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646 Heat Injury and Illness Prevention: Supervisor Skip to main content

Location of Break Areas

Indoor Break Areas

Indoor break areas should include:

  • Air-Conditioning: Indoor break areas should be air-conditioned to provide a consistently cool environment where employees can recover from heat exposure. This is important in preventing heat-related illnesses, especially when working in hot indoor environments.
60-Second Message on Heat Illness Prevention - OSHA
  • Increased Air Movement: If air conditioning is not available, break areas should have fans or other means to increase air movement and, if appropriate, dehumidification. Proper air circulation helps in cooling down the body more effectively.
  • Comfortable Seating: Like outdoor break areas, indoor break areas should also have comfortable seating arrangements to ensure that employees can relax and rejuvenate themselves during their breaks.
  • Proper Ventilation: Adequate ventilation in indoor break areas is essential to maintain airflow, reduce humidity, and ensure a comfortable resting environment. This can be achieved through fans, open windows, or air conditioning systems.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-7. Why is increased air movement important in indoor break areas if air conditioning is not available?