What is the IIPP… it is a written safety program required by Cal/OSHA’s General Industry Safety Order 3203 since July 1, 1991 for implementation by all employers. The Program is to proactively address and mitigate potential risks associated with disease, illness, injuries, and harmful exposures. As a new hire employee, you take an IIPP training which empowers you to actively contribute to a safe work environment at Palomar College.

Recently, Environmental Health & Safety updated Palomar College’s IIPP.  To review the updated copy visit the Environmental Health & Safety website, under the Programs tab.

BEST PRACTICES

July is Heat Awareness month, but as most of you know, California’s high heat runs through October. This write-up will review some best practices for working during high heat weather, whether you are indoors or outdoors.  

Did you know that Palomar College has a Heat-Stress Control Procedure? To review the procedure, use the Heat-Stress Control link or visit Environmental Health & Safety’s website – Training & Procedures. 

The following Tips, Do, and Don’t are referenced from the Cal/OSHA Training Institute Education Center website and Cal/OSHA Heat Illness: Prevent Heat Illness at Work Poster.  Stay cool!

• Abnormal thinking or behavior 

• Loss of consciousness 

• Seizures

• Slurred speech 

• Ease into work by building tolerance to heat – acclimatize over an initial one- to two-week period when possible.
  
  
• Pace tasks to avoid exhaustion by taking rest breaks in a shaded or cool area. 

• Perform heavy tasks in cooler areas or at cooler times. 

• Rotate personnel on hot jobs. 

• Drink cool water – at least 1 cup every 15 – 20 minutes. Stay hydrated! 

• Use a Buddy System for monitoring each other for heat illness. 

• Apply sunblock and proper protective clothing for working in the sun (e.g. hat, light and loose-fitting clothes, if possible). 

• Move the worker to a cooler area and stay with the worker until help arrives.
  
  
• Apply cool wet cloths and remove unnecessary clothing. 

• Fan the worker but STOP if goose bumps or shivers develop. 

• Give water if the worker is conscious. 

• Seek medical attention if there’s no improvement. Call 911! 

• When in doubt, call 911. 

• Give any stimulant, alcohol or cigarettes.

• Apply ice directly to the skin. 

• Allow the worker to become so cold that shivering starts. 

• Leave the worker alone.