COMPLIANCE INFO_2023 ARCADIS REPORT

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f) The employer's methods to protect employees from wildfire smoke. Employers shall take action to protect employees from PM2.5 when the current AQI for PM2.5 is 151 or greater. Examples of protective methods include: (1) Locating work in enclosed structures or vehicles where the air is filtered. (2) Changing procedures such as moving workers to a place with a lower current AQI for PM2.5. (3) Reducing work time in areas with unfiltered air. (4) Increasing rest time and frequency, and providing a rest area with filtered air. (5) Reducing the physical intensity of the work to help lower the breathing and heart rates. The employer's control system at this worksite is: None (g) The importance, limitations, and benefits of using a respirator when exposed to wildfire smoke. Respirators can be an effective way to protect employee health by reducing exposure to wildfire smoke, when they are properly selected and worn. Respirator use can be beneficial even when the AQI for PM2.5 is less than 151, to provide additional protection. When the current AQI for PM2.5 is151 or greater, employers shall provide their workers with proper respirators for voluntary use. If the current AQI is greater than 500, respirator use is required. A respirator should be used properly and kept clean. The following precautions shall be taken: (1) Employers shall select respirators certified for protection against the specific air contaminants at the workplace. NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, certifies respirators. A label or statement of certification should appear on the respirator or respirator packaging. It will list what the respirator is designed for(particulates, for example). Surgical masks or items worn over the nose and mouth such as scarves, T-shirts, and bandannas will not provide protection against wildfire smoke. An N95 filtering facepiece respirator, shown in the image below, is the minimum level of protection for wildfire smoke. (2) Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on the respirator's use, maintenance, cleaning and care, along with any warnings regarding the respirator's limitations. The manufacturer's instructions for medical evaluations, fit testing, and shaving should also be followed, although doing so is not required by Title 8, section 5141.1 for voluntary use of filtering facepiece respirators. (3) Do not wear respirators in areas where the air contains contaminants for which the respirator is not designed. A respirator designed to filter particles will not protect employees against gases or vapors, and it will not supply oxygen. (4) Employees should keep track of their respirator so that they do not mistakenly use someone else's respirator. (5) Employees who have a heart or lung problem should ask their doctor before using a respirator.