UMD Heat Safety Program - Regulatory Requirement for Workplaces
Heat Index
In hot weather, people working outdoors can develop heat-related illnesses. UMD managers must follow the UMD Heat Safety Program, which is aligned with the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) heat illness prevention regulation (COMAR 09.12.32). This regulation applies to all workplaces where the heat index is 80°F or higher and where work is performed for more than 15 consecutive minutes per hour. The program provides requirements and guidance for all UMD employees working in these conditions.
For more information, please visit ESSR’s Heat Safety in the Workplace website.
Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI), provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), offers an easy-to-understand measure of outdoor air quality and its potential health impacts. Sunny, hot summer weather often leads to higher AQI values; pollutants such as wildfire smoke can contribute to poor air quality.
For managers who have employees working outside, to be in compliance with Article 19, Section 11 of the 2024 AFSCME MOU, KN95 masks must be made available to employees working outdoors if the AQI is Code Orange. On Code Red (or higher) alert days, outdoor activities should be moved indoors whenever possible, staff time outdoors should be limited, and KN95 masks must be made available to employees working outdoors. KN95s are available through Shell Shop.
For more information on the Air Quality Index and use of KN95 masks, visit the ESSR AQI resource.
Thank you for your attention to these critical guidelines for UMD workplaces during high heat and/or potentially risky air quality conditions. If you have questions, please contact ESSR at askESSR@umd.edu.