Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-820 - Wildfire Smoke › Section 296-820-850 - 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 296-820-830 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 296-820-830(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 296-820-830(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 296-820-830, 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 296-820-830 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 296-820-830(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