CAl/OSHA: News Release - Protecting Workers, Air Quality, Wildfire Smoke

Posted almost 6 years ago by Sandra Domeracki

News Release, October 25, 2019

Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers if the Air Quality is Unhealthy due to Wildfire Smoke

Oakland—Cal/OSHA is advising employers that steps must be taken to protect workers from harmful exposure if the air quality is unhealthy due to wildfire smoke.

California’s protection from wildfire smoke standard applies to workplaces where the Air Quality Index (AQI) for fine particles in the air is 151 or greater and where workers may be exposed to wildfire smoke.

When wildfire smoke affects a worksite, employers must monitor the AQI for particulate matter in the air, known as PM2.5. Employers can monitor the AQI using the following websites:

• U.S. EPA AirNow website

• U.S. Forest Service Wildland Air Quality Response Program website

• California Air Resources Board website

• Local air pollution control district websites or local air quality management district website.