Applicability
Washington state outdoor heat exposure rules in WAC 296-62-095 apply to UW departments with personnel performing work in an outdoor environment from May 1 through September 30, annually, only when personnel are exposed to outdoor heat at or above an applicable temperature listed in Table 1 below.
In addition to requirements in the permanent rule, as of June 15, 2022 through September 29, 2022, additional temporary requirements go into effect for cool water, shade, cool-down rest periods, and observing and communicating with workers about signs and symptoms of heat illness.
Table 1: Outdoor temperature action levels
TYPE OF CLOTHING WORN | ACTION REQUIRED AT OR ABOVE THIS TEMPERATURE |
Non-breathable clothes, including vapor barrier clothing or PPE such as chemical resistant suits | 52 degrees F |
Double-layer woven clothes including coveralls, jackets, and sweatshirts | 77 degrees F |
All other clothing | 89 degrees F |
Exception: The rules do not apply if incidental exposure occurs when personnel are not required to perform a work activity outdoors for more than 15 minutes in any 60-minute period. The exception may be applied every hour during the work shift.