Severe Weather Operations: Heat

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City Thresholds and Action Items

Heat Index*

Heat Index + 10

(tasked with high exertion activities**)

Action Taken

(Actions continue and build on each other for escalating Heat Indices)

100+

95

  • Limit physical exertion to a moderate work pace.
  • Bureaus will remove workers from field or move to air-conditioned workspaces.
  • Emergency work and essential functions*** prioritized.

90

85

  • Work assignments should be prioritized for cooler parts of the day and bureaus should consider limiting field work to critical functions at a moderate work pace.
  • Bureaus should consider assigning workers to air-conditioned areas or to assist with severe heat response activities.

80

80

  • Regular communication with employees working alone or buddy system.
  • A 10-minute break every 2 hours is required, while a 10 -minute break every hour is recommended as operations permit or as directed by manager.
  • Workers should be encouraged to take preventative cool-down rests in order to prevent the onset of heat-related health impacts.
  • Additional cold or cool drinking water readily accessible to all workers. Access to shaded areas as close as practical to work area. 
*When the Heat Index reaches this level the City will comply with the standards for Heat Safety set forth by OR-OSHA

** high exertion activities include but are not limited to paving, climbing, carrying loads over 40 pounds, indoor areas whose heat exceeds outdoor temperatures, and strenuous manual labor which may require heat trapping PPE and/or impermeable protective clothing.

*** Essential functions are defined by bureau operations and include but are not limited to work required to protect life and property.