Heat Illness Prevention Plan

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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1.
Overview and Objectives
It is the policy of the City of Glendale to provide a safe, healthy and secure workplace for all
employees by implementing an effective safety program.
This Heat Illness Prevention Plan applies to employees of The City of Glendale, contractors and
volunteers who work in outdoor areas of employment or on job tasks where the environmental risk
factors for heat illness are present, and are at risk for developing heat illnesses.
The objective of this program is to reduce the potential for heat illnesses by making employees aware
of heat illnesses, ways to prevent illness, and actions to take if symptoms occur.
2.
Scope
The Heat Illness Prevention Plan includes steps for ensuring that employee training is conducted,
drinking water is provided in sufficient amounts, temperatures and humidity conditions are monitored,
acclimatization of employees is provided, shade is available, high heat procedures are followed,
emergency response procedures are documented, and auditing processes are conducted.
3.
Policy
It is the policy of The City of Glendale that any employee participating in job tasks where
environmental risk factors for heat illness are present will comply with the procedures in this
document and in the Injury and Illness Prevention Program.  A copy of this Heat Illness Prevention
Plan will be made available at each job site.
4.
Responsibilities
Directors
•
Implement department specific policies and procedures to prevent heat illnesses and review
them annually.
•
Propose funding through the City’s budgeting process for training and other potential supplies
needed to meet this program’s requirements.
Managers and Supervisors 
•
Will assess the workplace to determine if employees are, or may be, potentially exposed to
heat stress hazards.
•
Determine if the use of engineering and administrative controls can effectively eliminate the
identified hazards.  If these controls cannot be used to eliminate the hazards and the
hazard(s) can only be eliminated by the use of personal protective equipment, they shall:
o
Conduct a hazard assessment to determine the required PPE.
o
Ensure the employee is given the opportunity to acclimate to the environment.
o
Recognize the possible adverse effects and react to the potential of heat and its
effect on the employee.

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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Employees 
•
Comply with all engineering, administrative controls, and PPE requirements.
•
Use PPE as prescribed by the manufacturer and supervisor.
•
Drink plenty of fluids.
•
Participate in training designed to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stress and the
proper actions to take, whether experienced personally or observed in co-workers.
Risk Management Division 
•
Assist departments in determining if PPE is required during the performance of any task in
which the employee may be exposed to potential heat stress.
•
Assist departments in providing Heat Stress Prevention Training.
•
Review this program annually or as required.
5.
Training
The City of Glendale will provide training to all supervisors, and affected employees working at
locations where environmental risk factors for heat illness are present, prior to their engaging in work
that could result in exposure to risk factors for heat illness.  Training will include:
•
An explanation of the employer’s responsibility to provide shade, water, cool-down rest
periods, and access to first aide, as well as the employee’s right to exercise their rights
without fear of retaliation.
•
Environmental and personal risk factors for heat illness.
•
The signs and symptoms of heat illness.
•
The importance of immediately reporting signs and symptoms of heat illness – and
appropriate first aide to be taken.
•
Importance of frequent consumption of water.
•
Importance of acclimatization.
•
The City of Glendale response plan to a case of possible heat illness.
Employee Training 
Before being assigned to a task were environmental factors are present for heat related illnesses, 
employees shall be trained in the following areas: 
•
Environmental and personal risk factors for heat illness
•
Procedures for identifying, evaluating, and controlling exposures to the environmental and
personal risk factors for heat illness
•
The importance of pre/post work hydration and frequent consumption of small quantities of
water, up to 4 cups per hour under extreme conditions of work and heat;
•
Importance of acclimatization
•
Different types, signs, and symptoms of heat illness
•
Importance of immediately reporting symptoms or signs of heat illness in themselves or in
coworkers to their supervisor.
•
Procedures for responding to symptoms of possible heat illness, including how emergency
medical services will be contacted and provided, should they become necessary.

