Outdoor and Indoor Heat Illness Prevention
UC Riverside is situated in a hot and arid climate, with temperatures consistently exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit from April through November. During July and August, temperatures frequently reach the high 90s to low 100s. It is essential for supervisors and employees to be well-prepared for these elevated temperatures. Whether working indoors in a heated environment or outdoors under direct sunlight, employees must have access to drinking water, shaded areas for rest, and sufficient breaks to ensure proper cooling and recovery.
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Outdoor Work
When it is necessary to work outdoors at times when the temperature is elevated, the humidity is high, near hot radiant heat sources, or in direct sunlight, Supervisors must communicate and implement heat illness prevention procedures. Employees should develop a plan for safe work by reviewing the UCR Main Campus Heat Illness Prevention Plan before beginning work. Other locations can use the template to create a plan for their site or contact EH&S for assistance.
Important precautions include:
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High Heat Procedures for Agriculture, Landscaping, & Construction
During Extreme heat warnings and elevated temperatures over 95°F the following precautions must be implemented by agricultural, landscaping, and construction work Supervisors in addition to the precautions noted above.
- As soon as the forecast calls for temperatures over 95°F tasks should be prioritized and any that can be delayed until cooler weather arrives should be delayed. If tasks are urgent and cannot be delayed they should be scheduled for early morning or overnight to avoid working in direct sunlight.
- A pre-work meeting must be held to review the high heat procedures, encourage employees to drink plenty of water, take cool-down breaks often when they feel they need to do so, and at a minimum 15 minutes every two hours.
- Supervisors must establish a plan for communication and check-ins with employees. If employees do not have the means to communicate, Supervisors or delegated employees must check on them.
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Indoor Work
Heat illness can potentially occur in indoor areas where temperatures may exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit. High heat may be due to high radiant heat from equipment, or when outdoor temperatures are high. Examples of impacted areas may include mechanical rooms, laundry rooms, dishrooms, cooklines, greenhouses, steam tunnels and other spaces.
Supervisors and Managers can protect employees from indoor heat illness by:
If employees work alone or for extended periods in impacted areas, please contact EH&S via ehssafety@ucr.edu to schedule an evaluation. EH&S staff will assist in development of a site-specific safety plan to prevent heat illness. -
Heat Wave Procedures for Indoor Locations
A heat wave means any day in which the predicted high outdoor temperature for the day will be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit and at least ten degrees Fahrenheit greater than the average high daily outdoor temperature for the preceding five days, for the purpose of the indoor heat illness (3396) section only. Heat wave rules do not apply to outdoor activities.
Where no effective engineering controls are in use to control the effect of outdoor heat on indoor temperature, all employees shall be closely observed by a supervisor or designee during a heat wave.
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Indoor High Heat Locations List
Building/Area Specific Notes All Steam Tunnels Some tunnels sections may be cooler December-March or when the steam system is shut down and allowed to cool and be below 82 degrees. April through November when external temperatures are high the tunnels will likey exceed 82 degrees consistently. Glasgow Dishroom Poor ventilation cause the room humidity and temperature to increase over 82 degrees or 82 heat index. Geology Mechanical Rooms Steam lines and proximity to the exterior causes these rooms to routinely exceed 82 degrees. Greenhouses Many greenhouses may exceed 82 degrees or 82 heat index. Non-conditioned head houses April-November temperatures inside may rise above 82 degrees. Boiler rooms Radiant heat from boilers may cause the room temperature to exceed 82 degrees. -
Heat Illness Signs and Symptoms
Heat-related illnesses occur when the body's temperature regulation mechanisms are overwhelmed by excessive heat exposure. These conditions can range from mild to severe and require immediate attention to prevent further complications. Here is a synopsis of common heat illnesses and their respective symptoms:
Heat Illness Symptoms and SIgns Stage 1
Mild Heat Stress
Stage 2
Heat syncope
Stage 3
Heat Exhaustion
Stage 4
Heat Stroke
Heat Rash Dizziness Heavy Sweating HIgh Body Temperature (>103°F) Heat cramps Light headedness Weakness Hot dry skin (not sweating) Fainting Fatigue Strong rapid pulse Temporary loss of conciousness Dizziness THrobbing headache Headache Confusion Nausea/vomiting Hallucinations Cool skin Dizziness Fast shallow breathing Loss of body control Elevated heart rate Loss of conciousness Low blood pressure Seizures Disorientation -
Heat Illness First-Aid
Any employee who recognizes the symptoms or signs of heat illness in themselves, or in coworkers, should follow these steps:
- Immediately report any symptoms or signs of heat illness you may be experiencing or observing in a co-worker to a supervisor .
- Move to a cool-down or shaded area for a recovery period of at least five minutes.
- If the condition appears to be uncertain, severe (such as, but not limited to, decreased level of consciousness, staggering, vomiting, disorientation, irrational behavior or convulsions) or the employee does not recover quickly, then emergency medical care is needed.
- Call 911 or UCR Police at 951-827-5222.
- Someone exhibiting signs or symptoms of heat illness shall be monitored and shall not be left alone or allowed to go home without being provided with emergency medical services. Heat illness can cause damage to organs that is not immediately noticeable, so medical attention is important.
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Outdoor and Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Written Program
For in-depth details about how to manage heat illness in your area consult the Outdoor and Indoor Heat Illness Written Program and contact EH&S for assistance.
Outdoor and Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Written Program
EH&S - ehs@ucr.edu (951) 827-5528