Washington Outdoor Heat Exposure Plan — WAC 296-62-095
The outdoor heat exposure plan required of every WA employer with outdoor work April 1–September 30 above the trigger threshold. Built to the 2023 updated standard (80°F trigger, 90°F high-heat). Designed as a written APP addendum per WAC 296-62-09539.
When this template is required
Required of every Washington employer with outdoor work between April 1 and September 30 where the heat index reaches the trigger threshold. WA's 2023 amendments significantly tightened the standard — trigger now at 80°F (lowered from prior 89°F), with high-heat procedures at 90°F. The plan must be in writing and incorporated into the APP.
Why this template
2023 updated thresholds
WA significantly tightened the heat standard in 2023: trigger lowered from 89°F to 80°F; high-heat procedures activate at 90°F. Many employers haven't updated plans. The template reflects the current thresholds.
April 1 – September 30 effective period
The standard applies during the warm season (April 1 to September 30). Outside this window, less stringent year-round heat illness prevention applies under WAC 296-307 (agriculture) or general industry rules. The plan documents both periods.
APP addendum format
WAC 296-62-09539 requires the outdoor heat plan to be in writing and integrated into the employer's APP. The plan is formatted as an APP addendum — drops into your existing WA APP without restructuring.
Bilingual training
WA agricultural and construction workforces are heavily Spanish-speaking. The training outline includes English/Spanish dual-language materials. Heat illness symptoms are time-critical to recognize; effective communication can be life-saving.
What you receive
- WA Outdoor Heat Exposure Plan (Word .docx)
- Heat index monitoring procedure (multiple measurement methods)
- Acclimatization procedure (new and returning employees)
- Water provision procedure (32 oz/hr per employee)
- Shade provision procedure
- High-heat procedures (≥90°F)
- Emergency response procedure
- Annual training outline (English + Spanish)
- APP addendum integration (WAC 296-62-09539)
- Seasonal review log (annual before April 1)
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Washington agricultural employers (orchards, berry farms, dairy, nurseries)
- Washington construction contractors (outdoor work)
- Washington landscaping and tree care
- Washington solar installation contractors
- Washington roofing contractors
- Washington warehousing with outdoor loading docks
- Washington transportation and delivery operations
Frequently asked
Who's covered by WA's outdoor heat rule?
Every Washington employer with employees performing outdoor work between April 1 and September 30 where temperatures reach the trigger threshold (80°F for most workers; 52°F for workers in non-breathable PPE). Agriculture (covered by parallel WAC 296-307 standard), construction, landscaping, roofing, oil & gas, transportation, solar installation, and other outdoor industries. Employees who work outdoors briefly (15 minutes or less per hour) are not 'exposed' under the standard.
What changed in the 2023 update?
Major changes: (1) Trigger temperature lowered from 89°F to 80°F (much more inclusive coverage); (2) High-heat procedures now activate at 90°F (previously 100°F); (3) Acclimatization made a written, individual procedure (previously a general expectation); (4) Water provision specified at 32 oz/hr per worker; (5) Shade access standards tightened. The plan reflects all updates.
What's required at high heat (≥90°F)?
When ambient temperature reaches 90°F: more frequent water reminders and active drinking encouragement; mandatory rest periods (no specific minimum but sufficient to prevent symptoms); supervisor observation of each worker; pre-shift meeting to brief on heat conditions and recognize symptoms; designated person to contact emergency services; communication system to enable summoning aid. The plan documents the high-heat procedures.
How does acclimatization work?
Acclimatization protects workers new to heat exposure (new hires, workers returning after 7+ consecutive days off, workers transferred from indoor/cool work). Required 5-14 day gradual exposure: typically 20% on day 1, increasing 20% per day. Worker observation throughout the acclimatization period. The plan includes the acclimatization schedule and tracking form.
Does this satisfy WAC 296-307 (agriculture)?
Agriculture has its own outdoor heat standard at WAC 296-307 Part B (effective 2023 update). The agricultural standard closely mirrors WAC 296-62-095 with agriculture-specific provisions (field worker scenarios, transportation to fields, housing-related heat exposure). The plan provides the core outdoor heat plan; agricultural employers should overlay WAC 296-307 specifics.