Most of you around the county have experienced smoky or hazy days caused by wildfires in a near by location to your worksite. Did you know, The Berg Group has a Wildfire procedure?
Lets review it:
Introduction
This document/procedure is intended to provide guidance for Berg Group Employees who work in severe smoke episodes caused by large or long duration wildfires. This document/procedure is focused specifically on smoke/air quality impacts and not on other risks posed by the fire or other hazard. Our intent is to provide guidance and direction concerning personnel protective measures our employees may use during these wildfire episodes. Note: The Berg Group shall follow guidance from the specific jobsites General Contractors wildfire policy for any work stoppage or site closure.
Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles which can irritate eyes and respiratory systems and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. The quantity and duration of smoke exposure, as well as a person’s age and degree of susceptibility, play a role in determining whether someone will experience smoke-related health problems. The potential health effects vary depending on the size of the particles. Particles larger than 10 micrometers usually irritate only the eyes, nose, and throat. Particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, which increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems. When smoke levels are high, even healthy people may experience symptoms.
AQI (Air Quality Index)
here are several agencies that monitor air quality or AQI. AQI is a measurement of how polluted the air is. An AQI of 100 is unhealthy for some individuals. An AQI of over 150 is unhealthy to everyone. If you would like recommended resources that post AQI number for your specific jobsite, please ask your Foreman or Superintendent. See Table 1 AQI below. AQI numbers can be provided by the accessing the following resources:
Protecting Employees
The Berg Group, where feasible, will take action to protect employees working in unhealthy conditions caused by wildfire episodes. Some of these actions are listed below:
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- Supply employees with masks or face covers that prevent particulate inhalation.
- Reduce the amount exposure to wildfire smoke by relocating employees.
- Reduce the amount of worktime in unhealthy air quality locations
- Allow employees additional break durations in a filtered air location.
- Allow employees to leave the worksite if they feel unsafe or feel it will negatively affect their health and wellbeing.
- Employees will be responsible for their use of a N95 respirator if they are provided in response to a wildfire event. All employees will be required to sign an Appendix D waiver acknowledging their understanding of the hazards of respirator use and the appropriate donning and maintenance of the N95.
Table 1: AQI table
