California heat illness prevention plan requirements
Yes. California requires employers, including construction contractors, to keep a written heat illness prevention plan under 8 CCR 3395 (outdoor), 3396 (indoor). 8 CCR 3395: shade and cool-down rest at 80°F outdoors, high-heat procedures at 95°F. Water and training required at all times. Indoor rule (3396) starts at 82°F.
Last verified: 2026-07-07.
The rule at a glance
| Written plan for contractors | Required |
|---|---|
| Rule | 8 CCR 3395 (outdoor), 3396 (indoor) |
| Coverage | Indoor and outdoor |
| In effect since | Outdoor 2006 (amended 2015); indoor (3396) July 23, 2024 |
| Trigger | 80 degrees F, high-heat procedures at 95 degrees F |
What your written plan must contain
To be compliant in California, your written plan must cover these elements, matched to 8 CCR 3395 (outdoor), 3396 (indoor):
- ✓ Access to fresh, cool drinking water close to the work area
- ✓ Shade or another means to cool down during rest
- ✓ Paid preventative cool-down rest breaks
- ✓ An acclimatization plan for new employees and those returning after time away
- ✓ Emergency response procedures for heat illness, including how to summon aid
- ✓ Training for employees and supervisors before heat work and each season
- ✓ Written heat illness prevention procedures kept with the safety program
Common questions
▸Does California require a written heat illness prevention plan?
Yes. Under 8 CCR 3395 (outdoor), 3396 (indoor), California employers must keep written heat illness prevention procedures. 8 CCR 3395: shade and cool-down rest at 80°F outdoors, high-heat procedures at 95°F. Water and training required at all times. Indoor rule (3396) starts at 82°F.
▸What temperature triggers heat rules in California?
Precautions step up at 80 degrees F, with high-heat procedures at 95 degrees F. 8 CCR 3395: shade and cool-down rest at 80°F outdoors, high-heat procedures at 95°F. Water and training required at all times. Indoor rule (3396) starts at 82°F.
▸What else do California contractors need besides a heat plan?
General contractors and prequalification portals such as ISNetworld and Avetta typically require a company-wide written safety program, a site-specific safety plan per project, and job hazard analyses, regardless of state heat law.
Official sources
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