Heat Illness Prevention Program

Requirements

TMCC, the employer of employees who are potentially exposed to temperatures at or above a dry-bulb temperature of 90° Fahrenheit, shall include a program for the management of heat illness required by NRS 618.383. TMCC shall maintain this program, the Heat Illness Prevention Program, as part of its overall Environmental, Health, and Safety program and shall live as a stand-alone document as referenced in the TMCC Written Workplace Safety Program.

The program includes the imposition of certain duties on the employer of employees who are potentially exposed to certain high temperatures and must include:

• Access to potable drinking water;
• Access to shade;
• Training; and
• Emergency response procedures.

Provisions

Employers are expected to monitor working conditions at any location where work is being performed in conjunction with the local heat index. Guidance for monitoring working conditions and control implementation are documented through the State of Nevada Department of Business and Industry, Division of Industrial Relations Occupational Safety and Health Administrations May 4, 2022 Guidance for Nevadan Business related to the Heat Illness National Emphasis Program guidance document.

Potable water: Potable water is plumbed and accessible to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors on all campuses, sites, and centers.

• Exceptions: The TMCC soccer field does not currently have access to plumbed potable water. Employees who regularly perform tasks at the soccer field are encouraged to carry a refillable water bottle. Student athletes and coaching staff are also encouraged to carry refillable water bottles. The Athletics Department utilizes multiple 5-gallon water dispensers for student athletes and coaching staff. The Athletics Department employs student employees who maintain the responsibility of supplying and maintaining the water dispensers. During games, the Athletics Department deploys a large volume “Water Monster” dispenser for athletes, coaching staff, and all attendees.

Rest breaks and shade: Employees are encouraged to take regular rest breaks under shade or indoor under air conditioning. All campuses, sites, and centers have established grounds with shade trees accessible to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. All buildings and employee break rooms have access to air conditioning and seating.

Monitoring (heat illness and acclimatization): Direct field supervisors are ultimately responsible for monitoring employees for signs of heat illness and the acclimatization of new or returning employees. The acclimatization process for new employees should take place during the first 14 days of employment, or for an equitable length of time when an employee returns from long-term absence.

Identification of work processes: The TMCC EHS Office in conjunction with direct field supervisors shall be responsible for identifying work processes that may generate additional heat or humidity and procedures to mitigate the hazards.

Emergency Response Procedures: Physical procedures are posted at all TMCC locations throughout common areas, classrooms, and office suites.

NRS 618.383: All employees are granted the opportunity to provide comment on the Program for the management of heat illness through the TMCC Safety Committee, or directly to the EHS Office.

Employee Training and Information

The EHS Office in conjunction with the employee's immediate supervisor will be responsible for familiarizing each new employee on the correct methods of handling hazardous conditions that may be present in the workplace. Training will include the following:

Working conditions that create the possibility heat illness could occur including:

• Air temperature;
• Relative humidity;
• Radiant heat from the sun and other sources;
• Conductive heat from the ground and other sources;
• The movement of air;
• The severity and duration of workloads; and
• Protective clothing and personal protective equipment worn by an employee.

Personal risk factors for heat illness;

Importance of frequent consumption of small quantities of water or electrolyte replacement liquids, when the work environment is hot and an employee is likely to be sweating more than usual in the performance of duties;

The importance of acclimatization;

The different types of heat illness and the common signs and symptoms of heat illness;

The importance to an employee of immediately reporting to the employer, directly or through a supervisor for the employer, signs or symptoms of heat illness in the employee or in a coworker; and

The employer’s procedure for:

• Responding to symptoms of possible heat illness, including how medical services will be provided should they become necessary;
• Compliance with subsections (a) and (b) of 29 CFR 1910.151, including contacting emergency medical services and, if necessary, transporting an employee to a location where the employee can be reached by a provider of emergency medical services; and
• Ensuring that, in the event of emergency, clear and precise directions to the work site can and will be provided as needed to emergency responders.

Before assigning a supervisor to employees working in the heat, an employer shall provide the supervisor with training on the following topics:

• The information which is required to be provided to the supervisor contained in Section 5 of the Program; and
• The procedures which the supervisor is to follow:
  • To implement the applicable provisions of Section 5; and
  • When an employee exhibits symptoms consistent with possible heat illness, including procedures for responding to an emergency.

Student Training and Information

TMCC students engaged in learning or extra-curricular activities that are exposed to temperatures at or above a dry-bulb temperature of 90° Fahrenheit that are directly related to and sanctioned by TMCC should be included in certain provisions contained in the Heat Illness Prevention Program. Provisions include:

• Access to potable drinking water;
• Access to shade;
• Training; and
• Emergency response procedures.

Emergency Response

If an employee shows signs of heat illness or demonstrates symptoms of heat illness, TMCC must:

• Temporarily relieve the employee from duty;
• Provide the employee with means to reduce body temperature; and
• Monitor the employee to determine whether medical attention is necessary.