This advisory provides a summary about measures the Airport Commission has implemented to protect employees from wildfire smoke in the workplace. Additional health advisories on air quality and available protective resources may be issued jointly through the Human Resources, Public Health, and/or Emergency Management departments.
Background
Although there are many hazardous chemicals in wildfire smoke, the main harmful pollutant for people who are not very close to the fire is “particulate matter,” the tiny particles suspended in the air. Inhaling particulate matter can lead to health effects, including lung irritation, difficulty breathing, or more serious problems. People over 65 and people who already have heart and lung problems are the most likely to suffer from serious health effects.
Monitoring Air Quality
During a wildfire, Airport Safety and Health staff monitor the outdoor air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a measurement of pollution in the air. Various government agencies monitor the air at locations throughout California and report the current AQI for those places. An AQI over 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive people and an AQI over 150 is unhealthy for everyone. The easiest way to find the current and forecasted AQI is to go to www.AirNow.gov and enter the zip code of interest.
Guidance on Protecting Commission Employees from Exposure to Wildfire Smoke
See Attachment A for guidance on protection of indoor and outdoor workers during a wildfire. Note: The indoor category also applies to employees working in enclosed vehicles in which the air is filtered by a cabin air filter with windows, doors, and other openings kept closed, and employees working outside in an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 151 or greater for a total of one hour or less during a shift.
Actions Required for Outdoor Workers when the AQI Exceeds 150
If the current AQI exceeds 150, for Sections with employees who must work outdoors for more than one hour, Supervisors must: 1) alert employees when the air quality is harmful and what protective measures are available to employees; 2) implement controls to lower employee exposures; 3) provide N95 respirators to outdoor workers and encourage their use. Employees should inform their Supervisor if they notice the air quality is getting worse, or if they are suffering from any symptoms due to the air quality.
N95 Respirators
If the AQI exceeds 150 during a wildfire, temporarily suspending non-essential outdoor work activities is preferred; however, if outdoor work for more than one hour is required, the Airport will provide N95 respirators for these employees for protection against wildfire smoke. Facilities Sections may request N95 respirators from the Central Receiving Warehouse or the Facilities Safety Office. All other Sections may request N95 respirators from the Safety and Health office.
It should be noted that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a limited supply of N95 respirators. Employees are encouraged to conserve this resource as much as possible by reusing the respirator until it becomes soiled, wet, or when an increase in breathing resistance is detected. N95 respirators can be stored in a sealed bag between uses.
Ventilation
In general, Airport buildings are equipped with particulate filters that remove particles from the air entering indoor spaces. During periods of poor air quality due to wildfire smoke, employees are encouraged to try to stay inside as much as possible. If smoke is intruding into a workspace or enclosed vehicle, try to decrease the amount of air coming in from the outside and increase the amount of recirculated air. Mechanical Maintenance will adjust airflow into Airport offices and interior spaces as needed.
For Employees Affected by Wildfire Smoke
- Employees who have work-related signs or symptoms of injury or illness due to wildfire smoke exposure may seek medical treatment at the SFO Medical Clinic (during clinic hours) or go to an after-hours treatment facility (if the clinic is closed). Call 911 in case of an emergency.
- Employees with respiratory or other symptoms during air quality events may request to use available leave time, consistent with the City’s leave policies. Contact Human Resources for more information.
- Employees directly affected by the wildfires should contact their Supervisor or Human Resources for more information about available leave time.
For additional information, or if experiencing any safety or health issues due to wildfire smoke in the workplace, contact the Safety and Health office main number at 821-5907.