HomeMy WebLinkAbout203.007a - Air Quality Safety Regulations
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
HEALTH AND SAFETY
203.007a AIR QUALITY SAFETY REGULATIONS
EFFECTIVE: SEPTEMBER 2020
Current Revision Date: 10/13/20 Next Revision Date: 10/13/23
Author’s Name/Rank: Brad Driscoll, Battalion Chief Review Level: 2
Administrative Support:
Sherrie L. Badertscher,
Management Analyst II
Section 203.007a
Page 1 of 3
PURPOSE
This policy establishes protections for employees working outside when the current
Air Quality Index (AQI) for airborne particulate matter is 151 or greater, or expected
to exceed 151 during the work period.
APPLICATION
This policy is applicable to Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) members
who are expected to work outside when current AQI for airborne particulate matter is
151 or greater, or expected to exceed 151 during the work period.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
When the AQI for airborne particulate matter is 500 or greater the use of N95 masks
while working outside is mandatory.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
AQI over 151 (Unhealthy):
Where possible, take steps to reduce exposure to bad air quality by
reducing work time in areas with unfiltered air, and reducing the
physical intensity of the work to help lower the breathing and heart
rate.
If the exposure cannot be reduced so the AQI is less than 151,
employees must have respirators such as N95 masks available for
voluntary use. If you do not have one, ask your Supervisor.
Consider canceling outside training.
Section 203.007a
Page 2 of 3
Communications to announce AQI levels at 0800 hours when levels are
expected to exceed 151 in the next 24 hour period.
AQI over 201 (Very Unhealthy):
All of the above and cancel outside training.
AQI over 301 (Hazardous):
All of the above.
AQI over 500 (Hazardous)
All of the above and the use of N95 masks while working outside are
mandatory.
The following workplaces and operations are exempt from the requirement to
provide and encourage voluntary use of respirators (N95 masks) when the AQI
exceeds 151:
Enclosed buildings or structures where the air is filtered by a
mechanical ventilation system.
Enclosed vehicles where the air is filtered by a cabin air filter.
Areas where your agency demonstrates the air does not reach the
unhealthy levels through measurements.
Employees that is exposed to a current AQI of 151 or greater for a
total of one (1) hour or less during a shift.
Firefighters engaged in wildland firefighting.
PROCESS
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Section 203.007a
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INFORMATION
How to find and determine the AQI:
The easiest way to find the current and forecasted AQI for unhealthy levels is to go
to http://www.airnow.gov and enter the zip code of the location where workers will
be.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
No cross-references recognized.