Wildfire smoke - Washington

The Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has adopted a standard for wildfire smoke that goes beyond the requirements of OSHA’s General Duty Clause. The rules apply to all industries where employees work in outdoor or unenclosed environments, including agriculture, construction, forestry, transportation, and others. It may also apply to workplaces where doors or windows are opened frequently, such as public transportation, as these areas can have similar air quality concerns to the outdoors. Some requirements for employers under the state standard include:

1. Developing a wildfire smoke response plan (WSRP) that includes information on the following:
   1. The health effects of wildfire smoke exposure;
   2. The employee’s right to report symptoms of exposure and to obtain medical attention without retaliation;
   3. The employer’s method for determining the particulate matter and for communicating this to employees;
   4. The employer’s response plan; and
   5. Why and how to wear, use, and maintain any respiratory protection provided by the employer.
2. Providing annual training for employees on the each of the elements of the WSRP.
3. Developing a two-way communication plan so that employers may inform employees about the particulate matter status of the workplace, and employees may ask about the current air quality status as well as seek medical attention if needed.
4. Monitoring the air quality at any jobsite where the particulate matter (PM2.5) is 20.5 µg/m3 (AQI 69) or greater. Employers must provide employees with respiratory protection at this level. Employees' use of respiratory protection may be voluntary or mandatory, depending on the AQI.

Related information

• ezExplanation — Wildfire smoke
• What is wildfire smoke?
• What is the Air Quality Index (AQI) for wildfire smoke?

Citations

• Washington Admin. Code 296-820 – Wildfire Smoke
• Federal regulation 29 USC 654