Major wildfires have again erupted in several parts of California. In addition to the destruction to communities directly threatened, these large wildland fires are generating widespread smoke that's expected to affect air quality in many areas of the state.

Cal/OSHA reminds employers that California’s protection from wildfire smoke standard requires them to take steps to protect their workers from unhealthy air due. 

Harmful air quality can occur anywhere in the state on short notice. While outdoor workers often face the greatest exposure to these air quality hazards, the general public is also impacted. Children, seniors and individuals with respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable.

When wildfire smoke might affect a work site, employers must monitor the air quality index for PM2.5 before and throughout the work shift. There are many resources you can use to track the air quality index using websites like the U.S. EPA’s AirNow or local air quality management district websites. Employers can also use their own instruments to measure PM2.5 at a work site, under Cal/OSHA’s requirements.

If the air is unhealthy due to wildfire smoke, employers must provide proper respiratory protection like N95 respirators for voluntary use if work cannot be moved to a location where the air is not harmful. If employers cannot move operations to areas where the air is adequately filtered and there is no access to respiratory protection, they may need to halt operations until the outdoor air quality improves. This includes outdoor work sites and indoor locations where the air is not filtered or doors are kept open, such as warehouses, packing, manufacturing, distribution facilities and more. 

Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases and fine particles that can harm health. The greatest hazard comes from breathing fine particles in the air (called PM2.5), which can reduce lung function, worsen asthma or other existing heart and lung conditions, and cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

If the air quality index (AQI) for PM2.5 is 151 or greater, employers must take these steps to protect employees:

If the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 500 due to wildfire smoke, respirator use is required. Employers must ensure employees use respirators and implement a respiratory protection program as required in California’s respiratory standard. For information on developing a respiratory protection program, refer to Cal/OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Fact Sheet.

Wildfire smoke is more than just an occupational hazard. It affects us all even when we’re off the job. Even the healthiest among us experience eye irritation and scratchy throat when smoke fills the air. During wildfire smoke events, stay indoors, close windows and turn off evaporative coolers.

Check your local weather conditions to determine the visibility in your area. Then use the 5-3-1 method for the steps you need to take and if it is safe to be outside. If visibility is:

Stay aware of the situation in your area; monitor fire weather reports from the National Weather Service and air quality advisories from your local authorities. Contact your physician if smoke aggravates any health conditions.

Trina Caton is assistant vice president in Keenan’s Loss Control Department and is based in its Rancho Cordova, California, office. This entry is republished from Keenan's blog.

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