With several days of hazardous smoke conditions in the forecast, SAIF wants to make sure workplaces are as safe as possible.
In addition to a brief video on quick tips, here are ten things to consider during a wildfire smoke event—and balancing it with a pandemic:
- Reduce outdoor airflow: Shut down outside air intakes and adjust your air conditioning to use recirculated air. While the precaution for COVID-19 is to increase outdoor airflow, that should not be the case when the outdoor air quality is considered hazardous.
- Change your HVAC filters: Consider also using a HEPA-rated room air filtration unit.
- Keep windows and doors closed: Reduce entering and exiting the building.
- Re-assign work: If possible, relocate or re-assign outdoor activities out of the smoke zone.
- Cease work: If the air quality and/or visibility present health and safety hazards, consider closing or stopping specific job functions.
- Communicate frequently with employees and customers: Let them know about any changes to your schedule, operations, or availability.
- Monitor communication channels: This includes the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Health Authority.
- Consider providing masks: While N-95 masks are in short supply, other face masks will provide some protection, including N-99, N-100, or an elastomeric respirator with cartridges that offer the same level of filtration.
- Reduce other pollutants: Cut down on other sources of air pollutants, like vacuuming and cooking indoors, or smoking and burning fuel outdoors.
- Update your plan: Once the smoke has cleared, consider adding wildfire smoke events to your emergency response and business continuity plans.
Find more information at saif.com/prepare, and download this handout on preparing for wildfire season.
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