Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-307 - Safety standards for agriculture › FIELD OPERATIONS AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS › Part G-1 - Rollover Protective Structures and Overhead Protection › Section 296-307-09850 - Appendix A: Protection from wildfire smoke information and training (mandatory)

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
The
				  health effects and symptoms of wildfire smoke:
(a) Although there are many hazardous
				  chemicals in wildfire smoke, the main harmful pollutant for people who are not
				  very close to the fire is "particulate matter," the tiny particles suspended in
				  the air.
Particulate matter is a health risk whether you are exposed
					 over a short period of time or a long period of time. The EPA has determined
					 that particulate matter does cause, or likely causes cardiovascular disease,
					 respiratory disease, cancer, and harm to the nervous system. In addition,
					 particulate matter can irritate the eyes and lungs, causing eye irritation,
					 phlegm, and persistent coughing. It can also cause difficulty breathing,
					 reduced lung function, wheezing, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, heart
					 failure, and early death.
(b) Wildfire smoke can harm your health even
				  if you cannot see or smell the smoke or do not feel any symptoms. Even healthy
				  people can be harmed by wildfire smoke. The wildfire smoke rule is designed to
				  limit the harm from wildfire smoke, and it is important to consider taking
				  action to reduce your exposure to smoke whenever the rule's protections are in
				  effect, whether or not you have symptoms. Watch for symptoms as an additional
				  indication to reduce exposure to smoke, and reduce work intensity.
This appendix reviews many wildfire smoke symptoms, but not
					 every possible symptom may be mentioned, and it is a good idea to talk to your
					 doctor or other health care provider before being exposed to wildfire smoke to
					 have a plan for protecting yourself, including what symptoms to watch out for
					 and how to reduce your exposure. This is especially important if you have any
					 medical conditions; are pregnant; or have questions about the health effects or
					 symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure.
(c) The wildfire smoke rule has additional
				  requirements in WAC 296-307-09830 when workers experience symptoms requiring
				  immediate medical attention. When the current PM2.5 is
				  250.5 µg/m3 or more, your employer must ensure
				  workers experiencing such symptoms be moved to a location that ensures
				  sufficient clean air as described in WAC 296-307-09830(3). Symptoms requiring
				  immediate medical attention include, but are not limited to:
* Symptoms concerning for a heart attack, such as:
- Chest pain or discomfort;
- Feeling weak, light-headed, faint, or dizzy;
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back;
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or
					 shoulders;
- Shortness of breath, especially if accompanied by chest
					 discomfort;
* Symptoms concerning for a stroke, such as:
-Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg,
					 especially on one side of the body;
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty
					 understanding speech;
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or
					 lack of coordination;
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause;
* Wheezing, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath,
					 particularly when accompanied by greater use of accessory muscles;
* Asthma attacks; or
* Nausea or vomiting.
(d) In addition to symptoms that under this
				  rule require immediate medical attention, wildfire smoke can also cause other
				  symptoms, many of which are described below. Even if a symptom is not mentioned
				  here, you have the right under the wildfire smoke rule to seek medical
				  attention or follow medical advice if you develop any symptoms you think may
				  potentially be related to wildfire smoke exposure, regardless of their
				  severity. Regardless of whether a symptom is serious enough to require
				  immediate medical attention, employers covered by the wildfire smoke rule are
				  required by WAC 296-307-09830(4) to have effective provisions made in advance
				  for prompt medical attention of employees displaying symptoms of wildfire smoke
				  exposure. If you develop a symptom, you should follow the advice of your doctor
				  or health care provider, and seek medical attention if necessary. Your employer
				  must not retaliate against you for seeking medical attention or following
				  medical advice you have been given. In addition to the symptoms requiring
				  immediate medical attention according to WAC 296-307-09830, all of the
				  following symptoms are also potentially related to wildfire smoke exposure.
				  They may also require medical attention:
* Respiratory:
- Cough;
- Runny or irritated nose;
- Sore throat;
- Sinus pain or pressure;
- Phlegm.
* Fast or irregular heartbeat;
* Headache;
* Scratchy or irritated eyes; or
* Fatigue or tiredness.
(e) Developing wildfire smoke symptoms, even
				  mild ones, indicates you are being overexposed to the smoke and should report
				  your symptoms to your employer. In response, according to WAC 296-307-09830 your employer must permit you to follow medical advice you have been given,
				  seek medical attention if necessary, and must take appropriate steps to reduce
				  your exposure. This may include providing you with access to clean air
				  according to WAC 296-307-09830(3) (your employer must ensure access to clean
				  air when the current PM2.5 is greater than 250.5
				  µg/m3); helping you use respiratory
				  protection; or taking other steps to control your exposure.
(f) Sensitive groups:
L&I and the Washington state department of health
					 consider all outdoor workers as a sensitive group at higher risk of
					 experiencing adverse health effects from wildfire smoke
					 exposure1.
Sensitive groups include people who are at higher risk of
					 experiencing adverse health effects as a result of exposure to wildfire smoke,
					 including those with preexisting health conditions; those with increased
					 duration of exposure; and those whose work results in an increased breathing
					 rate, including outdoor workers1. Although everyone
					 is impacted by wildfire smoke exposure, sensitive groups are among those most
					 likely to experience health problems from exposure to wildfire smoke.
Examples of sensitive groups include:
* Outdoor workers;
* People with lung diseases such as asthma or chronic
					 obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including bronchitis and emphysema, and
					 those who smoke;
* People with respiratory infections, such as pneumonia,
					 acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, colds, or flu; or those with, or recovering
					 from COVID-19;
* People with existing heart or circulatory problems, such
					 as irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease,
					 angina, and those who have had a heart attack or stroke;
* Children under 18 years old, and adults over age
					 65;
* People who are pregnant;
* People with diabetes;
* People with other medical or health conditions that can
					 be worsened by exposure to wildfire smoke as determined by a physician;
* Tribal and indigenous people;
* People with low income.
1 Washington Department of
					 Health. April 2022, accessed April 2023. Washington Air Quality Guide for
					 Particle Pollution:
https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/4300//waqa%20infographic_English.pdf?uid=64384c71c8715