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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Supervisor Training 
Supervisors or their designee are required to provide training on the following topics: 
•
Information as detailed above in employee training requirements.
•
Procedures the supervisor shall follow to implement the provisions of this program.
•
Procedures the supervisor shall follow when an employee exhibits symptoms consistent with
possible heat illness, including emergency response procedures.
6.
Worksite Assessments
Initial assessments of all worksites shall be made by the Supervisor to minimize the effects of heat
exposure and when deemed necessary due to changes of the work environment (ex., change in a
work process, personal protective equipment requirement, etc.). Work locations include fixed and
mobile worksites, emergency related activities, and special assignments. The following factors shall
be assessed:
•
Environmental conditions (average temperatures and relative humidity)
•
Physical load imposed by job related tools and equipment
•
Level and duration of work
•
Rest areas
•
Personal adaptation (acclimatization)
•
Availability of potable water
7.
Procedures for Monitoring the Weather
Supervisors will be trained and instructed to check in advance the extended weather forecast.
Weather forecasts can be checked with the aid of the internet (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/), by calling
the National Weather Service phone numbers, or by checking the Weather Channel TV Network. The
work schedule will be planned in advance, taking into consideration whether high temperatures or a
heat wave is expected. Routine advance weather monitoring will take place between the months of
May and September; with additional advance monitoring conducted as needed during the remainder
of the year.
In addition to advance weather monitoring, supervisors shall utilize one of the aforementioned
weather services to review the day’s forecasted temperature and humidity level prior to the start of
work. Temperature and humidity levels will also be monitored on the work site throughout the day and
compared to the National Weather Service Heat Index to evaluate the risk level for heat illness and
determine when precautionary heat illness prevention measures should be taken.
8.
Acclimatization
New employees and employees who have not previously worked in environments where the
possibility that heat illness may occur will be given an opportunity for their bodies to gradually be
exposed to heat. Employees will be given an opportunity to adapt to the heat by working in the heat
for at least 2 hours a day, between 4 to 14 days.
The City of Glendale will closely supervise new employees for the first 14 days of employment, unless
the new employee indicates at the time of hire that they have been doing similar work for at least 10
of the past 30 days, and for more than 4 hours per day.

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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The City of Glendale will stress to new employees the importance of immediately reporting to their 
supervisor symptoms and signs of heat stress in themselves or in co-workers. 
Employees who may be suffering from a heat related illness or when a preventative recovery period 
is needed shall be provided access to an area with shade that is either open to the air or provided 
with ventilation or cooling.  This cooling period should be no less than 5 minutes.  
The City of Glendale will also monitor employees during a heat advisory. A heat advisory is defined 
as any day the predicted temperature is at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit and at least 10 degrees 
Fahrenheit higher that the average high daily temperature in the preceding 5 days. Monitoring can be 
done by either the supervisor or by use of the buddy system. 
9.
Water
Drinking water in the quantity of one quart per hour shall be available for each employee as close as
practicable to areas where employees are located and at no charge where it is not plumbed or
continuously supplied.
This requirement shall be met at the beginning of the shift and for the entire shift.  The shift may begin
with small quantities as long as an effective procedure is in place for replenishing water during the
shift as needed so that the employees can meet the one quart per hour requirement.
When employees are working in large areas water will be placed in several locations. The City of
Glendale will also place water in designated shade areas and near restrooms.
The City of Glendale encourages employees to drink water frequently and to report low water levels,
as well as warm or dirty water containers, to supervisors.
Potable Water
An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided in all places of employment.
All sources of drinking water shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Drinking fountains
and portable drinking water dispensers shall not be located in toilet rooms.
Portable containers used to dispense drinking water shall be equipped with a faucet or drinking
fountain, shall be capable of being tightly closed and shall be otherwise designed, constructed and
serviced so that sanitary conditions are maintained. Water shall not be dipped from containers.
Any container used to store or dispense drinking water shall be clearly marked as to the nature of its
contents and shall not be used for any other purpose.
Where drinking fountains are not provided, single-service cups (to be used but once) shall be
supplied.
The dipping or pouring of drinking water from containers, such as from barrels, pails or tanks, is
prohibited regardless of whether or not the containers are fitted with covers.
The common use of a cup, glass or other vessel for drinking purposes is prohibited.

