<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 09.12.32.08" title_num="09" subtitle_num="12" chapter_num="32" heading="High-Heat Procedures.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An employer shall implement high-heat procedures when the heat index reaches or exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the area where the work is being performed.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The high-heat procedures shall include a work and rest schedule to protect employees from heat-related illness that is adjusted for environmental conditions, workload, and impact of required clothing or personal protective equipment.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Except as provided in §D of this regulation, the high-heat procedures shall include:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Both:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A minimum rest period of 10 minutes for every 2 hours worked where employees are exposed to a heat index above 90 and below 100 degrees Fahrenheit; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A minimum rest period of 15 minutes for every hour worked where employees are exposed to a heat index above 100 degrees Fahrenheit; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A rest period as provided for in the current National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommendations for work and rest schedules to manage heat exposures.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If an employer can demonstrate effective heat management and protection from heat-related illness through alternative cooling and control measures, the work and rest schedules set forth in §C of this regulation may not be required.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>If an employer utilizes alternative cooling and control measures under §D of this regulation, the measures:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Shall be readily available and accessible to employees at all times work is being performed;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Shall be documented in writing; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>May not supersede any other requirements of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>An employer may coincide rest periods with a scheduled rest or meal period.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Rest periods shall be taken in the shade in accordance with Regulation .06 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>An employer may not discourage employees from taking rest breaks as needed to prevent heat-related illness.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>When high-heat procedures are in effect, an employer shall monitor exposed employees for signs of heat-related illness with regular communication via:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Phone or radio;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A buddy system; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Other effective means of observation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="J.">
    <text>An employer shall make high-heat procedures available in writing in a language and manner that all employees can understand.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>