New Heat Rules for Indoor Workers
California recently enacted new heat rules for indoor workers. The Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Regulation is designed to protect workers from the risks of extreme heat. It applies to employees in almost all industries, but particularly workers in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other indoor workplaces that are not fully air-conditioned.
In this post we outline the new rules, what employers have to do to meet them, and how Moffitt can help decrease indoor temperatures.
New Indoor Heat Rules
The new indoor heat illness prevention rule states that heat control measures must be implemented when at least one of these conditions are met.:
- Workers are present in areas where the temperature or heat index equals or exceeds 87° F
- Workers must wear clothing that restricts heat removal and the temperature equals or exceeds 82° F
- Workers are in high radiant heat areas and the temperature equals or exceeds 82° F
In these situations, employers must:
- Provide a cool-down area that is less than 82°F degrees, which is shielded from other heat sources.
- Provide potable water that is fresh, cool, and conveniently located.
- Grant worker cool-down breaks when requested. Encourage workers to take preventative cool-down breaks as needed.
Furthermore, if the building is regularly above 87°F, the employer will have to change operations entirely. This can include adjusting shifts to cooler parts of the day or offering personal cooling equipment.
Moffitt can help employers meet the heat rules for indoor workers by removing the hot air from the building. This will help lower the overall building temperature, and allow the workers to remain happy, efficient, and productive.
Moffitt Can Help You Meet the New Heat Regulations
A natural ventilation system can help lower building temperatures as much as 30°F in some situations. A roof vent, like the MatrixVent, allows the hot air to passively exhaust from the building. This leaves the indoor work environment cooler and more comfortable. Coupled with wall louvers for fresh air intake, the airflow will improve through the building. Consequently, the average building temperature will decrease.
For example, a very large building with a hot process can easily reach 110°F during the summer months. A new natural ventilation system, however, can help lower those temperatures up to 30°F. This is below the 82°F heat threshold altogether. As a result, the building would not only meet but exceed the temperature thresholds for the new regulations.
Learn more about the MatrixVent low-profile natural ventilator.
Evaporative Cooling to Meet the New Indoor Heat Rules
In buildings with lower average temperatures, evaporative cooling might be the solution. The typical DeltaStream evaporative cooling system can reduce temperatures more than 20°F. In a building that hovers around 90°F in the summer, this can easily create an environment where indoor temperatures are in the 70s.
Evaporative cooling works by decreasing the temperature of the outside air and introducing that air into the factory. This process makes the whole building cooler and more comfortable. Plus, with the continuous system monitoring available with the DeltaStream, you can rest assured that you remain with the regulated temperatures and can make accommodations if anything should change.
Learn more about the DeltaStream and see how it can make a difference in your facility.
Free Ventilation Design & CFD Modeling
Moffitt has been designing industrial ventilation systems for decades. No matter the industry, we have the experience to help you find the best ventilation solution for your facility. We offer free ventilation design service in which our team will visit your plant, evaluate the current conditions, and then make a recommendation for how the system can be improved. Best of all, this is all done for free. All you have to do is tell us your temperature goal and we’ll design a system to meet it. We’ll review the solution with you and show you where that equipment needs to be located. It’s just that easy.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for even greater accuracy in your new solution, we offer CFD modeling. Using state-of-the-art technology, we develop a detailed model of your building, the process equipment, and the current ventilation system. Then we add in the new ventilation solution featuring the proposed equipment. This new model will show you what the temperature will be at each location in the building. At this point, the model can be iterated upon to meet budget and scheduling restrictions. This can be incredibly helpful when designing a system around temperature thresholds in key work areas.
Protecting Workers from Heat throughout the U.S.
Excessive heat poses many dangers to indoor workers. It can lead to work related issues such as a drop in productivity, efficiency, and attendance. It can also result in health issues such as nausea, vomiting, and fainting. In the worst cases it can even lead to heat stroke, organ damage, or death.
Heat protection rules don’t end here. This new regulation makes California the third state to protect indoor workers from heat, following Minnesota and Oregon. Other states around the country are considering similar rules as well. Most importantly, OSHA is considering heat protection rules for all workers throughout the United States.
Regardless of location, Moffitt is here to help. With over sixty years of experience, and free ventilation design, we can develop the right solution for your facility and do it at no cost to you. Contact the Moffitt team today to learn more.