2025-06-05: Warm Weather Safety: On behalf of Environmental Health and Safety

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June 5, 2025

To:      Campus Community

Fr:       Environmental Health and Safety

Re:     Warm Weather Safety

Even in typically mild Santa Barbara, warm summer temperatures increase the risk of heat related illness. Heat-related illness is a serious medical condition that occurs when the body is unable to cool itself sufficiently through sweating. Both personal and environmental factors can contribute to the likelihood of developing heat-related illness which include heat rash, heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion, and, ultimately, heat stroke.

Cal/OSHA has two Heat Illness Prevention Standards that may apply to UCSB employees, depending on the environment(s) in which they work (indoor vs outdoor). Supervisors of employees who work outdoors—including during commencement— or in indoor areas where temperatures that exceed 82°F for 15 minutes or more within a one-hour period must take specific heat illness prevention measures.  These measures include ensuring affected employees receive documented heat illness prevention training, which is available online through the UCSB Learning Center.  Additional campus procedures, resources, and requirements for reducing the risk of heat-related illness can be found by reviewing the EHS Heat Illness Prevention Program website: https://www.ehs.ucsb.edu/programs-services/industrial-hygiene/heat-illness-prevention-program

Factors that increase the risk of heat related illness:

·         Above average temperatures and high humidity

·         Direct exposure to the sun or other heat sources

·         Limited air movement

·         Age (especially individuals older than 65 and children younger than two years old)

·         Poor physical fitness

·         Lack of acclimatization

·         Consumption of alcohol, drugs and caffeine

·         Use of medications that affect tolerance to heat

·         Increased exertion and duration of physical activities

·         Dark non-breathable clothing, and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by employees

 Heat illness prevention measures to consider include the following:

·         Monitor weather conditions, and schedule outdoor work and other activities for cooler periods.

·         Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids (water and electrolyte beverages).

·         Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink, and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

·         Seek shade, and wear loose-fitting, breathable, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

·         Take breaks often and limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.

·         Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.

·         Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

·         Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.

·         Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. During the summer, the inside temperature of a car can quickly rise to 120^oF (49^oC) or more.

If you, or someone you are with is experiencing symptoms or signs of heat related illness, call for emergency medical assistance immediately (911, or 9-911 from a campus phone).

If You See Something, Say Something!

Please contact the EHS Industrial Hygiene Program (ehs-ih@ucsb.edu) if you have any questions.