Place/ Edit your ad

Spokane Home Builders Association

New Permanent Rules for wildfire smoke in wa

Wildfire season is months away, but new permanent rules for wildfire smoke went into effect on January 15, 2024.
 
New Workplace Rules for Wildfire Smoke Safety
 
The new permanent business safety rules for wildfire smoke include several new requirements that increase as air quality levels grow worse.
 
According to the Department of Labor & Industries Wildfire Smoke & Workplace Safety and Health webpage, at a minimum, all covered employers must:
 
• Prepare a written wildfire smoke response plan.
• Provide wildfire smoke training to employees.
• Watch the PM2.5 conditions and forecasts.
• Prepare a two-way communication system.
• Make provisions for prompt medical treatment, and permit that treatment 
     without retaliation.
 
As air quality levels worsen to an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 69-100, employers must:
• Notify employees of the PM2.5 conditions
• Make sure only trained employees work outdoors
• Consider implementing exposure controls
• Consider using voluntary use respirators
When the AQI is between 101-300, employers must also:
• Make N95 respirators available for voluntary use
• Implement exposure controls, like:
- Providing enclosed buildings, structures, or vehicles where the air is 
     adequately filtered.
- Providing portable HEPA filters in enclosed areas.
- Relocating work to a location with a lower smoke level.
- Changing work schedules to a time with a lower smoke level.
- Avoiding or reducing work that creates additional dust, fumes, or smoke 
    (for example limiting welding, sanding, sawing, spray painting, etc.).
- Reducing work intensity.
- Providing additional rest periods.
 
The requirements continue to increase as the AQI increases beyond 301. More information is available on the L&I website.
 
Areas of Concern
The Building Insdustry Association of Washington (BIAW) is proud of our work to help employers keep their job sites safe and healthy, particularly participants in the ROII program. We’ll continue to work to help builders comply with these rules to keep themselves and their workers safe.
 
We did, however, voice concerns about these new rules, including:
 
• Confusing and complex air quality monitoring requirements. Air quality 
tools can cover vast amounts of area with ranging differences in air quality. 
It’s unclear and could result in unnecessary action and/or slowdowns at a 
time when our state needs us building more homes, not less.
 
• Similarly unclear training requirements. Annual training is required but it’s 
unclear whether a worker must receive training at every job site or just once 
a year. Clarity is important.
 
• Mandatory respirators for voluntary use. Finally, the rule requires manda-
tory respirators for voluntary use at an AQI of 101, which is only unhealthy 
for sensitive groups, not the average healthy individual. We recommend 
rather than applying this rule to all, only apply it to those who self-identify 
with a health sensitivity and allow them a respirator as requested.
 
As we receive more guidance from L&I, we will provide more information to help you comply and keep your workplaces safe during fire season.
 
About Spokane Home Builders Association
The Spokane Home Builders Association has been committed to protecting and promoting the housing industry since 1947. Serving seven Eastern Washington counties, SHBA is over 750 members strong. The members are professional home builders, architects, remodelers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales and marketing professionals who believe every American in Spokane deserves the opportunity of homeownership.

Past Articles

Spokane Home Builders Association Donates to Wildfire Recovery
The Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA), in partnership with Hayden Homes and the National Association of Home Builders... MORE...

Winter is Coming: Cold Weather Prep
Winter is on it's way, and whether you're dreading the snow or already putting up holiday decorations... MORE...

The Missing Rung in the Housing Ladder
Think about your journey with your living situation over the course of your life. You likely... MORE...

The Soaring Costs of Home Construction 
The dream of owning a home is getting further out of reach as the costs of new home building reach unprecedented heights. MORE...

3 Myths About Energy Savings in Spokane
We all love the idea of saving energy. Saving energy, saves money! But there are a lot of myths floating around out there...MORE...

Middle Housing: A Viable Solution to Keeping up with Housing Demands
Between 2010 and 2022, the number of households in our housing market area grew by 35,000, or 14%, according...MORE...

3 Reasons to Invest in Spokane Real Estate
Infrastructure development and revitalization projects are enhancing the appeal of the city, attracting more residents...MORE...

Three Statistics that Paint a Picture of Spokane's Construction Workforce Shortage
Spokane is facing a housing affordability crisis with home prices and rental rates increasing...MORE...

Housing Affordability & Infrastructure Fees: A Direct Link
Spokane is facing a housing affordability crisis with home prices and rental rates increasing...MORE...

Top Issues Driving the Spokane Housing Crisis - Part 5
8 out of 10 Spokane Residents can't afford to buy a home in the current market conditions...MORE...

 

 

View More Articles

 

www.SHBA.com
(509) 532-4990
5813 E 4th Ave, Suite 201
Spokane Valley, WA

The Spokane Home Builders Association is a member-driven organization that works to elevate professionalism in the residential construction industry, provide innovative resources and information to our members and engage in informative, effective advocacy on construction issues to create affordable housing options for the community. We promote, protect and educate the housing industry and our community.

 

5111 E. Trent Ave.
Spokane, WA 99212

509-922-3456
509-998-3231

© Copyright 2024 | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy

"We do not share any client data with third parties. Your personal information is kept confidential and is not disclosed to any outside organizations except as required by law or with your explicit consent."