Wildfire Smoke Safety

Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of harmful particles and chemicals that can significantly affect human health, particularly for employees who work outdoors or in poorly ventilated environments. Exposure to wildfire smoke may affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and increase the risk of other health problems.

This training provides participants with an understanding of the primary hazards associated with wildfire smoke, methods for assessing air quality, including the Air Quality Index (AQI), and the common symptoms and health effects associated with smoke exposure. The program also covers practical measures for reducing workplace exposure, including engineering and administrative controls, changes to work practices, and the proper use of respirators during periods of elevated smoke exposure.

The training also addresses employer responsibilities, employee rights, and the importance of two-way communication in protecting workers and maintaining a safe workplace when wildfire smoke is present.

Program Components

1. Wildfire Smoke and Health Hazards

• Wildfire smoke and its impact on air quality;
• Air Quality Index (AQI) and its use in assessing wildfire smoke hazards;
• Health risks associated with inhaling wildfire smoke;
• Common symptoms caused by smoke exposure;
• Effects of wildfire smoke on the lungs and cardiovascular system;
• Groups of workers who may be particularly sensitive to wildfire smoke.

2. Exposure Assessment and Prevention

• Basic approaches to assessing workplace exposure to wildfire smoke;
• Methods for reducing exposure;
• Engineering and administrative control measures;
• Changes to work practices during periods of elevated smoke exposure;
• Employees’ rights to report health and safety concerns related to wildfire smoke.

3. Respiratory Protection

• Importance and limitations of filtering facepiece respirators;
• Basic principles for selecting and properly using respirators;
• Safe use of respiratory protection during periods of elevated smoke exposure.

4. Employer Responsibilities and Communication

• Employer responsibilities when the AQI is 101 or higher;
• Employee information and safety training requirements;
• Two-way communication systems and their role in worker protection;
• Practical approaches to maintaining safe working conditions and reducing exposure.

Who Should Attend?

✅ Employees who work outdoors;

✅ Personnel involved in wildfire response activities;

✅ Workers at base camps and evacuation centers;

✅ Agricultural and landscaping workers;

✅ Construction, utility, and infrastructure service employees;

✅ Parks and recreation personnel;

✅ Cleaning and demolition workers;

✅ Food service employees working outdoors or in inadequately ventilated spaces;

✅ Any employee whose work environment may be affected by wildfire smoke.

⏱️ Duration: 5–7 hours

📍 Format: Certification Training – Theory and Practical Sessions

📜 Certificate: Issued upon successful completion of the final assessment.