Wildfire Smoke Awareness Training

As we prepare to enter wildfire season, it is important to understand the adverse health effects of being exposed to the hazardous chemicals and particulate matter suspended in the air known as “PM_2.5”. These tiny particles can reach the deepest parts of our lungs and can be absorbed into our bodies.

The EPA has determined that when we are exposed to wildfire smoke whereas the AQI for PM_2.5 exceeds 72, we are at risk for experiencing negative health effects such as causing heart attacks, strokes, worsening of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and harming our central nervous systems.

It is the policy of Hudson Bay Insulation to provide awareness training and operational guidelines to reduce employee exposure to wildfire smoke when the PM_2.5 exceeds 72.

The policy below is based on WAC 296-820 Wildfire Smoke.

Breathing in the PM ^2.5 can lead to a range of health problems including:

Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention can include, but are not limited to: 

Symptoms that can lead to 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 that can lead to 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.

Any symptom that is concerning or per a health care provider’s advice, such as:

• Wheezing, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath
• Asthma attacks
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness

Hudson Bay Insulation employees may follow medical advice they have been given or seek medical attention for any symptoms they may experience that are potentially related to wildfire smoke exposure, regardless of the severity. Hudson Bay Insulation will not retaliate against our employees for seeking medical attention or following the medical advice they have been given.

Additionally, sensitive groups are individuals who are more at risk of experiencing the adverse health effects of wildfire smoke. These sensitive groups can include: 

• Outdoor workers.
• Smokers.
• Workers under 18 or over 65 years old.
• People with respiratory infections like colds. Conditions can include pneumonia, acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, colds, flus, or those recovering from COVID-19.
• People with certain medical conditions like lung diseases, heart or circulatory problems, diabetes, pregnancy, and other conditions. Conditions can include asthma, COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, angina, those who have had a heart attack or stroke, and those with medical conditions that can be worsened by exposure to wildfire smoke as determined by a medical provider.
• Tribal and indigenous people.
• People with low incomes.

Respirators and Wildfire Smoke

Respirators can be an effective way for our employees to protect themselves from wildfire smoke. When respirators are properly selected, fitted, and worn, they can reduce our employee’s exposure to wildfire smoke by filtering out wildfire smoke particles before they reach the lungs. Our employees who have questions about whether it is safe for them to wear a respirator should talk to their doctor, particularly if they have a heart or lung condition, or if they have other medical conditions.

Take steps to improve the respirator seal and reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, by: 

• Use the appropriate procedures for putting on a respirator by following the manufacturers guidelines.
• Doing a seal check, and
• Maintaining the respirator by the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

Hudson Bay Insulation will determine employee exposure to current PM_2.5, to protect the health of our workers. When there is a respiratory warning issued for wildfire smoke, the management team, (division superintendents, foremen, project managers and the safety department), will determine the air quality for exposure to PM_2.5 before each shift and periodically thereafter using the methods and resources listed below as well and individualized methods relevant to each of the states we work in to determine employee exposure to the Current PM_2.5:  

Fire and Smoke Map from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

AirNow AQI

U.S. EPA Air Quality Data

Please review the rule table summary below at each PM_2.5 Breakpoint and AQI Equivalencies effective May 6^th, 2024. And the control methods that will be in effect.

At an AQI above 500, Hudson Bay Insulation will suspend work operations until conditions improve. If it is not feasible, we will enroll employees in a full respiratory protection program and employees will wear N95 filtering facepiece respirators.