Controlled review environment.It does not determine coverage or compliance and does not replace controls, medical evaluation, fit testing or a respiratory-protection program.
No approved employer insertion is loaded.
Employer-specific procedures appear only for authorized organization members.
A
LESSON
Health effects of wildfire smoke
Recognize why PM2.5 from wildfire smoke can harm health and identify when prompt help may be needed.
Wildfire smoke contains gases and particles. For workers away from the active fire, fine particulate matter is a principal concern.
PM2.5 means particles or droplets with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
Exposure can irritate the eyes and airways, cause coughing or difficulty breathing, reduce lung function, and worsen existing heart or lung conditions.
Some people may experience more serious effects. Workers should follow the employer’s reporting and prompt-treatment process rather than diagnose themselves through this course.
Source map: Appendix B(a) · Section 5141.1(b)
B
LESSON
Medical treatment and protection from reprisal
Know how to report concerns and seek prompt medical treatment without fear of punishment.
Employees must be allowed to seek medical treatment for signs of injury or illness that may be related to wildfire-smoke exposure.
The employer must not punish an affected employee for seeking treatment.
The employer must establish in advance how prompt medical treatment will be obtained for serious injury or illness.
Use the employer’s two-way communication and escalation process. Call emergency services for immediate danger.
Source map: Appendix B(b) · Section 5141.1(d)
C
LESSON
How to obtain the current AQI for PM2.5
Find the approved current and forecast PM2.5 AQI for the worksite.
The regulation uses the current AQI for PM2.5, not the AQI for another pollutant.
The employer identifies an approved source and checking process for each covered worksite. Official sources may include AirNow, California air agencies or local air districts.
For covered worksites, the employer checks at the start of the shift and periodically thereafter as needed.
Employees without access to the approved source should use the employer’s communication process to obtain the current AQI.
Source map: Appendix B(c) · Section 5141.1(c)
D
LESSON
Core requirements of Section 5141.1
Understand the major employer duties addressed by the wildfire-smoke standard.
The standard has defined scope conditions and listed exceptions. This course does not decide whether a particular worksite or employee is covered.
For covered work, the employer identifies harmful exposure, communicates, provides understandable training, reduces exposure and provides respiratory protection as required.
The current official regulation and employer-approved procedures control when they differ from a summary.
Training is one part of the employer’s duties and does not replace exposure controls, communication, prompt treatment or required respiratory-protection responsibilities.
Source map: Appendix B(d) · Section 5141.1(a)-(f)
E
LESSON
Employer two-way communication
Use the employer’s system to receive AQI and protective-action information and to report worsening conditions.
The employer must communicate wildfire-smoke hazards in a language and manner readily understandable by employees.
The system should tell employees the current PM2.5 AQI and the protective measures available.
Employees should be encouraged to report worsening air quality and concerns without fear of reprisal.
The employer’s actual channel, supervisor contact and fallback process appear in the organization insertion below.
Source map: Appendix B(e) · Section 5141.1(d)
F
LESSON
Methods for protecting employees
Recognize the employer’s hierarchy of protective actions and the approved worksite process.
When required, the employer first uses feasible engineering controls, such as filtered enclosed spaces or vehicles, to reduce exposure.
When engineering controls are not sufficient or feasible, the employer uses practicable administrative controls such as changing location, schedule, work duration, rest arrangements or work intensity.
Respirators do not replace feasible engineering or administrative controls.
Only the employer-approved process for the specific worksite should be presented as the workplace procedure.
Source map: Appendix B(f) · Section 5141.1(f)
G
LESSON
Respirator importance, benefits and limitations
Understand what an approved particulate respirator can and cannot do.
A properly selected and worn NIOSH-approved particulate respirator can reduce exposure to fine particles.
A particulate respirator does not protect against gases or vapors and does not supply oxygen. Surgical masks, scarves and similar face coverings are not substitutes for approved particulate respirators.
At PM2.5 AQI 151 through 500, the wildfire-smoke standard addresses respirators for voluntary use. Above 500, required use and Section 5144 obligations require separate employer review and procedures.
Employees with heart or lung concerns should consult a health-care provider before respirator use. This course does not provide a medical evaluation or fit test.
Follow the respirator manufacturer’s instructions for placement, seal checks, condition and replacement.
Follow the instructions for the exact respirator model supplied or permitted by the employer.
A tight-fitting respirator protects less when facial hair or another condition interferes with the face seal.
Perform the manufacturer’s user seal check each time a tight-fitting respirator is put on. A user seal check is not the same as a fit test.
Replace a filtering facepiece when it is damaged, deformed, dirty or difficult to breathe through. Do not clean or disinfect a disposable filtering facepiece.
Seek medical help immediately for serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness or nausea.
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