Regulation .05 Acclimatization.

An employer shall provide for acclimatization of exposed employees for a period of up to 14 days:

(1)

When an employee is newly exposed to heat in the workplace; and

(2)

When an employee returns to work after 7 or more consecutive days of absence from the workplace.

An employer shall monitor employees during the acclimatization period for signs of heat-related illness through regular communication via:

(1)

Phone or radio;

(2)

A buddy system; or

(3)

Other effective means of observation.

An employer shall develop and implement an acclimatization schedule which complies with one of the following:

(1)

A schedule which gradually increases exposure time over a 5—14 day period, with a maximum 20 percent increase each day;

(2)

A schedule which uses the current National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s recommendations for acclimatization; or

(3)

A schedule which uses a combination of gradual introduction and alternative cooling and control measures that acclimate an employee to the heat.

The acclimatization schedule shall be in writing and consider the following elements:

(1)

Acclimated and unacclimated employees;

(2)

The environmental conditions and anticipated workload;

(3)

The impact of required clothing and personal protective equipment to the heat burden on employees;

(4)

The personal risk factors that put an employee at a higher risk of heat-related illness;

(5)

Re-acclimatizing employees as necessary, in accordance with §A of this regulation; and

(6)

The use of alternative cooling and control measures.