<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 09.12.32.04" title_num="09" subtitle_num="12" chapter_num="32" heading="Heat-Related Illness Prevention and Management Plan.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An employer shall monitor the heat index throughout the work shift in areas where employees perform work using one of the following methods:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Direct measurement of the temperature and humidity at the same time and location in the areas where employees perform work;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Use of local weather data reported by the National Weather Service or other recognized source to determine the heat index; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Use of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Heat Safety Tool application to determine the heat index.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>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.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>An employer shall develop, implement, and maintain an effective heat-related illness prevention and management plan in writing.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The heat-related illness prevention and management plan shall contain the following elements:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>How sufficient amounts of drinking water will be provided;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>How employees will be provided sufficient opportunities and encouragement to stay hydrated by drinking water;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>How to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>How to respond to suspected heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>How employees will be provided with sufficient time and space to rest in shaded or cool, climate-controlled areas to cool off;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>How the employer will implement rest break schedules as necessary;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>How the employer will consider environmental conditions, workload, required clothing, personal protective equipment, and alternative cooling and control measures when determining rest break schedules;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>How employees will be encouraged to take rest breaks as needed to prevent heat-related illness;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>How employees will be trained on the hazards of heat exposure and the necessary steps to prevent heat-related illness;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>The use and maintenance of alternative cooling and control measures used to manage heat;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(11)">
      <text>Procedures for heat acclimatization in accordance with Regulation .05 of this chapter;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(12)">
      <text>Procedures for high-heat conditions in accordance with Regulation .08 of this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(13)">
      <text>The emergency response plan in accordance with Regulation .09 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The written plan shall be made available and accessible to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Employees; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>MOSH upon request.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>