Now is the time that WAC 296-62-095 Outdoor Heat Exposure regulations kick in. WAC 296-62-095 through 296-62-09560 applies to all employers with employees performing work in an outdoor environment. The requirements apply to outdoor work environments from May 1 through September 30, annually, only when employees are exposed to outdoor heat at or above an applicable temperature listed below.
Requirements
To determine which temperature applies to each worksite, select the temperature associated with the general type of clothing or personal protective equipment (PPE) each employee is required to wear.
Outdoor Temperature Action Levels All other clothing 89°
Double-layer woven clothes including coveralls, jackets 77°
and sweatshirts
Nonbreathing clothes including vapor barrier clothing or 52°
PPE such as chemical resistant suits
Note: There is no requirement to maintain temperature records. The temperatures above were developed based on Washington state data and are not applicable to other states.
WAC 296-62-095 through 296-62-09560 does not apply to incidental exposure which exists when an employee is not required to perform a work activity outdoors for more than fifteen minutes in any sixty-minute period. This exception may be applied every hour during the work shift.
Be sure to train your employees about the dangers of heat stress. If you have any questions contact Ann Jarvis, vice president of safety and education, at (800) 640-7789.