Code of Maryland Regulations
Title 09 - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Subtitle 12 - DIVISION OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Chapter 09.12.32 - Heat Stress Standards
Section 09.12.32.05 - Acclimatization

Universal Citation: MD Code Reg 09.12.32.05

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024

A. An employer shall provide for acclimatization of exposed employees for a period of up to 14 days:

(1) When an employee is newly exposed to heat in the workplace; and

(2) When an employee returns to work after 7 or more consecutive days of absence from the workplace.

B. An employer shall monitor employees during the acclimatization period for signs of heat-related illness through regular communication via:

(1) Phone or radio;

(2) A buddy system; or

(3) Other effective means of observation.

C. An employer shall develop and implement an acclimatization schedule which complies with one of the following:

(1) A schedule which gradually increases exposure time over a 5-14 day period, with a maximum 20 percent increase each day;

(2) A schedule which uses the current National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's recommendations for acclimatization; or

(3) A schedule which uses a combination of gradual introduction and alternative cooling and control measures that acclimate an employee to the heat.

D. The acclimatization schedule shall be in writing and consider the following elements:

(1) Acclimated and unacclimated employees;

(2) The environmental conditions and anticipated workload;

(3) The impact of required clothing and personal protective equipment to the heat burden on employees;

(4) The personal risk factors that put an employee at a higher risk of heat-related illness;

(5) Re-acclimatizing employees as necessary, in accordance with §A of this regulation; and

(6) The use of alternative cooling and control measures.

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