Cal/OSHA emergency standard CCR 8 §5141.1 Protection from Wildfire Smoke ensures protections for outdoor workers, which includes field researchers, ahead of wildfire season.
This emergency standard requires employers to provide appropriate and effective respirators when the employer reasonably expects employees will be exposed to wildfire smoke.
Air Quality Index Decision Matrix
The Decision Matrix Based on Air Quality is designed for use when wildfire smoke conditions result in worsening and unhealthy air quality. It does not apply if there is a direct threat of wildfire and/or other significant hazard to the location, or for smog-related air quality conditions.
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Determining PM2.5 AQI Value
UC Davis relies on Air Quality Index (AQI) data from US EPA Air Now - cfpub.epa.gov/airnow/
During A Smoke Event
Safety Services will provide additional guidance to help departments meet Cal/OSHA requirements.
Get N-95 Masks
Review your departmental supply of N-95 masks for outdoor workers and have enough ready to maintain operations through two weeks of smoke conditions. Test your communications plan before an emergency to notify your outdoor workers when a smoke event is coming and how to pick up a mask for voluntary use.
- Purchase on AggieBuy
- Purchase at the Scientific Store at 650 La Rue Rd (limited on-site supply)
- Questions? Contact ab-help@ucdavis.edu
Take 10-minute N-95 training if you anticipate performing high-exertion labor outdoors.
Building Ventilation and Filtration
It is critical to keep doors and windows closed when it's smoky outdoors.
- Learn how Facilities Management manages campus ventilation and filtration systems to reduce the impact of wildfire smoke.