Dear UCSF Parnassus Heights Community, 

 As we approach the warmest months of the year in the San Francisco Bay Area—typically September and October—some workspaces without air conditioning may experience elevated indoor temperatures during heatwaves. 

 Under Cal/OSHA’s Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Standard (Title 8, §3396), UCSF has implemented institutional Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Programs for Campus and Health to help protect employees working in higher heat conditions.

 Please take the following steps: 

1.   Review the UCSF Campus Heat Illness Prevention Program and complete the required Heat Illness Prevention training in the Learning Management System (LMS). Supervisors should ensure all staff are trained and aware of program requirements. 

o    UCSF Heat Illness Prevention Program 

o    Heat Illness (2024) Online Training on LMS  

2.   Know your cool-down options. 
UCSF has designated centralized cool-down spaces at Parnassus Heights, which will be activated when outdoor temperatures are expected to reach 80 °F. These spaces are air-conditioned or cooled and can be used by any employee who is experiencing or concerned about heat stress.  

o    Clinical Science Building, Room CSB-1111 

o    UCSF Kalmanovitz Library, Room CL-201 

3.   Department-specific plans for higher-risk areas. 
Some departments identified as higher risk may be asked to complete a Department-Specific Heat Illness Prevention Plan. A fillable template is included in the UCSF Heat Illness Prevention Program for your convenience. 

4.   Request assistance if needed. 
If you are concerned about elevated temperatures in your work area, contact EH&S at [email protected] or 415-476-1300 to request a workspace heat risk evaluation. EH&S can help assess conditions and recommend controls to keep temperatures and heat exposure within safe limits. 

We appreciate your cooperation in preparing for and preventing heat-related illness. Early action is the best way to stay safe during high-heat events. 

 Stay safe, 

UCSF Office of Environment, Health & Safety 

[email protected]