance with Regulation .08 of this chapter; and

(13) The emergency response plan in accordance with Regulation .09 of this chapter.

E. The written plan shall be made available and accessible to:

(1) Employees; and

(2) MOSH upon request.

Md. Code Regs. 09.12.32.04

Regulation .04 adopted effective 51:19 Md. R. 854, eff. 9/30/2024.