Placeholder image.

Wildfire Smoke Legislation & Outdoor Workers

Since the start of 2021, over 6,500 wildfires have ravaged several parts of California, consuming over 1.5 million acres of land and destroying over 2000 structures.

We are living in the present reality of ‘when’ as opposed to ‘if’ we will be affected by wildfire smoke.

The wildfire smoke legislation CalOSHA 5141.1 Wildfire Smoke only applies to workers within unfiltered spaces and when the air quality index (AQI) for particulate matter (PM) 2.5 um exceeds 151 for an excess of an hour.

In such an event researchers should adhere to the following to protect their staff working in outdoor environments:

1. Identification of harmful exposure – AQI for wildfire smoke can be monitored through www.AirNow.gov. Although AQI information is found through other websites, AirNow’s EPA monitor data is certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The monitors are maintained periodically and can discriminate wildfire smoke against other PM 2.5 particulate. The AirNow AQI governs UC Davis decision making process described in the Decision Matrix. Employers are encouraged to keep abreast of the AQI of their remote staff and do appropriate planning. This EPA website also provides daily and forecasted AQI alerts through text or email pertaining to specific locations.

2. Communication – The UC Davis Emergency Management sends out alerts through the outdoorsafety listserv based on AirNow’s AQI to communicate to the campus community when AQI is worsening within Davis and surrounding areas. Employers are encouraged to use this messaging to inform their staff, including those working remotely, of appropriate action. 

3. Training and Instruction – Employees required to work outdoors or in non-filtered buildings and/or vehicles for more than one hour per shift during wildfire smoke events, must be trained in wildfire smoke protection. This training is available through the UC Davis LMS. Note that departments are responsible for supplementing this training with situation specific information like the specific means of two-way communication with employees and the specific controls that will be implemented (working indoors for the day, changing procedures, respiratory protection, changing work locations, etc.).

4. Control of harmful exposure - When current AQI PM2.5 is between 151 and 500, NIOSH approved particulate respirators must be made available for employees to use at their discretion. The proper voluntary use of N95 respirators is covered within the UC Davis wildfire smoke training. In such case, medical clearance and fit testing is not required. Staff requiring to work in wildfire smoke conditions exceeding an AQI of 500 must be mandatorily enrolled within the UC Davis Respiratory Protection Program and be medically cleared and fitted for a respirator.