COMPLIANCE INFO_2023 HEATH & SAFETY PLAN

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Two-way radio communications X Cell or satellite phone via voice or text Other method: Attachment A Protection from Wildfire Smoke Information to Be Provided to Employees (California Mandatory per Appendix B to Title 8 Section 5141.1. All Other States Distribution Recommended) (a) The health effects of wildfire smoke. Although there are many hazardous chemicals in wildfire smoke, the main harmful pollutant for people who are not very close to the fire is "particulate matter," the tiny particles suspended in the air. Particulate matter can irritate the lungs and cause persistent coughing, phlegm, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Particulate matter can also cause more serious problems, such as reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, heart failure, and early death. People over 65 and people who already have heart and lung problems are the most likely to suffer from serious health effects. The smallest-and usually the most harmful-particulate matter is called PM2.5 because it has a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. (b) The right to obtain medical treatment without fear of reprisal. Employers shall allow employees who show signs of injury or illness due to wildfire smoke exposure to seek medical treatment, and may not punish affected employees for seeking such treatment. Employers shall also have effective provisions made in advance for prompt medical treatment of employees in the event of serious injury or illness caused by wildfire smoke exposure. (c) How employees can obtain the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5. Various government agencies monitor the air at locations throughout California and report the current AQI for those places. The AQI is a measurement of how polluted the air is. An AQI over 100 is unhealthy for sensitive people and an AQI over 150 is unhealthy for everyone. Although there are AQIs for several pollutants, Title 8, section 5141.1 about wildfire smoke only uses the AQI for PM2.5. The easiest way to find the current and forecasted AQI for PM2.5 is to go to www.AirNow.gov and enter the zip code of the location where you will be working. The current AQI is also available from the U.S. Forest Service at https://tools.airfire.orgl or a local air district, which can be located at www:arb.ca.gov/capcoa/dismap.htm. Employees who do not have access to the internet can contact their employer for the current AQL. The EPA website www.enviroflash.info can transmit daily and forecasted AQIs by text or email for particular cities or zip codes. (d) The requirements in Title 8, section 5141.1 about wildfire smoke. If employees may be exposed to wildfire smoke, then the employer is required to find out the current AQI applicable to the worksite. If the current AQI for PM2.5 is 151 or more, the employer is required to: (1) Check the current AQI before and periodically during each shift. (2) Provide training to employees. (3) Lower employee exposures. (4) Provide respirators and encourage their use. (e) The employer's two-way communication system. Employers shall alert employees when the air quality is harmful and what protective measures are available to employees. Employers shall encourage employees to inform their employers if they notice the air quality is getting worse, or if they are suffering from any symptoms due to the air quality, The employer communication system is: The Site Safety Officer will update employees on current AQI for PM2.5 verbally during safety briefings and throughout the day by: NA