The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) heat stress standards were implemented
to establish minimum requirements for protecting employees from heat-related illnesses caused
by heat stress in the workplace. This Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), Title 9, Subtitle
12, Chapter 32 provides guidance for implantation of the department’s policy.
In order for SDAT to protect employees from high heat stress or heat-related illnesses during
periods of high heat, the Supervisor of Assessments or their designee is responsible for
monitoring the heat index when it is expected to reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The heat
index is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is considered along with the actual
air temperature, using the National Weather Service (NWS) heat index calculator (e.g.,
Excessive Heat Watches, Warnings, Advisories issued via NOAA, Weather.com, or other
smartphone apps).
On the day prior to anticipated high heat conditions, the Supervisor of Assessments or their
designee shall inform all employees who plan to work outdoors. Digital text alerts may be sent
to employees when applicable.
Supervisors may consider modifying work hours for those working outdoors to avoid peak heat
periods (typically 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM). Unoccupied properties should be inspected at times
before 8:30 am, before moving on to occupied properties later in the morning.
After inspecting a structure, employees should return to their vehicles to complete inspection
notes. When possible, park vehicles in shaded areas during property inspections. Move vehicles
to shaded areas to complete notes and utilize personal vehicle’s air conditioning to the extent
possible. Staff are encouraged to take lunch breaks in air-conditioned locations when working in
the field the entire day.
SDAT office locations provide potable water for staff. All employees are encouraged to fill their
water bottles before going into the field. Staff are encouraged to drink at least 8 oz of water
every 20 minutes when exposed to heat during their entire workday.
Employees must adhere to the agency Dress Code Policy and wear an SDAT vest, proper
protective equipment, and appropriate footwear while conducting field inspections. However,
wearing light, breathable clothing is recommended during periods of high heat.
When assessors conduct site inspections, they are generally not exposed to high heat for more
than 20 consecutive minutes before returning to their vehicles. Due to this limited exposure,
there is no need for an acclimatization period. However, because employees typically work
independently in the field, they must monitor themselves for signs of heat-related illness. If
symptoms occur, employees should immediately return to their air-conditioned vehicle and
contact the Supervisor of Assessments, Assistant Supervisor, or Assessor Manager and return to
the office. If the employee feels too ill to do so, they should immediately dial 911.
This procedure should be reviewed annually with employees at the beginning of May to promote
illness prevention and safety within the office.
