# COMAR Title 09 — Maryland Department of Labor

## Subtitle 12 — Division of Labor and Industry

### Chapter 32 — Heat Stress Standards

#### Regulation .05 Acclimatization.

*COMAR 09.12.32.05*

A. 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.

B. 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.

C. 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.

D. 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.