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