Washington Wildfire Smoke Employer Training Checklist template

1. CHECK L&I WEBSITE.

The latest rules and resources will be posted here: lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-topics/topics/wildfire-smoke

https://www.lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-topics/topics/wildfire-smoke

Download this template for an Accident Prevention Program Addendum: https://www.lni.wa.gov/safety-health/_docs/WildfireSmokeAPPAddendum.docx

2. IDENTIFY HARMFUL EXPOSURES. Employers are required to monitor air quality before each shift and periodically throughout the day. Air quality data can be checked using any of the following resources:

airnow.gov (get NowCast AQI air quality where you are)

enviwa.ecology.wa.gov (interactive map of WA air monitoring network)

tools.airfire.org (links to federal wildfire & air quality tools)

enviroflash.info (receive notifications about air quality changes)

wasmoke.blogspot.com (one-stop-shop for WA smoke information)

airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/ (download EPA AirNow app)

3. COMMUNICATE HAZARDS. Employers must establish and implement a system for communicating wildfire smoke hazards when: (1) two consecutive NowCast AQI readings for PM2.5 are 69+ or (2) one NowCast AQI reading for PM2.5 is 151+. The system should:

Include protective measures that can be taken against wildfire smoke exposure

Encourage employees to report worsening air quality and adverse symptoms

4. INFORM & TRAIN. Employers must provide all employees and supervisors information about wildfire smoke before work that exposes the employee to an AQI of 69+. Employers must describe in their Accident Prevention Plan how they will provide supervisors with the required training.

Employee training:

L&I training videos: wisha-training.lni.wa.gov/training/articulate/WildfireSmokeSafety/story.html

Supervisor training must include employee training along with procedures supervisors must follow:

To implement WAC 296-62-085; Wildfire Smoke lni.wa.gov/rulemaking-activity/AO21-26/2126CR103EAdoption.pdf

If an employee exhibits adverse symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure

For transporting employees to an emergency medical service provider if necessary

5. RESPOND TO EXPOSURE SYMPTOMS. Employers must:

Monitor employees displaying adverse exposure symptoms to determine whether medical attention is necessary

Allow employees who show signs of injury or illness to seek medical treatment without any retaliation

Have a plan made in advance for prompt medical treatment of employees in the event of serious injury or illness

6. IMPLEMENT EXPOSURE CONTROLS. Employers are:

Encouraged to implement exposure controls when the NowCast AQI reading for PM2.5 is 69+

Required to implement exposure controls when the NowCast AQI reading for PM2.5 is 151+

Some example controls include:

Providing enclosed buildings or structures with filtered air

Providing portable HEPA filters in enclosed areas

Relocating work to a location with a lower concentration of PM2.5

Changing work schedules to a time with a lower concentration of PM2.5

Reducing work intensity

Providing more rest periods

7. PROVIDE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION. Employers are:

Encouraged to provide respirators at no cost to employees when the NowCast AQI reading for PM2.5 is 69+

Required to provide respirators at no cost to employees when the NowCast AQI reading for PM2.5 is 151+

Note: AQI 69 = WAQA 101 = 20.5μg/m3

Note: AQI 151 = WAQA 173 = 55.5μg/m3

For more resources please visit the PNASH wildfire smoke safety website: deohs.washington.edu/pnash/wildfiresmoke