Take action to protect workers from wildfire smoke exposure

Outdoor workers are at especially high risk of developing wildfire-smoke related symptoms. Minimize the health risks to workers by reducing exposure time to wildfire smoke. Each workplace is unique and requires a unique approach in protecting their workers from wildfire smoke. The following are some suggestions:

• Provide enclosed buildings, structures, or vehicles with filtered air;

• Relocate work to less smoky areas;

• Reschedule work for a time with less smoke pollution;

• Avoid work that creates dust, fumes, or smoke; 

• Reduce work intensity;

• Provide additional rest periods; and

• Provide respirators, such as an N95.

The Department of Labor & Industries' rules for wildfire smoke are based on a datapoint called PM2.5, which is a measure of particle matter present in the air that is 2.5 microns or smaller. We talk about protections that are required in terms of both PM2.5 levels and the corresponding AQI because AQI is an easily accessible and common standard people use. 

The following table summarizes the key requirements of the wildfire smoke rule for covered employers:

Current PM2.5 (μg/m3)	NowCast Air Quality Index for PM2.5	Required Protections
0.0 - 20.4	0 - 71​	Prepare a written wildfire smoke response plan. Provide wildfire smoke training to employees. Watch the PM2.5 conditions and forecasts. Prepare a two-way communication system. Make provisions for prompt medical attention and permit that medical attention without retaliation.
20.5 - 35.4	72 - 100​	All of the above and: Notify employees of PM2.5 conditions. Ensure only trained employees work outdoors. Consider implementing exposure controls Consider providing voluntary use respirators.
35.5 - 250.4	101 - 350​	All of the above and: Implement exposure controls.​ Make N95 respirators available for voluntary use.​
250.5 - 500.3	351 - 848​​	All of the above and: Ensure workers experiencing symptoms requiring immediate medical attention be moved to a location that ensures sufficient clean air. Directly distribute N95 respirators to employees for voluntary use.
500.4 - 554.9	849 - 956​	All of the above and: Implement a complete required use respiratory protection program, including fit-testing, medical evaluations, requiring employees to be clean-shaven, and requiring the use of particulate respirators.​
555 or more	957 or more​	All of the above and: Require respirators with an assigned protection factor (APF) of 25 or more.​