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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Where single-service cups are supplied, a sanitary container for the unused cups and a receptacle for 
disposing of the used cups shall be provided.  
Non-potable Water 
Non-potable water shall not be used for the purposes of drinking, washing, or food preparation. 
Outlets for non-potable water, such as water for industrial or firefighting purposes, shall be posted in a 
manner understandable to all employees to indicate that the water is unsafe and is not to be used for 
drinking, washing or cooking purposes.  
Non-potable water systems or systems carrying any other non-potable substance shall be maintained 
so as to prevent backflow or back-siphon into a potable water system.  
10. Shade
The City of Glendale will provide shade when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shade areas will be open to the air or provided with ventilation or cooling. Enough shade will be
provided to accommodate the number of employees on break or recovery period at any given time.
The City of Glendale will ensure that employees in shaded areas can sit in a normal posture fully in
the shade without having contact with one another. The shade shall be located as close as
practicable to the work area. During meal periods, the amount of shade available shall be enough to
accommodate the number of employees on meal break and those seeking cool-down rest periods.
The City of Glendale will encourage employees to take a preventive cool-down rest in the shade
when they feel the need to protect themselves from overheating.
Employees taking cool-down breaks will be monitored and asked if they are experiencing symptoms
of heat illness and will be encouraged to remain in the shade until any signs or symptoms have
abated. Employees will be given no less than 5 minutes to rest in the shade, in addition to time
needed to access the shade.
The City of Glendale policy will be that any employee who exhibits signs or reports symptoms of heat
illness while taking a preventive cool-down rest shall be provided with appropriate first aide or
emergency response.
11. High Heat Procedures
The City of Glendale will implement the following high heat procedures when the temperature equals
or exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
The City of Glendale will provide a pre-shift meeting during periods of high heat to remind employees:
•
Of high heat procedures
•
To drink plenty of water
•
Of their right to take cool-down rest periods when necessary

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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Ensure that an employee takes a minimum 10-minute preventive cool-down rest period every 2 
hours. The preventive cool-down rest period may be provided concurrently with any other required 
meal or rest period. 
A supervisor, or a qualified designee, shall directly observe employees, for signs and symptoms of 
heat illness. Each supervisor, or qualified designee, shall be responsible for observing no more than 
20 employees.  
Employees shall be observed for symptoms of heat illness and will be reminded throughout the work 
shift to drink plenty of water. 
If impractical to directly observe employees, a mandatory buddy system shall be implemented or; 
Regular communication with employees working solo shall be implemented by either radio or cellular 
phone or other effective observation such as periodic checks. 
The City of Glendale will designate 1 or more employees to call for emergency medical procedures, 
and will allow any employees to call for emergency services when a designated person is not 
available. 
When the work day extends beyond 8-hours, The City of Glendale will provide an additional 
preventive cool-down period at the conclusion of the 8th hour of work. If the work day extends beyond 
10 hours, then another preventive cool-down rest period will be provided at the conclusion of the 10th 
hour of work, and so on until the end of the work day. 
12. Emergency Procedures
Employers and supervisors will be trained to recognize symptoms of heat stress, such as decreased
level of consciousness, disorientation, irrational behavior, staggering, vomiting and convulsions; and
are required to take immediate action if any employee exhibits signs of the mentioned symptoms of
heat illness.
The City of Glendale Emergency Procedures shall be followed for those employees who are
experiencing life threatening conditions as a result of a heat related illness.
Supervisors will be taught procedures to follow in case of an employee reporting or displaying
symptoms of heat illness.
Supervisors will be trained how to monitor weather reports and how to respond to hot weather
advisories.
All supervisors and management personnel of The City of Glendale are required to take immediate
action if an employee exhibits signs or symptoms off heat illness. Emergency response procedures
will include but not be limited to the following actions:
•
Ensuring that effective communication by voice, observation, or electronic means are
maintained so that employees at the high temperature work site can contact a supervisor or
emergency medical service when necessary.
•
Cellphones, company radio, email and other electronic devices will be used for
communication. If electronic devices are not reliable forms of communication, The City of
Glendale will develop alternative means of summoning emergency medical services.

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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•
Employees exhibiting signs or symptoms will be monitored and shall not be left alone or sent
home without being first offered onsite first aide and /or being provided with emergency
medical service.
•
If deemed necessary, emergency medical services will be contacted, and employees will be
transported to a place where they can be reached by emergency medical providers.
•
In emergency events – clear and precise directions to work site will be provided to
emergency responders.
•
In the event that a work site is in a difficult to find location, an employee will be sent to meet
emergency medical services at the nearest landmark; and lead them to the work site.
13. Heat Illness Prevention Plan Audit
Responsibility
The elements of the Heat Illness Prevention Program shall be audited by the Supervisors and the
Department’s Safety Committee.  Risk Management shall be available to provide consultation when
needed.
Frequency
The audit of the Heat Illness Program shall be performed annually or as necessary to ensure that the
program is working effectively.
Content
The audit shall review the program to ensure that heat illness prevention procedures are in place
according to the elements of this program and are being properly followed. This will include, but is not
limited to:
•
Ensuring that suitably fresh and cool water is routinely provided in the required amounts.
•
Ensuring sufficient shade is routinely made available.
•
Verifying that the required supervisor and employee training has been completed.
•
A review of the effectiveness of emergency response procedures.
•
Ensuring that employees are acclimatized as required.
•
Ensuring that high heat procedures are implemented when the temperature reaches 95
degrees Fahrenheit.
The audit process and findings shall be certified in writing.  Any deficiency found shall be relayed to 
the Department Safety Committee and the Department Head.  
14. Records
All training, audit, and other records prepared in association with the Heat Illness Prevention Program
shall be managed in accordance with the requirements of the City of Glendale.

