Efficient Could 6, 2024, the Environmental Safety Company (EPA) adjusted the cutoff factors in its color-coded Air High quality Index (AQI), which is used as a reference for wildfire smoke guidelines in California, Oregon, and Washington. The EPA’s updates to the AQI change what concentrations of PM2.5 (Particulate Matter measuring 2.5 micrometers) within the air correspond to the EPA’s color-coded AQI rankings. The breakpoints at the moment are totally different for among the classes. For instance, beforehand a focus of as much as 12.0 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) of PM2.5 fell within the “Good” class of the AQI, however now the “Good” class stops at 9.0 μg/m3. Right here is the present standing of every state in implementing these adjustments:
- California: It seems that California gained’t have to replace its laws (8 CCR 5141.1) as a result of they merely check with the EPA’s AQI ranges with out independently specifying PM2.5 concentrations. What this implies in observe is that California employers have seamlessly transitioned to the brand new AQI rankings, leading to motion ranges at decrease PM 2.5 concentrations than have been beforehand required.
- Oregon: Oregon’s present laws set up motion ranges based on specified concentrations of PM2.5 within the air, so the truth that these concentrations at the moment are pegged to a unique spot on the AQI chart doesn’t have any sensible significance. Nonetheless, as a result of Vigilant’s Mannequin Coverage, Wildfire Smoke Program, described the motion ranges based on the outdated AQI chart, we’ve up to date the coverage with the brand new AQI ranges. Oregon OSHA has acknowledged the EPA’s new AQI scale. The company hasn’t modified its laws (OAR 437-002-1081) however revealed a useful chart displaying the brand new and outdated AQI scales in an Oregon OSHA factsheet on wildfire smoke (revised Could 2024) and a June 13, 2024, memo to Oregon OSHA employees (Wildfire Smoke and 2024 AQI Replace).
- Washington: Just like Oregon, Washington’s present laws set up motion ranges based on specified concentrations of PM2.5 within the air so the truth that these concentrations at the moment are pegged to a unique spot on the AQI chart doesn’t have any sensible significance. We’ve up to date our Mannequin Coverage with the brand new AQI ranges. The Division of Occupational Security and Well being (DOSH) has issued a directive saying that employers can use the up to date AQI ranges in lieu of the AQI values listed in Washington’s wildfire smoke guidelines. Within the meantime, the company is engaged on updating its guidelines. DOSH filed proposed laws on Could 21, 2024, together with a proof of the proposals. You possibly can comply with the standing of DOSH’s wildfire smoke rulemaking right here. Washington’s present wildfire smoke laws are present in WAC Chapter 296-820 (normal trade) and WAC 296-307-098 by means of 296-307-09860 (agricultural trade).
Suggestions: When you’ve got staff in Oregon or Washington who might be affected by wildfire smoke, obtain our newly up to date Mannequin Coverage, Wildfire Smoke Program, which now comprises the brand new AQI ranges that correspond to the present PM 2.5 motion ranges in Oregon and Washington and customise it to your group. Contact your Vigilant Security Skilled with any questions on compliance with wildfire smoke necessities.
