Shade and water field setup
What the rules actually require of a canopy and a cooler, and the setups that fail in practice.
Shade that is a block away does not get used, and water that is warm does not get drunk. The rules are more specific than most people expect: shade has to block direct sunlight, be open to air movement, be as close as practicable to the work, and be big enough for everyone on rest at once. Water has to be potable, cool, and available at a quart per person per hour.
Takeaways
- Specify shade that satisfies the rule and gets used.
- Size the water supply and plan the refill before the day starts.
- Recognize the setups that technically exist and practically fail.
- Log the setup in a way that shows it was in place, not merely owned.
What the rules mean by shade
Alternatives to a canopy
Water: quantity, temperature, and the refill
Logging the setup so it counts
Frequently asked questions
- Does a truck cab with air conditioning count as shade? It can count as an alternative means of cooling where the rule allows one, if it is running, close, and large enough for the employees on rest. It has to actually be cooler than outside, which a parked cab with the engine off is not.
- How big does the shade have to be? Big enough for all the employees on recovery or rest at the same time, seated normally without touching. During high heat in California the requirement is enough for all employees on the shift on their meal or rest period.
- Can employees be required to stay in the shade during a cool-down? They can be required to take the cool-down period, and the point is that they cool down. Sitting in the sun during a mandatory cool-down defeats it, so directing them to the shade is reasonable.
- Is bottled water acceptable? Yes, if there is enough of it, it is cool, and it is free. A quart per person per hour in bottles adds up fast, so most crews use coolers with a bottled reserve.