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
|  8 
15. References & Resources
OSHA TECHNICAL MANUAL, SECTION III, CHAPTER4 
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/osha_heattraining_guide_0411.pdf

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
|  1 
APPENDIX 
Signs & Symptoms of Heat Illness 
Heat Stroke 
Occurs when the body's system of temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical 
levels. This condition is caused by a combination of highly variable factors, and its occurrence is difficult 
to predict. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. The primary signs and symptoms of heat stroke are 
confusion; irrational behavior; loss of consciousness; convulsions; a lack of sweating (usually); hot, dry 
skin; and an abnormally high body temperature, e.g., a rectal temperature of 41°C (105.8°F). If body 
temperature is too high, it causes death. The elevated metabolic temperatures caused by a combination 
of work load and environmental heat load, both of which contribute to heat stroke, are also highly variable 
and difficult to predict. 
If a worker shows signs of possible heat stroke, professional medical treatment should be 
obtained immediately. The worker should be placed in a shady area and the outer clothing 
should be removed. The worker's skin should be wetted and air movement around the worker 
should be increased to improve evaporative cooling until professional methods of cooling are 
initiated and the seriousness of the condition can be assessed. Fluids should be replaced as 
soon as possible. The medical outcome of an episode of heat stroke depends on the victim's 
physical fitness and the timing and effectiveness of first aid treatment. 
Regardless of the worker's protests, no employee suspected of being ill from heat stroke 
should be sent home or left unattended unless a physician has specifically approved such an 
order. 
Heat Exhaustion 
The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, and 
giddiness. Fortunately, this condition responds readily to prompt treatment. Heat exhaustion should not 
be dismissed lightly, however, for several reasons. One is that the fainting associated with heat 
exhaustion can be dangerous because the victim may be operating machinery or controlling an operation 
that should not be left unattended; moreover, the victim may be injured when he or she faints. Also, the 
signs and symptoms seen in heat exhaustion are similar to those of heat stroke, a medical emergency. 
Workers suffering from heat exhaustion should be removed from the hot environment and 
given fluid replacement. They should also be encouraged to get adequate rest. 
Heat Cramps 
Are usually caused by performing hard physical labor in a hot environment. These cramps have been 
attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating. It is important to understand that cramps can 
be caused by both too much and too little salt. Cramps appear to be caused by the lack of water 
replenishment. Because sweat is a hypotonic solution (±0.3% NaCl), excess salt can build up in the body 
if the water lost through sweating is not replaced. Thirst cannot be relied on as a guide to the need for 
water; instead, water must be taken every 15 to 20 minutes in hot environments.

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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Under extreme conditions, such as working for 6 to 8 hours in heavy protective gear, a loss of sodium 
may occur. Recent studies have shown that drinking commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte 
replacement liquids is effective in minimizing physiological disturbances during recovery. 
Heat Collapse ("Fainting") 
In heat collapse, the brain does not receive enough oxygen because blood pools in the extremities. As a 
result, the exposed individual may lose consciousness. This reaction is similar to that of heat exhaustion 
and does not affect the body's heat balance. However, the onset of heat collapse is rapid and 
unpredictable. To prevent heat collapse, the worker should gradually become acclimatized to the hot 
environment. 
Heat Rashes 
Are the most common problem in hot work environments. Prickly heat is manifested as red papules and 
usually appears in areas where the clothing is restrictive. As sweating increases, these papules give rise 
to a prickling sensation. Prickly heat occurs in skin that is persistently wetted by unevaporated sweat, and 
heat rash papules may become infected if they are not treated. In most cases, heat rashes will disappear 
when the affected individual returns to a cool environment. 
Heat Fatigue 
A factor that predisposes an individual to heat fatigue is lack of acclimatization. The use of a program of 
acclimatization and training for work in hot environments is advisable. The signs and symptoms of heat 
fatigue include impaired performance of skilled sensorimotor, mental, or vigilance jobs. There is no 
treatment for heat fatigue except to remove the heat stress before a more serious heat-related condition 
develops.

Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 1, 2016 
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Heat Illness Prevention Plan 
Review / Revision Date: 
September 14, 2016 
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