WAC 296-307-09760   Information and training.  All training must be provided to employees and supervisors, in a language the employee or supervisor understands, prior to outdoor work which exceeds a temperature listed in WAC 296-307-09710(2) Table 1, and at least annually thereafter.

     (1) Employee training. Training on the following topics must be provided to all employees who may be exposed to outdoor heat at or above the temperatures listed in WAC 296-307-09710(2) Table 1:

     (a) The environmental factors that contribute to the risk of heat-related illness;

     (b) General awareness of personal factors that may increase susceptibility to heat-related illness including, but not limited to, an individual's age, degree of acclimatization, medical conditions, drinking water consumption, alcohol use, caffeine use, nicotine use, and use of medications that affect the body's responses to heat. This information is for the employee's personal use;

     (c) The importance of removing heat-retaining personal protective equipment such as nonbreathable chemical resistant clothing during all breaks;

     (d) The importance of frequent consumption of small quantities of drinking water or other acceptable beverages;

     (e) The importance of acclimatization;

     (f) The different types of heat-related illness, the common signs and symptoms of heat-related illness; and

     (g) The importance of immediately reporting signs or symptoms of heat-related illness in either themselves or in co-workers to the person in charge and the procedures the employee must follow including appropriate emergency response procedures.

     (2) Supervisor training. Prior to supervising employees working in outdoor environments with heat exposure at or above the temperature levels listed in WAC 296-307-09710(2) Table 1, supervisors must have training on the following topics:

     (a) The information required to be provided to employees listed in subsection (1) of this section;

     (b) The procedures the supervisor must follow to implement the applicable provisions of WAC 296-307-097 through296-307-09760 ;

     (c) The procedures the supervisor must follow if an employee exhibits signs or symptoms consistent with possible heat-related illness, including appropriate emergency response procedures; and

     (d) Procedures for moving or transporting an employee(s) to a place where the employee(s) can be reached by an emergency medical service provider, if necessary.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 09-07-098, § 296-307-09760, filed 3/18/09, effective 5/1/09.]