Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) updated the wildfire smoke exposure rules to address minimum requirements to prevent smoke particle-related illness and reduce serious symptoms for outdoor workers. The updated rules are in effect on January 15, 2024, and apply year-round.
The updated rules (Washington Administrative Code, WAC 296-820-805 and WAC-297-098) include requirements for monitoring air quality conditions, communication of hazards, training, and development of a response plan to implement hazard controls and medical response for workers exposed to hazardous levels of wildfire smoke.
The rules apply to personnel performing work in an outdoor environment when the smoke particle level reaches an action level (listed in this Table) based on the current particulate matter hourly average concentration or Air Quality Index.
University units with personnel who work outdoors are required to plan, prepare, and train for wildfire smoke exposure symptoms:
- Develop and implement a Wildfire Smoke Response Plan. Ensure a copy is made available to personnel.
- Ensure personnel working outdoors complete the EH&S Wildfire Smoke Safety training course initially (upon hire or assignment of outdoor work) and annually thereafter.
- Ensure supervisors of personnel working outdoors.
- Complete the EH&S Wildfire Smoke Safety training course.
- Are prepared to provide personnel with exposure controls outlined in their Unit’s Wildfire Smoke Response Plan.
- Observe and communicate with personnel.
- Know how to respond if personnel exhibit symptoms of wildfire smoke-related illness.
Visit the Wildfire Smoke webpage for additional guidance, links to training, resources, and more information.
Contact the EH&S Air Quality team at airquality@uw.edu or 206.543.7388 with questions.