Cal/OSHA Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard

When indoor temperature reaches 82 degrees F, employers must provide free cool drinking water, cool-down areas kept below 82 degrees, rest breaks, observation of newly assigned workers, emergency procedures and training, under a written plan. When temperature or heat index reaches 87 degrees F, or 82 degrees for workers in restrictive clothing or near high radiant heat, employers must measure and record conditions and use engineering controls such as cooling, or administrative controls if engineering controls are not feasible.

California's indoor heat rule applies directly to non-air-conditioned warehouses, which describes many Inland Empire and Central Valley fulfillment centers. Once the 87 degree trigger is reached, sites must measure and record heat and install cooling where feasible, which can mean capital spending on fans, evaporative coolers or HVAC. For example, a cross-dock in Stockton that hits 90 degrees in July must document temperature readings and either cool work areas or adjust schedules and breaks under its written plan.

• Distribution CenterDCWarehouse that ships cases and pallets
• Cross-DockingInbound freight moved straight to outbound trucks

• OSHA General Duty Clause1970 · OSHA catch-all duty to prevent recognized hazards
• Occupational Safety and Health Act of 19701970 · Federal workplace safety law that created OSHA
• California AB 701 Warehouse Quota Law2021 · Limits and disclosure for warehouse productivity quotas

1. Cal/OSHA: Title 8 Section 3396 Heat illness prevention in indoor places of employment dir.ca.gov
2. Cal/OSHA: Heat illness prevention guidance and resources dir.ca.gov