Training Content

This Training will cover:

• The health effects of smoke.
• The right to obtain medical treatment.
• How employees can obtain the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5.
• The employer's two-way communication system.
• The requirements in Title 8, section 5141.1 about wildfire smoke.
• The employer's method to protect employees from wildfire smoke.
• The importance, limitations, and benefits of using a respirator when exposed to wildfire smoke.
• How to properly put on, use, and maintain the respirator provided by the employer.

The requirements in Title 8, section 5141.1 about wildfire smoke

If employees may be exposed to wildfire smoke, then the employer is required to find out the current AQI applicable to the worksite. If the current AQI for PM2.5 is 151 or more, the employer is required to:

• Check the current AQI before and periodically during each shift.
• Provide training to employees.
• Lower employee exposures.
• Provide respirators and encourage their use.

porterville college's two way communication system from wildfire smoke

PC administration and/or the PC Public Information Officer are responsible for informing the campus about air quality, protective measures, and campus closures. Communication methods can include emails, text alerts, phone call and/or PC website updates.

Note: Employees are encouraged to inform their supervisors or PC administration if they notice the air quality is getting worse, or if they are suffering from any symptoms due to the air quality. There will be no reprisal for such notification.

porterville college's wildfire smoke exposure protection methods

The primary method of controlling exposure to wildfire smoke at PC is Engineering Controls. Acceptable Engineering Controls include enclosed buildings, structures, or vehicles where the air is filtered.

Whenever Engineering Controls are not feasible or do not reduce employee exposure to PM 2.5 to less than a AQI of 151, PC will implement Administrative Controls. Acceptable Administrative Controls include relocating workers to a location where the AQI is lower, changing work schedules, reducing work intensity, or providing rest periods.

The importance, limitations, and benefits of using a respirator when exposed to wildfire smoke

1. When properly selected and worn, respirators can provide respiratory protection against airborne hazards such as PM2.5.
2. Filtering facepiece respirators, such as N95 respirators, do not protect you against gases and vapors, and they do not provide oxygen.
3. During a wildfire event, respiratory protection can be beneficial even when the AQI for PM2.5 is 500, respirator use is required
4. Medical clearance is not required for voluntary N95 respirator use in the event of a wildfire however, employees with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their physician before using a respirator.
5. Respirators must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The respirator or packaging should indicate that it has been NIOSH certified.
6. The respirator manufacture’s use, maintenance, cleaning, and care instructions must be followed.
7. Employees should keep track of their respirator so that they do not mistakenly use someone else's respirator.
8. Employees who have a heart or lung problem should ask their doctor before using a respirator.

When the current AQI for PM2.5 is 151 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.

Note: 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 is the minimum level of protection for wildfire smoke.